Tool Spindle Vibration Absorber for High-Speed CNC Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

CNC processing machines face challenges in designing tool holders that balance high-speed operation with high process forces, leading to undesirable vibrations due to conflicting requirements, which affect processing quality and increase demands on the machine, particularly with multi-axis linear guides reducing rigidity and allowing vibrations to resonate through the machine frame.

Innovation Solution

A passive vibration damping device is integrated into the processing unit, specifically a rotatable tool spindle, using a vibration absorber with a damping element and auxiliary mass supported by an elastic element, attached directly to the dynamic element or guide arrangement, to dampen vibrations close to their origin, reducing resonance and stress on the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a tool holder is designed for high-speed operation with small tools, then high rotational speed capability is achieved, but rigidity and ability to absorb high process forces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speedVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid base structure for absorbing process forces, a flexible intermediate section with vibration damping elements, and a lightweight upper section for high-speed rotation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder employs composite material construction combining high-strength rigid materials (such as hardened steel) for the force-absorbing sections with lightweight high-stiffness materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or titanium alloys) for the rotating sections. This composite approach enables simultaneous optimization of rigidity and rotational speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a tool holder is designed for high process forces with large tools, then rigidity and force absorption capability are improved, but rotational speed capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidrotational speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid base structure for absorbing process forces, a flexible intermediate section with vibration damping elements, and a lightweight upper section for high-speed rotation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool holder employs composite material construction combining high-strength rigid materials (such as hardened steel) for the force-absorbing sections with lightweight high-stiffness materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or titanium alloys) for the rotating sections. This composite approach enables simultaneous optimization of rigidity and rotational speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If multi-axis linear guides are used to suspend the processing unit, then operational flexibility and positioning precision are improved, but rigidity deteriorates allowing vibrations to resonate through the machine frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A passive vibration damping device is introduced as an intermediary element between the processing unit and the machine frame. This damping device acts as a mediator that allows the linear guides to provide positioning precision while blocking the transmission of vibrations to the machine frame, preventing resonance amplification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration damping device converts the harmful vibrations and resonance into beneficial damping effects. By using materials and structures that dissipate vibrational energy (such as viscoelastic materials or tuned mass dampers), the system transforms the problematic vibration transmission into active vibration suppression, improving overall machine performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If active vibration damping systems with sensors and actuators are installed in the tool holder, then vibration compensation capability is improved, but device complexity and acquisition costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration compensationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive, complex active vibration damping systems with simple, inexpensive passive damping elements that can be easily integrated into the tool holder. These passive elements (such as damping materials or simple mass-spring-damper structures) provide effective vibration reduction without requiring sensors, actuators, or complex control systems, significantly reducing both acquisition costs and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively and cost-efficiently damps vibrations without the need for complex active control systems, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing processing quality by preventing vibration propagation and resonance, thus improving the overall performance of CNC processing machines.

Implementation Method 1

a damping element (7) which acts on the auxiliary mass (8) or on the dynamic element (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a damping element (7) which acts on the auxiliary mass (8) or on the dynamic element (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Implementation Method 3

an elastic support element (9), by means of which the auxiliary mass (8) is supported

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

The auxiliary mass (8) is surrounded by a damping and elastic layer. In order to achieve the required parameters such as stiffness and damping coefficient with a given additional mass and a specific main system, a defined pressure must be exerted on the elastic and damping layer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3468744B1Machining device having a vibration-damping device, and method
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3468744B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3468744B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3468744B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device (1), in particular a CNC machining device, for machining preferably planar workpieces (W) that are preferably composed of wood, wood material, plastic, and/or glass at least in parts, comprising: a machining assembly, which has a dynamic element; a first guide assembly, by means of which the machining assembly can be moved in a spatial direction; and at least one vibration-damping device. Vibrations of the dynamic element (3) can be passively damped by means of the at least one vibration damper device.