Fluid Jet Cutting Bar Control for Thermal Drift and Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid jet cutting machines require high precision and synchronization of the carrying axle or bar, leading to high production costs and frequent calibration due to temperature variations, making it challenging to efficiently align and process large or heavy workpieces like sheet steel without machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A machine with parallel guides and a control unit that allows the bar to pivot and move horizontally, equipped with position measuring equipment and electronically controlled locks, enabling continuous adjustment and compensation for temperature-induced changes, reducing alignment requirements and downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high precision requirements are placed on the carrying axle or bar and its parts supported at both ends to achieve stable, fixed unit with parallelism between frame sides and axle or bar attachment means, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the bar by allowing it to pivot and move horizontally, transforming it from a rigid fixed-position component to a dynamically adjustable one. This parameter change enables the system to achieve precision through active adjustment rather than passive manufacturing tolerance, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic capabilities to the bar by enabling pivoting and horizontal movement through journal means. This transforms the static, rigid support system into a dynamic one that can adapt its position, allowing the system to maintain precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the supporting parts.
2Reliability
If synchronous driving on respective opposite sides is implemented to achieve optimal synchronization of axle or bar movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the bar to self-adjust its position through the pivoting and horizontal movement capabilities provided by the journal means. Instead of requiring complex synchronous driving mechanisms to force the bar into the correct position, the system allows the bar to naturally find and maintain its proper alignment through its inherent degrees of freedom, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If workpiece is accurately aligned and fixed in position in the coordinate system, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming alignment and inability to move during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the bar, allowing it to pivot and move horizontally during the machining process. This enables the system to compensate for misalignments and maintain precision without requiring time-consuming initial alignment and fixing of the workpiece, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the bar from fixed to adjustable, enabling real-time position changes. This allows the system to adapt to workpiece positioning variations during machining, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment and reducing the time lost to alignment procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If frequent calibration is performed to compensate for temperature-induced dimensional changes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the bar, allowing it to pivot and move horizontally in response to temperature-induced dimensional changes. This enables real-time compensation for thermal expansion and twisting without requiring the machine to stop for calibration, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving productivity through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous operation of the machine by allowing the bar to dynamically adjust its position during machining. The pivoting and horizontal movement capabilities ensure that temperature-induced dimensional changes do not interrupt the machining process, maintaining both manufacturing precision and productivity through uninterrupted operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces production costs, minimizes the need for precise alignment, and allows for continuous operation by accurately adjusting the tool-equipped bar during processing, effectively compensating for temperature-induced changes in the machine's dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
One end of the bar coacts with a first journal means which at least enables the bar to pivot to a limited extent. The other end of the bar coacts with a second journal means which at least enables the bar to move horizontally and pivotally.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece (2), comprising a stand (4) with two essentially parallel guides (6, 8) at a distance from each other. A control unit (15) is configured to control the motion of the bar, the bar (14) carries one or more fluid jet cutting tools (16A-D). Each end of the bar are arranged to the guides via a first journal means (18A) and a second journal means (20A). The machine comprises a workpiece position measuring equipment (22x′, 22x″, 22x′″) for sensing at least two reference positions (x′, x″, x′″) of the workpiece (2), and the control unit (15) is configured to operate the motion of the bar (14) from the reference position values (x′, x″, x′″) and other operational data. The invention also relates to a method for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece. The invention also relates to a computer program at a machine for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece. The invention also relates to a computer program product at a machine for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece.