Independent Tool Die and Stamp Positioning for Sheet Metal Contour Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for combined punching and forming processing on sheet metal workpieces face precision issues due to contour changes during forming, making it challenging to achieve precise machining on the same area.

Innovation Solution

The method involves independently moving a tool die and tool stamp along a lifting axis to position above or below the workpiece support plane, allowing for precise machining of formed areas that protrude, with the tool die being advanced first and the tool stamp lowered for punching, and using sensors to detect the machining position for accurate processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a workpiece is first punched and then formed on the same area, then forming can be performed, but the punched contour changes and precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombined punching and forming processingVSAvoidcontour precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first performing the forming operation to create the deformation, then performing the punching operation on the deformed area. This reverses the conventional sequence to prevent contour changes during forming, as the punching die is designed to accommodate the deformed shape while maintaining precise punching of the final contour.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool die and tool stamp are moved independently along the lifting axis, then flexible positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible positioning capabilityVSAvoidindependent drive system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tooling system into two independently controllable components: the tool die mounted on the tool die holder and the tool stamp mounted on the tool stamp holder. Each component has its own drive mechanism, allowing independent movement along the lifting axis. This enables flexible positioning where the tool die can be raised to a machining position above the support plane while the tool stamp remains in place, or vice versa, accommodating various workpiece geometries and processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2177291B1Method for cutting and/or forming of workpieces
Publication Date: 2015.04.15 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2177291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2177291B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2177291B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for cutting and/or forming plate-like workpieces (4), preferably sheet metal, mounted on a workpiece support (3) of a machine tool (1), comprising: processing the workpiece (4) by moving a tool punch (9) and a tool die (11) along a stroke axis (15), wherein the tool punch (9) and the tool die (11) are moved into a processing position (B) above or below a support plane (5) on the workpiece support (3) in order to process the workpiece (4) at a forming (22) projecting upwards or downwards beyond the support plane (5). The invention also relates to a computer program product and a machine tool for carrying out the method.