Machine Tool Control With Buffered Curve Tables for Faster Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machining processes, the preparation of numerical control blocks during preprocessing tasks often takes longer than their execution in main run tasks, leading to reduced machining speed due to unfavorable capacity utilization or high complexity in workpiece descriptions, resulting in potential delays and downtime.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a buffered curve table, where only partial sections are initially stored in a second buffer memory and loaded step-by-step based on machining status, allowing for decoupling of preprocessing tasks from main run tasks and reducing memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If preprocessing tasks are executed to prepare numerical control blocks, then machining accuracy and completeness are improved, but machining speed is reduced due to preparation time taking longer than execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing coupling values in a curve table during preprocessing tasks. This allows the main run tasks to simply retrieve pre-computed values rather than performing complex calculations in real-time, thus maintaining machining accuracy while significantly improving machining speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing into two distinct phases: preprocessing run tasks that generate and store coupling values in a curve table, and main run tasks that retrieve and use these values. This segmentation allows computationally intensive operations to be performed offline while online execution remains fast and simple.
2Productivity
If a complete curve table is stored in buffer memory, then machining speed is improved by avoiding delays, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential coupling values from the complete curve table and stores them in a compact format in buffer memory. By storing only necessary data in an optimized structure, the system maintains fast access for machining while significantly reducing memory requirements compared to storing the complete unprocessed curve table.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a machine tool includes processing a parts program by executing non-cyclic preprocessing run tasks and cyclic main run tasks, two master values resulting from the executed preprocessing run tasks are stored in a first buffer memory. A first part of a curve table is generated, which includes a first specification that assigns to a first one of the master values a first coupling value for a coupling axis. The respective cycle of the main run tasks to which the first master value is assigned is then executed, whereafter a second part of the curve table is executed, which includes a second specification that assigns a second coupling value for the coupling axis to a second one of the master values. The second part is stored in the second buffer memory. Considerable savings in time and memory are achieved.