Indexed Multi-Stage Machining Center for Flexible Timepiece Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional machining centers for timepiece components are inflexible and inefficient for medium-sized production runs, with long start-up times and cycle lengths due to the separation of tool machining and abrasion machining, and are not suited for the increased customization and rapid product availability demanded by current market requirements.
Innovation Solution
A versatile machining center with a fixed base and superposed stages, where each stage can be position-indexed and includes machining units and grippers arranged at constant angular pitches, allowing for the formation of multiple machining locations that change composition with relative movement, combining machining units and grippers from adjacent stages to reduce adjustment times and achieve short cycle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional transfer machines with ten to forty units are used for large production runs, then productivity is improved, but start-up time becomes too great relative to cycle times and flexibility is lost for medium-sized production runs
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into multiple independently controllable modules or units, each capable of performing specific machining operations. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for medium-sized production runs without requiring the extensive setup of traditional large-scale transfer machines, thereby reducing start-up time while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool incorporates dynamically adjustable components and reconfigurable tooling systems that can be quickly modified between production runs. This dynamic capability enables the machine to adapt to medium-sized batches without lengthy retooling periods, resolving the contradiction between productivity and start-up time.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional machining centers separate tool machining and abrasion machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cycle time increases and preparation time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool integrates both tool machining and abrasion machining capabilities within a single unified system. This merging allows sequential or simultaneous execution of different machining operations without requiring physical relocation or separate machine setups, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly reducing production cycle time and preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is designed with multi-functional tooling systems that can perform various machining operations including cutting, drilling, and abrasion using the same workholding and positioning infrastructure. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines for different operations, reducing both cycle time and preparation time while preserving precision through consistent positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining centre includes a base supporting several superposed stages. At least one stage is movable and can be position indexed relative to the base. Each stage includes distinct stations at a constant angular pitch including machining units or grippers. The combination of stations from adjacent stages defines a plurality of machining locations each combining a unit and a gripper. Each relative movement between two indexing positions of two stages changes the composition of the locations. Each gripper has at least one rotational degree of freedom relative to the stage that carries it. At least one station includes both at least one machining unit and at least one gripper.