Machine Tool Cartridge Composite Arms Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool cartridges are prone to breakage due to wear and tear, are either too heavy and inefficient or too fragile, and lack durability, which affects their performance and the dynamic performance of the machine tool.
Innovation Solution
A tool set holder cartridge with a main body made of aircraft metal, such as beryllium, titanium, or aluminum, and punch- and die-retention arms formed of different metals, featuring a resilient mounting system to reduce wear and tear, along with removable inserts and coatings for enhanced durability and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cast iron is used for cartridge main body, then durability and resistance to breakage is improved, but weight increases and dynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge main body is constructed from composite materials combining a metal matrix (aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloy) with dispersed ceramic particles (oxides, carbides, nitrides, or intermetallic compounds). This composite structure provides durability comparable to cast iron while maintaining the lightweight advantages of the metal matrix, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by selecting specific metal matrices with different density and strength characteristics (aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloys) and combining them with various ceramic particles. This parameter optimization allows tuning the cartridge to achieve both light weight and high durability simultaneously.
2Strength
If steel is used for cartridge arms, then strength is improved, but durability and resistance to breakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge arms are formed from composite materials combining metal matrix (aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloy) with dispersed ceramic particles. This composite construction provides both the strength needed for holding punches and dies and the durability/resistance to breakage that plain steel lacks, while maintaining lightweight properties.
3Productivity
If cartridge weight is reduced, then dynamic performance and wear on machine tool is improved, but durability and resistance to breakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using lightweight metal matrices (aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloys) as the base material, the cartridge achieves reduced weight for improved dynamic performance. The dispersed ceramic particles reinforce the matrix, providing the durability and breakage resistance that would otherwise require heavier materials, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and durability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge for a machine tool is provided. The cartridge has a main body, two punch-retention arms, and two die-retention arms. Preferably, the two punch-retention arms are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. Likewise, the two die-retention arms preferably are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. In some cases, the main body is formed of a first metal, and the punch-retention arms and die-retention arms are formed of metal(s) different than the first metal. In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a cartridge having a weight of less than 3 pounds.