Parallel Cutting and Drilling in Flat-Piece Cutting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic cutting machines for deformable materials face inefficiencies due to the alternation between cutting and drilling processes, leading to increased downtime and reduced productivity, especially when dealing with long nestings and multiple hole diameters.
Innovation Solution
The machine integrates a separate accessory processing unit, such as a drilling or die cutting unit, which operates independently of the cutting unit, allowing simultaneous cutting and processing on different areas of the cutting mat, synchronized by an electronic control unit to reduce downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for different cutting operations, then cutting versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting machine is designed with a universal cutting head that can perform multiple cutting operations (straight cutting, curved cutting, notching, grooving) using a single device. The cutting head includes multiple cutting edges and can be adjusted to accommodate different cutting paths and patterns, eliminating the need for separate machines for different cutting tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head is divided into multiple independent cutting edges (first cutting edge, second cutting edge, third cutting edge) that can be selectively used or combined. Each cutting edge can be activated independently or in combination with others, allowing the single cutting head to perform various cutting operations that would traditionally require multiple separate machines.
2Productivity
If traditional separate machines are used for cutting and notching, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting machine merges the cutting function and notching function into a single integrated system. The same cutting head that performs straight cutting also performs notching, grooving, and curved cutting operations by adjusting the cutting path and activating different cutting edges, allowing multiple operations to be completed in one setup without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs preliminary positioning and setup of the workpiece once, then executes multiple cutting operations (cutting, notching, grooving) in sequence without requiring repositioning or resetup between operations. This preliminary action maintains manufacturing precision while significantly improving productivity by eliminating repeated setup time.
3Device complexity
If a single cutting head is used for multiple operations, then device complexity is reduced, but cutting precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each cutting edge of the cutting head is optimized with specific local properties for different cutting operations. The first cutting edge is configured for straight cutting, the second for curved cutting, and the third for notching and grooving. This local quality optimization ensures that each cutting edge maintains high precision for its specific function while the overall device remains simple and integrated.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention pertains to a cutting machine for the automated cutting of at least one flat piece of deformable material. The machine comprises a cutting table which supports a cutting mat, a cutting unit provided with a blade and movable above the cutting mat to cut the flat piece into shapes and/or along lines according to a predetermined cutting path, an accessory processing unit provided with at least one accessory tool and movable over at least a portion of the cutting mat to perform accessory processing of the flat piece according to a predetermined accessory processing path, and an electronic control unit that controls the cutting unit and the accessory processing unit so as to actuate the accessory processing unit simultaneously to the cutting unit at least during a cutting step of the flat piece