Twin-Spindle Milling Machine Parallel Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with tool-carrying work spindles face challenges in achieving precision, reliability, and efficiency while minimizing downtime and footprint, particularly during tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two tool-carrying work spindles that can operate independently or in parallel, with a compact axis slide assembly and tool magazine system allowing for simultaneous machining and tool changes without additional manipulators, enabling continuous operation and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tool-carrying work spindle is used, then the machine structure is simple, but tool changes cause downtime and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into two independent work spindles (first and second work spindles), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows one spindle to perform tool changes while the other continues machining, eliminating downtime and improving productivity without requiring complex coordinated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazine is positioned to enable preliminary tool preparation and change operations. The first work spindle can be moved to a tool changing position where tools are pre-positioned in the tool magazine, allowing tool changes to occur in advance or parallel to machining operations, thereby reducing idle time.
2Ease of operation
If additional manipulators are added for tool changes, then tool changing capability is improved, but the machine footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine serves multiple functions: it stores tools, positions tools for changes, and acts as the changing mechanism itself. By making the tool magazine multi-functional, additional manipulators are eliminated, reducing machine footprint while maintaining full tool changing capability for both work spindles.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changing function is merged with the existing tool magazine structure. Instead of adding separate manipulators, the tool magazine is configured to directly service both work spindles, combining storage, positioning, and tool change operations into a single integrated system that minimizes space requirements.
3Productivity
If tool changes are performed sequentially on one spindle, then the system remains simple, but downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual work spindle configuration enables continuous useful action by allowing one spindle to maintain machining operations while the other undergoes tool changes. This parallel operation eliminates idle time and ensures the machine tool is continuously productive, with no loss of time due to tool changing interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Tool changes are performed in advance or in parallel through the coordinated operation of two spindles. While one spindle is machining, the other can complete tool changes at a pre-positioned tool magazine, preparing for the next machining operation without waiting for the current spindle to finish, thereby eliminating downtime.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to embodiments of a machine tool, in particular a multi-spindle or twin-spindle milling machine, comprising a machine frame 1, a workpiece clamping device 2 for clamping a workpiece WS, an axis slide assembly 3 arranged on the machine frame 1, which is configured to move the workpiece WS clamped on the workpiece clamping device 2 linearly in a Y and a Z direction by means of two controllable linear axes, and a spindle carrier assembly 4 arranged on the machine frame 11 with at least two tool-carrying work spindles 41, 42, each of which can be moved independently of each other in the X direction perpendicular to the Y and Z directions.