Double-Axis Turning Center Layout for Mixed Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerically controlled turning centers face inefficiencies in machining elongated components due to difficulties in chip collection and limited versatility in handling both large and small workpieces, leading to suboptimal machine utilization and increased production time.
Innovation Solution
A numerically controlled turning center design featuring two pairs of support and rotation members aligned parallel to each other, allowing for simultaneous machining of two workpieces or a single larger workpiece, with adjustable headstock and tailstock distances and a machining head that can move along multiple axes for efficient chip removal and tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a turning center is sized to machine large workpieces, then it can handle large workpieces, but it operates below capacity when machining smaller workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The turning center is divided into two independent pairs of support and rotation members (first pair: headstock 21 and tailstock 23, second pair: headstock 25 and tailstock 27), allowing the machine to selectively process one or two workpieces simultaneously. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different workpiece sizes and quantities without sacrificing productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two headstock and tailstock pairs are arranged with high mutual center-to-center distance, then two workpieces can be machined separately, but chip removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor of chip accumulation is extracted and removed from the machining area through a conveyor system positioned beneath the support and rotation members. The conveyor continuously transports chips away from the machining zone, preventing accumulation and maintaining clean operational conditions during dual workpiece machining.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single tool machines two workpieces separately, then versatility is maintained, but machining cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
While one workpiece is being machined by a tool, the second workpiece simultaneously undergoes machining operations by another tool or the same tool in sequence. This continuous utilization of machining capacity eliminates idle time and maintains operational continuity, reducing overall cycle time while preserving versatility in machining operations.
4Productivity
If multiple support and rotation members are added, then capacity for handling multiple workpieces increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pair of support and rotation members is designed with identical, standardized components that can perform the same machining functions. This universality allows the system to handle one or two workpieces using the same tooling and control mechanisms, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerically controlled turning center (1; 100), includes a support and rotation unit (19) having a first pair of support and rotation members (21, 23) aligned with each other along a first rotation axis (A1) and a second pair of support and rotation members (25, 27) aligned with each other along a second rotation axis (A2) parallel first rotation axis (A1). There is also provided a machining head (13) with a rotary tool (13.1) movable along a first numerically controlled translation axis (X) parallel to the rotation axes (A1, A2) of the first pair of support and rotation members and of the second pair of support and rotation members. The machining head (13, 15, 17) and the support and rotation unit (19) are movable one with respect to the other in a direction (Z) orthogonal to the first rotation axis (A1) of the first pair of support and rotation members (21, 23) and to the second rotation axis (A2) of the second pair of support and rotation members (25, 27).