Machine Tool Oscillation Control for Lower Multi-Axis Cutting Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oscillation cutting in machine tools increases the load magnitude, particularly when machining conical or arc-shaped workpieces, leading to higher costs and potential damage due to the need for multiple feed axes to operate simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A controller for machine tools that includes a spindle and multiple feed axes, with an oscillation command creation unit that adjusts the oscillation amplitude and direction based on machining conditions, such as taper angles and tool angles, to optimize oscillation patterns and reduce load on the machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oscillation cutting is performed by simultaneous interpolation operation of multiple feed axes, then chip shredding effect is improved, but the magnitude of load on the machine tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the oscillation direction adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the oscillation direction based on the machining path geometry (cylindrical vs. conical/arc-shaped). This allows the system to maintain effective chip shredding while adapting the oscillation application to reduce unnecessary load on the machine tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of oscillation direction based on machining conditions. For cylindrical workpieces, oscillation is applied in the feed direction, while for conical or arc-shaped workpieces, the oscillation direction is changed to be perpendicular to the machining path. This parameter change optimizes chip evacuation while reducing the magnitude of load on the machine tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed axes oscillate simultaneously for conical or arc-shaped machining, then machining capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the oscillation function universal by enabling it to work effectively for different workpiece geometries (cylindrical, conical, arc-shaped) through dynamic direction adjustment. The same oscillation mechanism serves multiple machining purposes by changing its direction according to the machining path, eliminating the need for separate oscillation systems for different geometries.
3Productivity
If oscillation amplitude is increased for effective chip shredding, then chip evacuation is improved, but the load on the machine tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oscillation direction parameter based on machining conditions to optimize chip evacuation while controlling load. By switching between feed-direction oscillation (for cylindrical pieces) and perpendicular oscillation (for conical/arc pieces), the system achieves effective chip shredding without unnecessarily increasing oscillation amplitude, thereby controlling the load on the machine tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a machine tool includes a plurality of feed axes that feed a tool, machines a workpiece while making the tool oscillate and includes: an oscillation command creation unit which creates an oscillation command based on a machining condition; and a control unit which machines, based on the oscillation command and a movement command, the workpiece while making the tool oscillate, and the oscillation command creation unit creates, when the machining condition indicates machining by an interpolation operation of one feed axis of the plurality of feed axes, the oscillation command so as to make the tool oscillate in a direction along a machining path and changes, when the machining condition indicates machining by a simultaneous interpolation operation of the plurality of feed axes, the oscillation command so as to change the direction of the oscillation with respect to the machining path.