Dual-Spindle Machine Tool for Milling-Turning Without Re-Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face challenges in accelerating workpieces to required speeds for rotational machining and in efficiently switching between milling and turning processes, leading to reduced quality and increased processing time due to limitations in controllable axes and automated tool replacement.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two work spindles with numerically controllable axes, allowing flexible positioning and alignment, and manipulators for automatic tool and workpiece transfer between spindles, enabling efficient switching between milling and turning without re-clamping, and allowing machining from all sides without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the workpiece is clamped on a conventional machine table with a controllable rotation axis, then the machine tool can perform milling operations, but the workpiece cannot be accelerated to the speeds required for rotating machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the workpiece in the work spindle instead of on the machine table, and the tool on the machine table. This allows the workpiece to be driven at high rotational speeds by the work spindle while the tool remains stationary or moves slowly on the table, resolving the speed limitation of conventional setups
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is designed with dual capability to perform both high-speed turning (workpiece in spindle) and milling (tool in spindle) operations. The system can switch between functions by changing which component is placed in the spindle, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate machines
2Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece and tool are reclamped to switch between milling and turning processes, then both manufacturing processes can be performed, but the total machining time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares both the workpiece and tool in advance by placing them in the work spindle before machining begins. This preliminary arrangement allows immediate switching between turning and milling operations without requiring intermediate re-clamping actions, significantly reducing tool change time
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool dynamically adapts between different manufacturing processes by changing the configuration of the work spindle contents rather than the machine structure itself. This dynamic reconfiguration allows rapid switching between turning and milling while maintaining consistent positioning accuracy
3Extent of automation
If the machine table is moved for automated tool changes, then tool replacement can be performed, but the heavy machine table makes rapid positioning difficult and production time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tool and workpiece handling functions from the heavy machine table by using the work spindle as the primary holding location. This segmentation allows tool changes to occur at the spindle location rather than requiring movement of the entire machine table, enabling faster automated tool changes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine tool 100 for machining a workpiece 12 using a tool 22, comprising a clamping device 11 for clamping the workpiece 12 and a receiving device 21 for receiving the tool 22, wherein the clamping device 11 is mounted on a spindle head of a clamping device-bearing work spindle 10 and the receiving device 21 is mounted on a spindle head of a receiving device-bearing work spindle 20, and the machine tool 100 is configured to position the two work spindles 10, 20 relative to each other by means of numerically controllable axes such that the workpiece 12 clamped in the clamping device 11 can be machined by the tool 22 received in the receiving device 21.