Singulating Plate Workpieces via Segmented Edge Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for separating panel-shaped workpieces from semi-finished wood or wood substitute materials are time-consuming due to the need for complicated traverse paths by the processing unit during cutting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving initial cuts from the edge contour of the semi-finished product, forming a coherent structure, followed by a comb-like cutting pattern with a further cut that connects the end points of previous cuts, allowing for efficient separation of workpieces, preferably using a milling process with a stepped profile and a fixing device to ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional separating methods are used with complicated traverse paths, then complete separation of workpieces is achieved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is divided into two distinct phases: first making multiple individual cuts from the edge contour into the semi-finished product, then making a single further cut that connects these individual cuts to complete separation. This segmentation of the cutting path eliminates complicated traverse movements while achieving complete workpiece separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual cuts are made in advance from the edge contour into the semi-finished product before the final separating cut. These preliminary cuts create reference points and reduce the material that needs to be removed in the final separating operation, thereby reducing overall processing time.
2Productivity
If multiple individual cuts are made from edge contour, then workpiece separation is simplified, but the number of cutting operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual cuts made from the edge contour are merged into a single comb-like pattern, and then all these cuts are connected by one further cut operation. This merging approach reduces the total number of separate cutting operations while maintaining the efficiency benefits of multiple initial cuts.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the process for singulating plate-shaped workpieces (2.1 to 2.9) made of wood or wood substitute materials, a plurality of plate-shaped workpieces (2.1 to 2.9) are separated from a plate-shaped semi-finished product (1) by a plurality of cuts and thereby singulated. First, a plurality of cuts (4), preferably along a first cutting direction, are made starting preferably from the edge contour of the semi-finished product (1), with the cuts (4) terminating in the semi-finished product (1). The singulation of the workpieces (2.1 to 2.7) is achieved by a further cut (8) connecting the plurality of cuts (4).