Machine Tool Control Device for Automatic Tool Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face errors and inefficiencies in tool size measurement and correction due to manual operation and time-consuming measurement programs, leading to potential tool selection errors and prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for machine tools that automatically measures tool sizes by creating a measurement program based on tool-specific information, including rotational speed and basic dimensions, and includes a display system to select and correct tool diameters, reducing operator errors and measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of tool size is performed by operator, then measurement can be conducted, but operator errors occur and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement program automatically selects tools based on the machining program and executes measurements without operator intervention. The system serves itself by reading tool information from the machining program, automatically creating measurement programs, and performing measurements, thereby eliminating manual selection and measurement execution while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary selection of tools to be measured by reading the machining program before actual measurement begins. This preliminary action identifies which tools require measurement based on the machining program requirements, allowing the measurement process to proceed efficiently without manual intervention during the actual measurement phase.
2Extent of automation
If measurement program is created in advance for all tools, then automatic measurement can be performed, but errors in measurement program occur and time for creating programs is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement program creation is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static and fixed. The system automatically creates measurement programs based on the specific machining program being executed, adapting to different tools and measurement requirements in real-time. This eliminates the need to pre-create measurement programs for all possible tools, reducing program creation time while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters automatically based on tool information extracted from the machining program. Instead of using a fixed measurement program for all tools, the measurement parameters (such as measurement positions, approaches, and methods) are dynamically adjusted according to each tool's specific characteristics, enabling accurate automatic measurement without pre-creating separate programs for each tool.
3Reliability
If operator manually selects tools for measurement, then measurement can be performed, but selection errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects tools for measurement by reading tool information directly from the machining program, eliminating manual tool selection by the operator. This self-service approach ensures that the correct tools are selected based on the machining program requirements without human error, while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the machining program to automatically determine which tools require measurement. By continuously referencing the machining program and comparing tool information, the system ensures accurate tool selection and can identify when measurement is necessary, eliminating selection errors while keeping the operation simple and automatic.
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
The control apparatus enables accurate and efficient automatic measurement of tool sizes, improving machining accuracy and reducing the time required for tool size correction, thereby enhancing overall machining precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement apparatus which measures a tool length by a displacement measuring device of electrostatic capacitance type
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a control device for a machine tool that exchanges a tool and machines a work piece on the basis of a machining program, said control device being provided with a machining program analysis unit (25a) that analyzes a machining program and extracts, from the machining program, measurement-related information relating to a dimensional measurement of a tool, and with a measurement program generation unit (25b) that, on the basis of the measurement-related information and basic tool information input in advance, generates a measurement program for measuring the dimensions of the tool.