Planar Workpiece Tooling for Micro-Joint Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining planar workpieces, such as metal sheets, lack versatility and efficiency in cutting and forming operations, particularly in separating workpiece parts connected by micro joints, leading to increased cycle times and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A tool and machine tool configuration featuring an upper and lower tool with adjustable counter cutting edges, where the inner and outer counter cutting edges have different distances from the positioning axis, allowing for independent movement and orientation, facilitating the separation of workpiece parts and enabling the machining of larger parts by adjusting the cutting gap width and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single counter cutting edge is used in the opening of the lower tool, then the structure is simple, but the versatility of machining different workpiece parts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The counter cutting edge is divided into multiple independent segments (inner counter cutting edge and outer counter cutting edge) that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each segment to handle different workpiece parts or cutting scenarios, thereby increasing machining versatility without requiring a completely different tool for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter cutting edges are designed to be movable and adjustable relative to each other and to the lower tool body. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt its geometry during operation, enabling it to process different workpiece parts (such as large parts, small parts, and parts connected by micro joints) using the same tool, thus improving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting gap width is fixed, then the tool structure is simple, but the ability to machine larger parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the inner and outer counter cutting edges is made variable through an adjustment mechanism. This allows the cutting gap width to be dynamically changed during operation, enabling the tool to accommodate different workpiece sizes and geometries. The adjustable configuration permits machining of larger parts by increasing the cutting gap while maintaining the ability to process smaller parts when needed.
3Productivity
If the upper tool and lower tool are rigidly positioned, then the positioning is stable, but the ability to separate workpiece parts connected by micro joints is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tool and lower tool are equipped with independent positioning and orientation capabilities that allow them to move relative to each other in multiple directions. This dynamic positioning system enables precise control of the cutting action, allowing the tool to effectively separate workpiece parts connected by micro joints by adjusting the relative position and orientation of the tools during the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool configuration with independently positionable inner and outer counter cutting edges provides multi-functionality, enabling the same tool to handle various cutting scenarios including separation of micro-jointed parts, cutting of different geometries, and processing of various workpiece sizes. This universal capability reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and decreases cycle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for machining, such as cutting and/or forming, planar workpieces has an upper tool and a lower tool that are movable toward each other to machine a workpiece arranged therebetween. The upper tool includes at least one cutting tool having at least one cutting edge and a clamping shaft. The lower tool includes a main body having a support surface for the workpiece. The support surface has an opening associated with an inner counter cutting edge. The lower tool has a positioning axis and at least one outer counter cutting edge provided outside of the opening and associated with the support surface. The outer counter cutting edge is aligned with an outer face of the support surface. A distance of the outer counter cutting edge from the position axis and a distance of the inner counter cutting edge from the position axis deviate from each other.