NC Program Transformation Apparatus for Accurate Cutting Tool Trace Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NC programs lack information on cutting/peeling force, leading to inefficient cutting tool paths that can damage tools or waste workpieces, and require brand-specific interpreters for machine tools, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A NC program transformation apparatus and method that executes NC programs in single block mode, acquiring and storing coordinate positions to provide accurate cutting tool traces, allowing for precise control of cutting tools and compatibility with various machine tool brands without the need for custom interpreters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional NC programs are used to design machining paths, then the engineer can control the cutting tool path, but no information about cutting/peeling force can be provided resulting in too much cutting force that may damage the cutter or cause waste of workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by acquiring actual cutting tool traces during NC program execution and using this information to calculate cutting forces. The system monitors the cutting process in real-time, obtains coordinate positions of the cutting tool, and provides force information back to the engineer for adjusting the machining path, thereby preventing cutter damage and workpiece waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the NC program transformation apparatus that bridges the gap between the NC program execution and the engineer. This intermediary acquires cutting tool traces, calculates cutting forces, and provides this information to the engineer, enabling informed decisions about machining parameters without directly modifying the cutting process.
2Measurement precision
If users write brand-specific interpreters to interpret cutting tool traces, then cutting stress can be estimated, but manufacture costs increase and it is not easy to interpret a variety of macroinstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal NC program transformation apparatus that can interpret various macroinstructions and cutting tool traces from different machine tool brands without requiring brand-specific interpreters. The system is designed to handle diverse NC programs and macroinstructions through a unified approach, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the interpretation process while maintaining accurate cutting stress estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copying approach by acquiring coordinate positions of the cutting tool during NC program execution and creating a digital representation of the cutting tool trace. This copied trace information is then used to calculate cutting forces and stresses, eliminating the need for complex brand-specific interpreters while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Productivity
If modern interpreters are used to obtain cutting tool traces, then some trace information can be obtained, but only skeleton cutting tool traces can be obtained not accurate cutting tool traces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring cutting tool trace information during the NC program execution process itself, before the actual cutting operation is completed. The system monitors and records coordinate positions of the cutting tool as the NC program is executed in single-block mode, ensuring accurate trace data is captured from the beginning of the machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the machine tool's own controller to execute the NC program in single-block mode while simultaneously acquiring cutting tool trace information. The system leverages the existing NC program and controller resources to generate accurate cutting tool traces without requiring external intervention or complex additional equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for transforming NC programs are provided, and the apparatus is electrically connected to a controller configured to, according to a NC program, command a machine to drive a cutting tool to cut a workpiece. The apparatus includes a triggering module, a coordinate position processing module, and a storage module. The triggering module is electrically connected to the controller. The coordinate position processing module is electrically connected to the controller and the triggering module. The storage module is electrically connected to the coordinate position processing module. The triggering module triggers the controller to execute the NC program in a single block mode. The coordinate position processing module is triggered by the triggering module to acquire at least one coordinate position from the controller. The storage module stores the at least one coordinate position. The triggering module simultaneously triggers the controller and the coordinate position processing module.