Lathe and Cutter Control for Non-Circular Surface Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machine control systems face challenges in efficiently machining complex workpieces with non-circular surfaces and corners, as traditional milling machines leave tracks and lathe machines are not suitable for such shapes, requiring multiple additional processes, making the process time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A machine control system incorporating a lathe tool and cutter with a modular design, including an input module, worktable, sliding modules, lathe and cutting feeding modules, and a control module that allows for precise control of movement and rotation, enabling the lathe tool to move reciprocally and the cutter to mill or scrape along multiple axes, thereby accommodating complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a milling machine is employed to machine the metallic housing, then the top portion can be machined, but tracks remain on the surface and additional milling process is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a lathe tool and a cutter into a single machine system that can perform both lathe and milling operations. The lathe tool is mounted on a lathe feeding module while the cutter is mounted on a cutting feeding module, both controlled by a unified control module. This merging eliminates the need for separate milling machines and reduces the number of machining processes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both lathe cutting and milling operations. The lathe tool can machine the top portion with continuous cutting action to achieve high surface finish, while the cutter can machine the peripheral sidewall with corners. This universal capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both operations in one machine, improving productivity without sacrificing surface finish quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If a lathe machine is employed to machine the metallic member, then continuous cutting action can be achieved, but it is difficult to machine surfaces which are not circular and the peripheral sidewalls with corners
Solution Approach 1:
The machine system integrates both lathe and milling capabilities in one platform. The lathe tool maintains its advantage of continuous cutting action for high surface finish on the top portion, while the cutter provides the capability to machine non-circular shapes and corners of the peripheral sidewall. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to different geometric requirements without compromising surface finish quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between lathe tool and cutter operations based on the machining requirements. The control module coordinates the lathe feeding module and cutting feeding module to perform appropriate operations at different stages of the machining process, allowing the system to adapt its functionality dynamically rather than being fixed to a single operation type.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional separate milling and lathe processes are used, then each process can be optimized for its specific function, but multiple additional machining processes must be added making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lathe and milling processes into a single integrated machine system with unified control. The lathe tool and cutter are both mounted on the same machine platform and controlled by a single control module that coordinates their operations. This merging eliminates the need for transferring workpieces between separate machines and reduces the total number of machining processes required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by performing lathe and milling operations in sequence within the same machining setup without interrupting the workflow. The control module coordinates the operations to maintain continuous productivity, eliminating idle time between process transitions and reducing total machining time while maintaining the quality benefits of both processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine control system includes an input module, a worktable, a first sliding module, a second sliding module, a lathe feeding module, a lathe tool connected to the lathe feeding module, a cutting feeding module, a cutter connected to the cutting feeding module, and a control module. The control module is electrically connected to the input module, the worktable, the first sliding module, the second sliding module, the lathe feeding module, and the milling feeding module, wherein the input module inputs control parameters into the control module to control the first sliding module and the second sliding module. The lathe feeding module controls the lathe tool to slide along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction reciprocally, and the cutting feeding module controls the cutter to slide along the third direction and rotate along a first axis.