Panel Workpiece Division via Sawing and Milling Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dividing large-format panel-shaped workpieces, such as those made of wood or wood substitutes, face limitations in processing speed and waste minimization, particularly when complex cutting plans are required, as sawing technologies are inefficient and milling processes are slow.
Innovation Solution
A method combining saw cuts and milling tool cuts, where large-format panel-shaped workpieces are first cut into strip-shaped pieces using saws and then further divided by milling tools parallel to the narrower sides, allowing for high throughput and flexible cutting plans with reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sawing methods are used to divide plate-shaped workpieces, then high cutting performance and large processing capacities are achieved, but the geometries of possible cutting patterns are limited to straight cuts only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sawing and milling operations into a single processing system. The sawing unit performs high-speed straight cuts to divide workpieces into strips, while milling tools subsequently perform complex curved and angled cuts. This merging allows the system to achieve both high productivity from sawing and cutting pattern versatility from milling, resolving the contradiction between processing capacity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If milling tools are used to create complex cutting lines, then virtually any straight, curved, or angled cutting lines can be realized, but high processing speeds are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cutting process into two distinct phases: first, sawing tools perform rapid straight cuts to divide the workpiece into strip-shaped intermediates, and second, milling tools perform the complex curved and angled cuts on these strips. This segmentation allows each tool type to optimize its function, with sawing providing high-speed rough division and milling providing precise complex geometry, thereby achieving both speed and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sawing and milling are combined with tools arranged on a crossbeam, then relatively flexible cutting plans are enabled, but the process operates inefficiently because process steps occur at one location without intermediate storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage area between the sawing unit and milling tools. Strip-shaped workpieces are first divided by sawing, then stored temporarily in the intermediate area, and subsequently processed by milling tools. This intermediary storage decouples the two operations, allowing sawing to operate continuously at high speed while milling processes the strips at its own pace, thereby improving overall processing efficiency while maintaining cutting plan flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for dividing panel-shaped workpieces (2), which comprise wood or a wood substitute substance as a material, into in each case a plurality of smaller workpieces (10). A panel-shaped workpiece (2) that is to be divided is initially divided by saw cuts (11) into a plurality of rectangular strip-shaped workpieces (3) with a first pair of opposing narrow sides (5) and a second pair of opposing narrow sides (6), the first narrow sides (5) being longer than the second narrow sides (6). In a further method step, the strip-shaped workpieces (3) are divided by a plurality of milling tools (9) simultaneously with cuts parallel to the second narrow sides (6) into the smaller workpieces (10).