Optical Workpiece Machining with Punctiform Graver for Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for machining plastic spectacle lenses cannot produce finely detailed markings directly during the turning process without requiring additional engraving machines, limiting reproducibility and tool life due to the geometry constraints of rotary cutters.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a first fast-tool assembly for a turning cutter and a second fast-tool assembly with a punctiform graver, allowing for precise and detailed engravings without reclamping, using the graver to create markings directly after the turning operation within the same machining unit, thus avoiding wear on the turning cutter and extending tool life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary cutter is used for turning operations, then the turning process can be performed with good surface quality, but only markings comprising fine lines running parallel to the cutting edge can be produced, limiting detailed graphical symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marking function from the turning function by introducing a separate engraving tool (graver) that can be quickly exchanged with the turning cutter. This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for its specific function: the rotary cutter for turning operations and the graver for detailed engraving of graphical symbols, thereby resolving the contradiction between marking precision and geometry flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rotary cutter's mechanical cutting action with a graver's direct engagement and needling action for engraving operations. The graver's punctiform end enables it to strike the workpiece in a needling manner, creating detailed markings that cannot be achieved with the rotary cutter's continuous cutting edge, thus achieving both high precision and geometric versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate engraving machine is used for applying markings, then detailed engravings can be produced, but additional equipment and tool changes are required, increasing complexity and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engraving function into the existing turning machine by providing a quick-exchange mechanism that allows the graver to be rapidly substituted for the turning cutter. This integration eliminates the need for a separate engraving machine while maintaining the ability to produce detailed engravings, thereby reducing device complexity and improving productivity without sacrificing marking quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic tool exchange capability, allowing the operator to quickly switch between the turning cutter and the graver during the machining process. This dynamic adjustment enables the machine to adapt to different operational requirements (turning vs. engraving) without requiring separate dedicated machines, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high engraving precision.
3Device complexity
If the turning cutter is used for both turning and engraving operations, then machine configuration is simplified, but the turning cutter experiences additional wear from engraving, reducing tool life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional responsibilities by providing a dedicated graver for engraving operations that can be quickly exchanged with the turning cutter. This separation ensures that the turning cutter is only used for turning operations where it can maintain its cutting edge integrity, while the graver handles all engraving work, thereby extending the turning cutter's service life without increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If detailed graphical symbols are engraved during the turning process, then reproducibility is improved, but the turning cutter must be modified or replaced, requiring tool changes and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tool exchange system that allows rapid substitution between the turning cutter and the graver. This dynamic capability ensures consistent reproduction of detailed graphical symbols through the dedicated graver while minimizing tool change time, thereby maintaining high marking reproducibility without significantly impacting overall machining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for machining optical workpieces, is equipped with a workpiece spindle, by which the workpiece can be rotatably driven about a workpiece rotation axis, and with a first fast-tool assembly, by which a turning cutter is movable in the direction of the workpiece and away from it. The workpiece spindle and the first fast-tool assembly are also movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the workpiece rotation axis. Provided adjacent to and preferably in parallel configuration with the first fast-tool assembly is a second fast-tool assembly with a graver which has its end that faces the workpiece being essentially punctiform. The graver is movable by the second fast-tool assembly, in the direction of the workpiece and away from it, so that a marking of any geometry can be produced on the latter in the same span.