Machine Tool Rotary Table Standby Time Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools with rotary tables, the standby time after indexing completion can lead to extended cycle times due to overshooting, but shortening this time risks machining accuracy if the rotary table is clamped at a deviated position.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a positional deviation calculating unit and a standby time changing unit that adjusts the clamping operation's start time based on the positional deviation of the rotary table, shortening the standby time if the deviation is within a threshold and lengthening it if the deviation is greater, to maintain machining accuracy and reduce cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the standby time is lengthened to ensure the rotary table is clamped at the target position, then machining accuracy is improved, but cycle time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The standby time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the standby time length based on the detected overshooting amount, creating a variable waiting period that adapts to actual positioning conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making the time parameter flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the actual position of the rotary table after indexing, calculating the overshooting amount, and using this information to determine the appropriate standby time. This closed-loop control ensures machining accuracy while optimizing cycle time based on actual performance.
2Productivity
If the standby time is shortened to reduce cycle time, then productivity is improved, but machining accuracy deteriorates due to clamping at deviated position
Solution Approach 1:
The standby time is adjusted dynamically based on actual positioning accuracy. When overshooting is minimal, the standby time is shortened to improve productivity. When overshooting is significant, the standby time is extended to ensure accuracy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the standby time parameter based on the detected positional deviation. By modifying this critical parameter according to actual conditions, the system optimizes both productivity and machining accuracy, preventing the deterioration of precision while reducing cycle time.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool is equipped with a rotary table, and a clamp mechanism which clamps the rotary table in a manner so that the rotary table does not rotate. A clamping operation by the clamp mechanism is started after a standby time has elapsed from completion of indexing of the rotary table. The machine tool further includes a positional deviation calculating unit adapted to calculate a positional deviation of the rotary table when the clamping operation by the clamp mechanism is completed, and a standby time changing unit adapted to shorten the standby time in the case that an absolute value of the positional deviation is less than a threshold value, and to lengthen the standby time in the case that the absolute value of the positional deviation is greater than the threshold value.