Multi-Module Machine Tool Control for Vibration-Safe Parallel Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in maintaining machining accuracy and productivity due to vibrations affecting parallel operations, leading to increased cycle times as they restrict entire operations in one machining portion during machining in another.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with multiple workpiece holders and working portions, controlled by a control portion that restricts the parallel execution of operations affected by vibrations while allowing other operations to proceed, thereby preventing cycle time increases and ensuring machining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the entire operation in the second machining portion is stopped during machining in the first machining portion to prevent vibration interference, then machining accuracy is improved, but cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion segments the operations in the second machining portion into two categories: restricted operations (machining operations) and non-restricted operations (transfer operations). This segmentation allows selective restriction of only those operations susceptible to vibration interference while permitting others to proceed in parallel, thereby maintaining machining accuracy without unnecessarily extending cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion applies different quality control to different types of operations in the second machining portion. Machining operations receive strict control (restriction during vibration machining) to ensure local quality (machining accuracy), while transfer operations are permitted to proceed without restriction. This localized application of quality control optimizes the balance between accuracy and productivity.
2Productivity
If parallel operations are permitted in multiple machining portions to improve productivity, then cycle time decreases, but vibration from one operation may affect the machining quality of another
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the operation states across all machining portions and dynamically adjusting the permission status of parallel operations. When vibration machining is detected in one portion, the control portion provides feedback to restrict susceptible operations in other portions, ensuring machining quality is maintained while allowing non-susceptible operations to proceed in parallel for improved productivity.
3Productivity
If selective restriction of operations is implemented to allow parallel execution of unaffected operations, then productivity is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion is designed with multi-functionality to handle both restriction and permission of operations based on their type. It universally applies the same control logic to all machining portions: identifying operation types, determining susceptibility to vibration, and applying appropriate restrictions or permissions. This universal approach manages control complexity by using a single versatile control mechanism rather than separate controls for each operation type.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a machine tool which prevents a predetermined operation on a workpiece from affecting another operation and suppresses an increase in cycle time so that excellent machining accuracy and productivity can be achieved. The machine tool (100) includes modules (M1), (M2), (M3) and a control portion (21). Each of the modules (M1), (M2), (M3) includes a main spindle (3) for holding a workpiece (W) and a tool post (7) for holding a tool. The tool is used to machine the workpiece (W) held by the main spindle (3). The control portion (21) is configured to control to restrict a parallel execution of predetermined machining for the workpiece (W) and machining affected by the predetermined machining and to permit an execution of machining other than the restricted machining.