Panel Cutting Sequence for Vacuum-Held Small Part Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In panel cutting processes, small parts are prone to displacement due to reduced vacuum force, leading to incorrect cuts and compromised performance, especially when using high-speed rotating tools like endmills, resulting in economic and production inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a specific cutting sequence that includes an initial entry point with a first depth smaller than the piece's thickness, followed by a second path section that penetrates towards the edge, allowing for maximum grip and precise cutting of small parts by maintaining the piece's position through controlled tool movement and vacuum assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-speed rotating endmill is used to cut small parts, then cutting speed and productivity are improved, but the vacuum force holding the small parts is reduced causing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is divided into multiple sequential operations: roughing cuts followed by finishing cuts. This segmentation allows the piece to be secured initially with roughing cuts that remove material while maintaining vacuum hold, then finalized with precision finishing cuts that complete the geometry without compromising position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary roughing cuts before final finishing cuts. The roughing operation prepares the piece by removing excess material and establishing initial geometry while the piece remains held by vacuum, then the finishing operation completes the precise dimensions. This preliminary action sequence ensures the piece is properly prepared and secured before final precision cutting
2Loss of substance
If small parts are cut out from the panel, then panel yield is maximized, but the vacuum force on the small pieces is reduced leading to displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting of small parts is segmented into roughing and finishing operations. The roughing cut removes material to create the basic shape while the piece remains vacuum-held, and the finishing cut completes the precise geometry. This segmentation allows maximum panel utilization while maintaining position stability throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum holding action continues continuously throughout both roughing and finishing cutting operations. The vacuum system maintains constant hold on the small parts while the cutter performs sequential cutting operations, ensuring uninterrupted position stability from initial cutting through final completion
3Productivity
If the endmill rotates at high speed, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the stress on the small piece causes displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The high-speed cutting action is segmented into roughing passes and finishing passes. The roughing passes remove material more aggressively to establish geometry, then finishing passes complete the precise dimensions with controlled stress. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress over multiple operations rather than concentrating it in a single high-speed pass
Solution Approach 2:
The roughing cuts perform partial cutting action to remove excess material and create preliminary geometry, then the finishing cuts complete the remaining material removal with precise control. The roughing operation uses sufficient cutting force to efficiently remove material, while the finishing operation uses controlled partial action to complete the geometry without excessive stress on the small piece
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method ensures precise and optimized cuts for small parts, maximizing grip and reducing waste, thereby enhancing the cutting process's efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The panel to be worked rests on a sacrificial panel and is held in position by means capable of creating vacuum
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for cutting a panel (P), such as a panel made of wood, plastic, fiberglass and the like, wherein said panel (P) is arranged on a plane, wherein said panel (P) has to be cut into a plurality of pieces (Ri), and wherein for each piece (Ri) to be cut out said method comprises the step of: C. determining the progression of the cutting profile, so as to maximize the tightness of each piece (Ri) of said panel (P) until the completion of the cutting of said piece (Ri). The present invention also relates to a working center (1) configured to carry out the method for cutting a panel (P).