Hybrid Machining Center Coupling for Faster Additive Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining centers face inefficiencies in switching between subtractive and additive configurations due to high operational complexity, lengthy downtime, and material deterioration when transitioning between modes, particularly due to the manual connection of energy supplies and disconnection of transit pipes, leading to increased production times and costs.
Innovation Solution
A machining center design that simplifies the pickup, movement, and release of additive units by using coupling mechanisms between subtractive and additive units, allowing for simultaneous movement along axes X, Y, and Z, and preheating the additive unit before connection to reduce downtime and preserve materials, while maintaining compact dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the additive unit is manually connected to energy supplying means, then the additive unit can be powered, but significant time is lost for connection and heating preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The additive unit is pre-connected to the energy supplying means while mounted on the upright element, before being transferred to the machining center. This preliminary connection eliminates the time required for manual connection and heating preparation during production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supplying means is integrated with the upright element structure, combining the support function and power supply function into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates separate connection steps and reduces setup time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transit pipes are disconnected when switching to subtractive configuration, then the subtractive unit can operate, but material deteriorates due to exposure to air and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cap is introduced as an intermediary element that seals the transit pipes when not in use. This cap prevents direct exposure to air and humidity, preserving material quality while allowing the system to switch between configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transit pipes are kept closed and isolated from the external environment when not in use, creating an inert protective atmosphere that prevents material deterioration from exposure to air and humidity during configuration transitions.
3Ease of operation
If the additive unit is mounted on the upright element, then the unit can be easily picked up and moved, but the overall dimensions of the machining center increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upright element is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports both the additive unit and the subtractive unit at different times, and provides both structural support and energy supply integration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mounting structures, maintaining compact dimensions.
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
This design reduces operational complexity and costs, shortens setup times, minimizes material deterioration, and enhances overall efficiency by enabling faster transitions between subtractive and additive machining modes, thereby reducing downtime and maintaining material quality.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements suitable for heating and fluidizing the material
Implementation Method 2
cooling pipes
Data Source
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AI summary
A machining centre is disclosed (1) comprising a machining plane (P), a subtractive unit (2) for performing chip removal on a workpiece positioned on the machining plane (P); the subtractive unit (2) comprising a first carriage (12) that is slidably parallel to an operating axis (Y). The machining centre (1) further comprises an additive unit (3) arranged to perform machining by additive production techniques on the machining plane (P), the additive unit (3) comprises a second carriage (20) that is slidable along the operating axis (Y). The additive unit (3) is provided with first coupling means and said subtractive unit (2) is provided with second coupling means couplable with the first coupling means. In one step, the subtractive unit adopts a pick-up configuration in which the first coupling means is coupled with the second coupling means to connect the subtractive unit (2) to the additive unit (3) at least along the operating axis (Y). In the pick-up configuration, the subtractive unit (2), connected to the additive unit (3), is configured to move the additive unit (3) at least parallel to the operating axis (Y). A method is further disclosed that is actuated in this machining centre (1), to pick up and move the additive unit (3) at least along one operating axis (Y).