Wire EDM Workpiece Handling With Integrated Core Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire electrical discharge machining systems require robots to operate for extended periods to collect processed workpieces, leading to inefficiencies as cores often fall into the workpiece reservoir during machining.
Innovation Solution
A wire electrical discharge machining system that includes multiple devices and a core processing apparatus, allowing for efficient core support and collection through distinct operational states, where cores are either bonded or supported via pre-machining remaining portions, enabling the robot to focus on mounting and collecting workpieces without continuous core retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot collects processed articles from the workpiece reservoir, then the workpiece collection function is achieved, but the robot operation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the collection task into two segments: the wire electrical discharge machining device collects cores during machining, and the robot only collects finished workpieces. This segmentation reduces the robot's workload and operation time while maintaining automated collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire electrical discharge machining device performs self-service by automatically collecting cores during the machining process, eliminating the need for the robot to retrieve scattered cores from the reservoir. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces the robot's operation time.
2Productivity
If cores are removed during machining, then core collection efficiency is improved, but workpiece processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core collection operation is performed continuously during the machining process rather than as a separate step. The control unit coordinates core removal with the machining cycle, ensuring that core collection does not interrupt or extend the workpiece processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary core collection during the machining process itself, preparing cores for final collection before the machining is complete. This preliminary action allows for more efficient batch collection by the robot later.
3Productivity
If multiple wire electrical discharge machining devices are used, then core processing capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each wire electrical discharge machining device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both machining workpieces and collecting cores. This universal design allows multiple devices to operate independently with the same control logic, increasing processing capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the control unit to coordinate multiple machining devices. By adjusting control parameters rather than adding complex hardware coordination mechanisms, the system manages multiple devices efficiently, maintaining simplicity while scaling capacity.
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 configuration prevents cores from falling into the reservoir, reducing the robot's workload and enabling organized, efficient wire electrical discharge machining operations by allowing the core processing apparatus to handle core removal and collection, thereby improving overall system efficiency and stability during machining.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical discharge machining unit configured to perform electrical discharge machining of a workpiece in a state in which a core is supported
Implementation Method 2
the core processing apparatus removes and collects the core thus supported by the workpiece by means of the second operation
Data Source
AI summary
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a wire electrical discharge machining system allowing a wire electrical discharge machining device and a robot to operate in conjunction with each other with high efficiency. A wire electrical discharge machining system 1 includes wire electrical discharge machining devices 7, 11, and 15, and a robot unit 17 that mounts a workpiece on the wire electrical discharge machining device. The wire electrical discharge machining devices 7, 11, and 15 may each perform either rough machining with supported cores or finishing machining after the cores are removed. Subsequently, core processing may be performed by means of a corresponding dedicated apparatus. Also, the core processing may be performed by means of a single common apparatus. The robot unit 17 mounts and collects the workpiece so as to allow these wire electrical discharge machining apparatuses to effectively operate, thereby providing wire electrical discharge machining with improved efficiency for the overall system.