Horizontal Multi-Spindle Machining Center for Parallel Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining centers, including general-purpose machine tools and dedicated machine tools, face inefficiencies due to single-spindle operations, leading to increased machining time and reduced manufacturing efficiency, and multi-axis vertical machining centers suffer from large size, weight, and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal multi-spindle machining center with 2- or 3-axis transfer drive units, synchronous spindle movement, and an auto tool changer (ATC) with twice the number of tool grippers as spindles, allowing simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces and flexible tool changes without rotating the tool magazine, along with Y-axis drive motors on both sides of the saddle for stable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple machining centers are installed in a manufacturing line, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but installation area and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple machining functions into a single integrated machining center with multiple spindles (2-8 spindles) that can simultaneously machine multiple workpieces. This merging approach achieves the productivity benefits of multiple machines while reducing the installation area and system complexity that would result from installing separate machining centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining center is designed with multi-functionality to perform various machining operations (drilling, milling, tapping, etc.) using multiple spindles and interchangeable tooling. This universal design allows a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines, improving productivity while minimizing space requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If a tool magazine is disposed on the top of the bed, then tool storage capacity is increased, but the size and weight of the machining center increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the tool magazine from a vertical arrangement on top of the bed to a horizontal arrangement along the side of the column. This dimensional change allows the tool magazine to extend in the horizontal direction rather than vertically, increasing tool storage capacity while maintaining a compact overall machine footprint and reducing weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a circular tool magazine with rotation is used for tool change, then tool variety is increased, but tool change time increases due to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-arranges tools in the tool magazine in a linear sequence corresponding to the machining operations required. The spindle moves along the linear tool magazine to access the next required tool, eliminating the need for rotational positioning. This preliminary arrangement of tools in operational sequence enables rapid tool changes without rotation delays.
4Device complexity
If single-spindle operation is used, then machine tool structure is simplified, but machining time increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the machining function into multiple independent spindles (2-8 spindles) that can operate simultaneously on different workpieces or different features of the same workpiece. Each spindle functions as an independent machining unit, enabling parallel processing that dramatically improves manufacturing efficiency while maintaining relatively simple individual spindle structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machining center, and more specifically to a horizontal multi-spindle machining center, in which 2-axis (Y- and Z-axis) or 3-axis (X-, Y- and Z-axis) transfer drive units are disposed in the machining center installed to machine workpieces, in which a ram equipped with spindles is moved in the up-down, front-back, and/or left-right directions of the workpieces, in which the spindles are configured to include a plurality of spindles, i.e., 2 to 8 spindles, so that a plurality of workpieces may be machined simultaneously, and in which tool change is simultaneously performed for tools fastened to the plurality of spindles and configured to machine workpieces by using an auto tool changer (ATC), so that tool change speed may be improved and thus manufacturing efficiency may be improved.