Push-Out Element Positioning for Plate Part Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for separative machining of plate-shaped workpieces face challenges in reliably discharging workpiece parts without tilting or canting, especially as the thickness of the workpiece increases, due to friction forces.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with a push-out unit having a movable push-out element that can be positioned at a predefined location within the gap between workpiece bearing faces to minimize canting risks, using a push-out element like a piston rod that presses against the cut-free workpiece part to push it downward from the workpiece bearing plane, with the ability to move in both X and Y directions within the gap, and optionally being actuated or resiliently mounted to maintain contact and control the push-out process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If friction forces are increased to handle thicker workpieces, then the ability to push out thicker workpieces is improved, but the risk of tilting and canting increases
Solution Approach 1:
A push-out element is introduced as an intermediary component between the machining head and the workpiece part. This element can be resiliently mounted or actuated to apply controlled pushing forces, mediating the interaction between the machining system and the workpiece to enable reliable discharge of thicker parts without direct collision
Solution Approach 2:
The push-out element is resiliently mounted to provide beforehand cushioning during the push-out process. This cushioning effect allows the element to absorb shocks and maintain contact with the workpiece part during discharge, preventing tilting and canting while handling thicker workpieces
2Ease of operation
If the laser processing head is lowered to push out the workpiece part, then the push-out capability is improved, but collision damage to the machining head occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The push-out element serves as an intermediary between the machining head and the workpiece part. It can be actuated or resiliently mounted to perform the push-out function without requiring the machining head to be lowered into collision with the workpiece, thereby eliminating collision damage while maintaining push-out capability
Solution Approach 2:
The push-out function is segmented from the machining head into a separate push-out element. This segmentation allows the push-out operation to be performed independently by the push-out element, preventing the machining head from colliding with the workpiece while still achieving the desired push-out effect
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for separative machining of a plate-shaped workpiece that has: a first movement unit for moving the workpiece in a first direction (X); a second movement unit for moving a machining head for the separative machining in a second direction (Y); and two workpiece bearing faces for bearing the workpiece. A gap that extends along the second direction (Y) is formed between the workpiece bearing faces. The machine has a push-out unit having a push-out element, wherein the push-out element is movable at least in the second direction (Y) within the gap so as to press, at a predefined push-out position (AP), against a workpiece part that was cut free from the workpiece during separative machining. The disclosure further relates to methods for pushing out a workpiece part which, in particular, was cut free on such a machine.