Multi-Table Machining Center Layout for Continuous Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerically controlled machining centers for wooden workpieces face inefficiencies in production time and production capacity due to downtime during loading and unloading, and weight balancing issues with multiple tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A machining center design with N workpiece tables, N−1 first guides, N−1 machining groups, and N×(N−1) machining areas, allowing coordinated table movements to perform machining operations while loading/unloading occurs simultaneously, optimizing production times and increasing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two tables are used with two machining heads, then productivity is improved by parallel machining, but downtime occurs during loading/unloading when at least one head does not operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the machining process into multiple independent workstations, each with its own table and machining head. With N tables and N-1 machining groups, the work is divided into N segments that can be processed in parallel. This segmentation allows continuous operation because while one table is being loaded/unloaded, the other N-1 tables are being machined by the N-1 machining groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having multiple tables ready in advance. While one table is being loaded with a new workpiece, the other tables are already positioned and ready for machining. The loading/unloading operation is performed in advance on one table while the others are being processed, eliminating idle time for the machining heads.
2Productivity
If the number of tables and machining heads is doubled to increase production, then production capacity is improved, but head weight balancing becomes more difficult especially with many tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of doubling the number of machining heads which would create weight balancing issues, the system segments the workload across N tables with only N-1 machining groups. This reduces the number of heads required compared to a 1:1 table-head ratio, thereby reducing the complexity of weight balancing while still achieving parallel processing and increased production capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining center includes a number N of workpiece tables. A number N of first guides extend parallel to a first direction. Along the first guides is movable respective to workpiece tables, one for each first guide. A number N−1 of second guides extend parallel to a second direction transverse to the first direction. A number N−1 of machining groups each include at least one machining head. Each machining group is movable parallel to the second direction along a respective second guide. A number N×(N−1) of machining areas is provided. The machining groups can operate on workpieces present on the tables. Along each first guide, or for a respective table, there is present N−1 machining areas, one for each machining group, so that each machining group can operate, according to a programmed work cycle, on all the N workpiece tables.