Pallet Centering Method for CNC Lathe Downtime Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machines with lathes experience downtime due to the time-consuming process of centering parts, which is not optimized by existing pallet systems that require manual adjustment and measurement directly on the machine, leading to inefficiencies in machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving assembling the part on a pallet, measuring and adjusting its centering relative to the pallet independently of the CNC machine, and then mounting the pre-centered assembly to the machine, utilizing a locating diameter and dial indicators to ensure precise alignment within set tolerances, allowing for pre-centering during non-operational times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parts are centered manually on the CNC machine using traditional pallet systems, then the part can be mounted and machined, but the operator must spend time measuring and adjusting centering directly on the machine, causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by centering the part on the pallet before mounting it to the CNC machine. The operator assembles the part to the pallet, measures and adjusts its centering relative to the pallet's coordinate system in advance, and then rapidly mounts the pre-centered assembly to the machine. This eliminates the time-consuming centering operation from the machine cycle, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
2Loss of time
If specialized pallets are used to reduce part mounting time, then the amount of downtime during part changeover is reduced, but the operator still has to center the part on the automatic machine tool, leaving room for improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the centering operation from the machine mounting operation. The part is centered on the pallet as a distinct preliminary step, creating an independent centering process that can be completed before the part is mounted to the CNC machine. This segmentation allows the centering task to be performed during setup time rather than during machine downtime.
3Manufacturing precision
If the part is centered relative to the CNC machine coordinate system during mounting, then precise machining can be achieved, but the time required for measuring and adjusting centering increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pallet as an intermediary between the operator and the CNC machine coordinate system. The part is first centered relative to the pallet's coordinate system (which has its origin at the pallet center), and then the pallet is mounted to the machine. The pallet acts as a mediator that transfers the centered position to the machine coordinate system, maintaining precision while reducing the time spent on centering operations at the machine.
Data Source
AI summary
The method can include: assembling the part to be machined to a pallet into an assembly; measuring a centering of the part relative to the pallet; adjusting the centering of the part relative to the pallet based on said measuring; repeating the steps of measuring and adjusting until determining that the part is centered based on said measuring; and mounting the centered assembly to an automatic machining device and machining the part of the centered assembly with the automatic machining device.