Machine Tool Independent Tool Positioning Setup Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining plate-shaped workpieces, such as sheet metal, face challenges in reducing setup times due to complex data transfer and separate measurement processes for tool length and geometry, which hinder efficient machining.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design with independently controlled upper and lower tools, equipped with motorized drive arrangements and integrated measuring devices, allows for direct recording and processing of tool parameters, eliminating the need for separate measurement and data transfer, and enabling immediate machining with current tool data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement processes and complex data transfer are used for tool length and geometry, then measurement precision can be maintained, but setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring device directly with the drive arrangement, integrating measurement and positioning functions into a single unit. This eliminates separate measurement processes and complex data transfer between different devices, allowing tool parameters to be measured and processed in-place, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives measurement data directly from the measuring device mounted on the drive arrangement and processes it immediately for machining operations. This direct data flow eliminates the need for separate data transfer processes and intermediate measurement steps, reducing setup time while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate processes are used for tool measurement and data transfer, then comprehensive tool data can be obtained, but the setup process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is integrated with the drive arrangement, combining measurement and positioning functions. This single integrated system captures comprehensive tool data (length, geometry, position) in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate processes and reducing setup complexity while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measuring device on the drive arrangement performs multiple functions: measuring tool length, tool geometry, and tool position simultaneously. This multi-functional approach obtains comprehensive tool data through a single unified process, reducing setup complexity while ensuring complete tool information is captured for machining.
3Manufacturing precision
If tools are measured and data transferred separately before machining, then accurate tool parameters can be recorded, but machining efficiency decreases due to extended setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device remains mounted on the drive arrangement throughout the setup and machining processes, allowing continuous measurement and data capture. This eliminates interruptions for separate measurement operations, enabling accurate tool parameter recording to occur continuously during positioning, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving machining efficiency through uninterrupted workflow.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool and to a method for machining planar workpieces, preferably metal sheets, comprising an upper tool (11), which can be moved along a reciprocation axis (14) by means of a reciprocation drive device (13) in a direction toward a workpiece (10) to be machined by means of the upper tool (11) and in the opposite direction and which can be positioned along an upper positioning axis (16) extending perpendicularly to the reciprocation axis (14) by means of at least one motor drive assembly (17), a lower tool (9), which is aligned with the upper tool (11) and can be positioned along a lower positioning axis (25) by means of at least one motor drive assembly (26), which lower positioning axis is oriented perpendicularly to the reciprocation axis (14) of the upper tool (11), and at least one controller (15), by means of which the motor drive assemblies (17, 26) can be controlled for moving the upper and lower tools (11, 9), the movement of the upper tool (11) along the upper positioning axis (16) and the movement of the lower tool (9) along the lower positioning axis (25) being controllable independently of each other, and at least one measuring device (601) oriented toward the lower drive assembly (26) being provided on the upper drive assembly (17) and/or at least one measuring device (604) oriented toward the upper drive assembly (17) being provided on the lower drive assembly (26).