Wire EDM Arc Path Editing Through Block-Based Radius Revision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire electrical discharge machines face challenges in accurately editing machining programs for arc-shaped portions of the machining path, requiring multiple steps and increasing the workload due to the need for individual point designation.

Innovation Solution

A program editing device and method that divides the machining path into blocks with route information, allowing for intuitive arc-shaped portion adjustments through a display controller, calculation unit, and revising unit to change the machining path directly by modifying the blocks, reducing the number of processing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the operator specifies plural points in a corner portion and moves the selected point to a desired corrected position, then the machining path can be corrected, but the number of processing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining path accuracyVSAvoidprogram editing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machining path is divided into multiple blocks, each representing a specific section or feature (e.g., linear paths, arc-shaped paths). This segmentation allows the operator to edit specific blocks independently rather than manipulating individual points, reducing the number of steps required for correction while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows direct modification of block parameters (such as start point, end point, radius for arc paths) to achieve the desired machining path correction. By changing block-level parameters rather than point-by-point coordinates, the editing process becomes more efficient with fewer操作步骤.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the machining path includes an arc-shaped portion, then the machining program can specify complex shapes, but the opposing area between workpiece and wire electrode changes causing cut shape deviation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining path flexibilityVSAvoidcut shape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation to determine the relationship between the wire electrode position and the workpiece surface for arc-shaped paths. By pre-calculating the optimal electrode trajectory and compensation values, the system anticipates and corrects for the changing opposing area, ensuring accurate cut shapes before machining begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the calculated electrode position and workpiece surface relationship are continuously monitored and adjusted. This feedback loop allows real-time correction of the machining path to compensate for changes in the opposing area, maintaining cut shape accuracy throughout the machining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3819730A1Program editing device, wire electrical discharge machine and program editing method
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 FANUC LTD
  • EP3819730A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819730A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819730A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A program editing device (18) is configured such that, when an arc-shaped partial path (72P) is selected from a machining path (72) displayed on a display unit (54) based on route information of each of plural blocks, the program editing device calculates a change amount (80) of the radius of curvature of the selected partial path (72P) in accordance with an operation of changing the state of the arc of the selected partial path (72P) and revises the block corresponding to the selected partial path (72P) based on the change amount (80).