Workpiece Identification Marking on Machine Tools Without Extra Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workpiece marking and identification methods require special devices or additional hardware, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors due to operator involvement and the need for additional consumables.
Innovation Solution
A method using a processing machine to mark workpieces with a milling tool and read the markings using a measuring probe, eliminating the need for external hardware and consumables by integrating marking and identification directly into the machining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If external marking devices (lasers, dot peen printers) are used to mark workpieces, then marking functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machining tool is made to perform dual functions: both machining the workpiece and marking it with identification information. The same tool that removes material also creates the marking pattern, eliminating the need for separate marking devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking function is merged with the machining function by using the machining tool itself to create the marking. The control system integrates both operations, allowing the tool to alternate between machining movements and marking movements without requiring external marking equipment.
2Measurement precision
If separate reading devices (scanners, cameras, RFID readers) are used to read markings, then identification is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machining tool is made to perform dual functions: both machining the workpiece and marking it with identification information. The same tool that removes material also creates the marking pattern, eliminating the need for separate marking devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (the machining tool and control system) to perform the marking and reading functions, rather than relying on external specialized devices. The control system that already manages machining operations also manages the marking and reading processes.
3Ease of operation
If manual scanning with handheld scanners is used, then workpiece identification is achieved, but operator involvement increases error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing resources (the machining tool and control system) to perform the marking and reading functions, rather than relying on external specialized devices. The control system that already manages machining operations also manages the marking and reading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically reads the marking after it is created and verifies the identification information. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the correct workpiece is being processed and eliminates manual verification errors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional consumables (stickers, RFID tags) are used for marking, then identification capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing resources (the machining tool and control system) to perform the marking and reading functions, rather than relying on external specialized devices. The control system that already manages machining operations also manages the marking and reading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using disposable consumables like stickers or RFID tags, the system creates permanent markings directly on the workpiece using the machining tool. This eliminates the need for separate consumable materials and reduces waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
To enable simple identification of the workpiece (28) with minimal effort during machining on a machine tool (12, 12.1-12.4), the invention provides a marking method to be carried out using the machine tool (12, 12.1-12.4), comprising: a) providing a tool (22) on a rotatable tool holder (18) of the machine tool (12, 12.1-12.4), b) relative linear movement of the tool holder (18) and the workpiece (28) along a line (48) on the surface of the workpiece (28), c) controlling the distance between the tool holder (18) and the workpiece (28) during the linear movement, so that a pattern of markings (46) is produced along the line (48) by machining with the tool (22) to form the identifier (62) on the surface of the workpiece (28).Furthermore, a selection procedure, a processing procedure and a processing machine (12) set up for carrying out the process are described.