Modular 6-Axis Machining Station for Deep Drilling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining stations with a vertical structural arrangement lack an axis dedicated to deep drilling, limiting the size and depth of drill tools that can be used, restricting the machining capabilities, especially when the part to be machined is positioned far from the machining table.
Innovation Solution
A 6-axis machining station with a dedicated drill axis (W) parallel to axis Z, featuring an operating base with displacement guides, a rotating operating table, a curtain separating modules, a drill arm with a drive unit, and a filter unit for liquid reuse, enabling deep drilling and milling operations without size restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical structural arrangement with 5 axes is used in current machining stations, then the standard machining operations can be performed, but the depth of drilling is limited due to the lack of a dedicated drill axis
Solution Approach 1:
The machining station is divided into separate functional modules: a milling module with XY table for standard operations, and a dedicated drilling module with W-axis for deep drilling. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A new W-axis is introduced as a sixth dimension, parallel to the existing Z-axis, specifically for deep drilling operations. This additional dimension enables the system to perform deep drilling without interfering with the standard 5-axis milling operations, thereby improving drilling depth capability while maintaining the original structural arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If the machining position is located far from the machining table (700 mm), then accessibility to distant positions is improved, but the available tool length is reduced due to structural restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates milling operations (performed near the machining table) from drilling operations (performed by the dedicated drilling module). This allows the drilling module to use longer tools for deep drilling without being constrained by the distance from the main machining table, as the drilling module has its own dedicated workspace and tool support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated drilling module acts as an intermediary between the control system and the workpiece for deep drilling operations. It provides a specialized interface with extended tool capacity, allowing the system to reach distant machining positions with adequate tool length without compromising the main machining table's positioning capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated drill axis (W-axis) is added to enable deep drilling, then drilling depth capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The W-axis drilling module is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform both drilling and milling operations. By integrating multiple functions into a single dedicated module, the system achieves deep drilling capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as the same module can handle various machining tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the main 5-axis milling mode and the dedicated 6-axis drilling mode depending on the operation requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to utilize the W-axis only when deep drilling is needed, effectively managing complexity by activating additional functionality only when required rather than operating it continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining station especially arranged to carry out deep drill and milling operations is disclosed. The machining station now proposed presents a specific structural arrangement, enables the incorporation, contrary to already existing stations, of an axis dedicated to deep drilling, favoring the use of deep drill tools under ideal conditions, without size restriction. Accordingly, the station is comprised of an operating base, on which there lays an operating module and an arrangement module. This new arrangement for the machining station is therefore more versatile and adaptable to the specificities programmed for each part to be machined.