Machine Tool Dynamic Mode Switching for Sheet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for processing plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets, face limitations in processing larger areas due to the restricted movement region of the processing head, requiring frequent stops and repositioning of the workpiece, which affects processing speed and reliability, especially during cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool and method that allow the processing tool and workpiece to move along a common axis, switching between modes where both are moved together for rapid processing and where the tool alone moves for increased reliability, especially during final cutting operations, using a control unit to manage these modes and optional suction for workpiece fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the processing head movement region is limited, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent stops and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processing modes that switch between moving only the processing head and moving both the processing head and workpiece together. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity by utilizing combined movement when possible, while preserving device simplicity by using head-only movement for final precision operations.
2Productivity
If the workpiece is moved during final cutting-free operation, then the productivity is maintained, but the reliability decreases due to workpiece misalignment and wedging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches to a second processing mode during final cutting-free operations, where only the processing head moves and the workpiece remains stationary. This dynamic mode change ensures cutting precision and reliability by eliminating workpiece movement, while maintaining overall productivity through efficient combined movement in earlier processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is configured to switch to the second processing mode in advance before the final cutting-free operation begins. This preliminary action prevents workpiece misalignment and wedging by ensuring the workpiece is stationary before precision cutting starts, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Productivity
If both processing head and workpiece are moved simultaneously, then the productivity increases through kinematic superposition, but the reliability decreases due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism between two processing modes: a first mode where both processing head and workpiece move together for high-speed processing, and a second mode where only the processing head moves for high-precision operations. This dynamic approach optimizes both productivity and reliability by using the appropriate mode for each processing stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit preliminarily determines when to switch from the first processing mode to the second processing mode based on the processing stage. This preliminary action ensures that combined movement is used for efficient material removal while stationary workpiece mode is used for final precision cutting, thereby achieving both high productivity and high reliability.
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
Enables rapid and reliable processing of metal sheets by combining movements for efficient cutting, preventing workpiece misalignment and wedging, and ensuring reliable removal of cut-outs through controlled mode switching and suction-assisted fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device is provided for applying suction to the workpiece in the second processing mode. By the application of suction, the workpiece may additionally be fixed in position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool for processing a plate-like workpiece, including a processing tool. The processing tool is movable relative to the workpiece and the workpiece is movable relative to the processing tool along a common movement axis. A control unit selectively actuates the processing tool and the workpiece in such a manner that in a first processing mode both the processing tool and the workpiece are moved along the common movement axis and, in a second processing mode the processing tool alone is moved along the common movement axis. The invention further relates to a method for processing a workpiece of the kind mentioned above, to a method for creating a processing program, and to a computer program product having code for performing all steps of the method for creating the processing program.