Machine Tool Control Device for Inclined End Milling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-precision machining, especially for small workpiece widths, using a large-diameter end mill or special materials like diamond is necessary to minimize cusp height, but this requires large machine tools and can lead to spindle shaft vibrations at high speeds, affecting machining accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A control device for machine tools that converts input information for a side cutting edge tool path into a path using an end cutting edge of a larger rotary tool, allowing machining with the tool inclined relative to the workpiece to improve precision and reduce vibration risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a large-diameter end mill is used to lessen cusp height for high-precision machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the machine tool size must be increased and machining time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the machining parameters by using a small-diameter end mill instead of a large-diameter one, and compensates for the increased cusp height through surface treatment processes. This allows high-precision machining to be achieved with smaller tools that can operate at higher speeds, thereby reducing machining time while maintaining surface quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies periodic surface treatment processes (such as burnishing or superfinishing) after the main machining operation to eliminate the cusp height issue. This two-stage approach allows the use of small-diameter tools for efficient material removal, followed by a periodic surface refinement process to achieve the required precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If an end mill is rotated at high speed to achieve high-precision machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the spindle shaft swings or vibrates which negatively affects the machining surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidspindle shaft stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using small-diameter end mills that can be rotated at high speeds without causing spindle shaft vibration. The smaller mass and moment of inertia of small-diameter tools allow them to operate at higher rotational speeds while maintaining spindle stability, thus achieving high-precision machining without the harmful vibrations associated with large-diameter tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If an end mill made of special material such as diamond is used for high-precision machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses conventional, inexpensive end mill materials instead of special materials like diamond. By accepting that standard tool materials have limited life and can be replaced, the system avoids the complexity and high cost of diamond or other special materials while still achieving high-precision machining through optimized tool paths, small diameters, and surface treatment processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2915614B1Machine tool control device and machine tool
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP2915614B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915614B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2915614B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A control device for a machine tool for machining a workpiece while moving a rotating tool relative to the workpiece, the device being provided with: an input information-reading unit for reading input information, which comprises a path along the contour of the workpiece or the tool path of a first rotating tool that follows the external form of the workpiece; and a path-setting unit for converting the input information read by the input information-reading unit to generate a tool path for performing the machining using the end cutting edge of a second rotating tool.