Hybrid Manufacturing Machine With Robot-Mounted Tool Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing machines require significant time to switch between additive and subtractive processes due to the use of separate tools, hindering productivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing machine design that integrates a workpiece holder, tool holder, additive manufacturing head, workpiece gripper, and robot arm, allowing for seamless switching between additive and subtractive processes by mounting the additive manufacturing head and workpiece gripper on the robot arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are used for additive and subtractive manufacturing, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the time required to switch between processes increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the additive manufacturing head and subtractive manufacturing tool into a single integrated tool holder that can be mounted on a robot arm. This allows the system to switch between additive and subtractive processes without changing equipment, thereby reducing process switching time while maintaining the functional capabilities of both separate processes
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both additive manufacturing heads and subtractive manufacturing tools. This multi-functional design enables a single device to perform multiple manufacturing operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment and reducing setup time between processes
2Ease of manufacture
If separate tools are used for additive and subtractive manufacturing, then each process has specialized equipment, but the overall productivity of the manufacturing machine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic tool holder that can be quickly reconfigured to switch between additive and subtractive manufacturing tools. This dynamic adaptability allows the manufacturing machine to respond flexibly to different process requirements while maintaining high productivity through minimized transition times between operations
3Productivity
If means are added to improve productivity and reduce switching time, then process efficiency increases, but the complexity and cost of equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both additive manufacturing heads and subtractive manufacturing tools. This multi-functional design enables a single device to perform multiple manufacturing operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment and reducing setup time between processes
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing machine is capable of subtractive manufacturing and additive manufacturing for a workpiece. The manufacturing machine includes: a first headstock and a second headstock disposed in a machining area and configured to hold a workpiece; a tool spindle and a lower tool rest disposed in the machining area and configured to hold a tool to be used for subtractive manufacturing for the workpiece; an additive manufacturing head configured to discharge a material during additive manufacturing for the workpiece; a workpiece gripper configured to grip the workpiece during transportation of the workpiece into and out of the machining area; and a robot arm on which the additive manufacturing head and the workpiece gripper are mountable. Accordingly, the manufacturing machine improving the productivity in the simple and easy manner is provided.