Machine Tool Path Generation From Workpiece Edge Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in generating machining paths with high accuracy and efficiency, particularly when dealing with shape errors in die-cast or cast workpieces, and require significant time and effort to adjust paths due to variations in workpiece shape or mold changes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system that includes a spindle, movement control unit, detection units, and a generation unit to detect contact with the workpiece edge, acquire coordinates, and generate a machining path based on these coordinates, allowing for accurate and efficient path generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If off-line teaching is used to generate machining paths, then machining time is reduced, but machining accuracy deteriorates due to shape errors in die-cast workpieces and various factors such as spindle movement error, tool length difference, and machining origin deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating a reference path through off-line teaching before actual machining, then uses this reference path as a basis for rapid path generation. The reference path is stored and reused for multiple workpieces, eliminating the need to perform time-consuming online teaching for each piece while maintaining accuracy through subsequent coordinate acquisition from actual workpiece contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the ideal machining path (reference path) through off-line teaching, then uses this copied path as a template. During actual machining, the system acquires coordinates by bringing the tool into contact with the actual workpiece and generates the final machining path by combining the reference path with the acquired coordinate information, thus copying the ideal path while adapting to actual workpiece variations
2Manufacturing precision
If online teaching is used to generate machining paths, then machining accuracy is improved by directly applying the tool to the master workpiece, but the time required to create the path increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming path planning action in advance through off-line teaching to create a reference path, then reuses this pre-prepared path for subsequent machining operations. This eliminates the need to perform online teaching for each workpiece, significantly reducing path creation time while maintaining accuracy through coordinate acquisition from actual workpiece contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a master copy of the machining path through off-line teaching on a standard workpiece, then copies and adapts this path for actual workpieces by acquiring coordinates through tool contact. This copying approach maintains the accuracy benefits of online teaching while avoiding its time consumption
3Manufacturing precision
If the machining path is corrected each time the workpiece shape changes due to mold maintenance or lot differences, then machining accuracy is maintained, but the complexity and time required for path adjustment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a reusable reference path that serves as a master template for machining. When workpiece shapes change due to mold maintenance or lot differences, the system does not require complex path corrections but instead acquires new coordinates through simple tool contact and generates updated paths by combining the reference path with the new coordinate information, thus maintaining accuracy while simplifying the adaptation process
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains the overall structure of the reference path (the ideal geometric path) unchanged and only adjusts the positional parameters by acquiring coordinates through tool contact with the actual workpiece. This separates the path geometry from the positional parameters, allowing rapid adaptation to workpiece variations without complex path redesign
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a spindle having a tip on which a tool is mounted, a moving portion configured to move the spindle, on which a tool is mounted, toward a peripheral edge of a master workpiece or away from the peripheral edge along a reference path on an outer peripheral side or an inner peripheral side of the master workpiece, a first detection unit configured to detect contact with a peripheral edge of the tool, an acquisition unit configured to acquire coordinates of the spindle each time the first detection unit detects the contact, and a first generation unit configured to generate a first machining path based on a plurality of coordinates detected by the acquisition unit.