Wire EDM Core Removal Verification for Continuous Finishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wire electrical discharge machines require manual intervention for core removal, disrupting continuous operations from rough machining to finishing, which limits overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wire electrical discharge machine equipped with a core position recognizing unit, a core removal unit, and a core removal determining unit, allowing for automatic core removal and verification, enabling continuous operations from rough machining to finishing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual core removal is performed between rough machining and finishing, then core removal can be completed, but continuous operation is disrupted and overall efficiency cannot be significantly improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall operation efficiencyVSAvoidautomation of core removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs core removal automatically without human intervention. The control unit coordinates the wire electrical discharge machine to execute core removal operations based on stored machining programs, enabling the system to service itself during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation from rough machining through core removal to finishing operations. By storing multiple machining programs and automatically executing them in sequence, the system maintains continuous productive action without interruption for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Extent of automation

If automatic core removal is implemented, then continuous operation from rough machining to finishing is enabled, but device complexity increases due to additional control functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of core removalVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the wire electrical discharge machine for rough machining, stores machining programs, coordinates core removal operations, and manages finishing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems for each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control functions for rough machining, core removal, and finishing operations into a unified control architecture. The control unit integrates program storage, operation coordination, and process management into a single system, simplifying the overall control structure despite the increased automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables reliable automatic core removal and transition to finishing, improving operational efficiency by allowing unattended continuous processing of multiple cores and workpieces.

Implementation Method 1

perform electrical discharge machining on a workpiece by way of electrical discharge generated between the workpiece and a wire electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge machining: Electrical Discharge Machining

Implementation Method 2

electrical discharge generated between the workpiece and a wire electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 3

by utilizing a phenomenon in which components of a wire electrode become adhered to the machined workpiece at the time of electrical discharge, a core formed is fixed to a base material of the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3225341B1Wire electrical discharge machine and wire electrical discharge machining method
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 FANUC LTD
  • EP3225341B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wire electrical discharge machine (10) and a wire electrical discharge machining method are provided. The wire electrical discharge machine (10) is equipped with a core position recognizing unit (16) configured to recognize the position of a core (Pc) which is fixed by a core fixing function, a core removal unit (18) configured to remove the core (Pc), which is in the recognized position, from a workpiece (W) on which machining has been performed, and a core removal determining unit (20) configured to determine whether or not the core (Pc) in the recognized position has actually been removed.