Abstract:
A numerical controller retrieves only a tool change command in an NC program and controls an automatic tool changer to execute tool change based on the retrieved tool change command. The numerical controller controls a camera to capture an image of a tool every time the tool change command is executed, and analyzes the image captured by the camera to calculate a shape and a size of the tool. The calculated tool shape and size are collated with a shape and a size in tool management data stored in the numerical controller, and the result of the collation is displayed on a screen of a display device so that an operator can be informed of it.
Abstract:
An interference checking device includes a contour shape analyzing unit that extracts a contour shape of a tool cross section and a tool length by analyzing a two-dimensional image of a rotating tool, a rotation center analyzing unit that obtains a rotation center of the rotating tool by analyzing the contour shape, a three-dimensional-rotation-shape generating unit that generates a three-dimensional shape of the rotating tool on the basis of the contour shape, the tool length, and the rotation center, and an interference check processing unit that checks whether the rotating tool and a component other than the rotating tool interfere with each other when numerical control machining is performed on a workpiece by using the rotating tool, by using the three-dimensional shape, in which the three-dimensional-rotation-shape generating unit generates the three-dimensional shape by using a left-side contour shape.
Abstract:
To determine whether a tool may be used successfully to fabricate a worksheet in a sheet fabrication machine, data relating to all tools that may be used for the machine as provided by the manufacturers of those tools are stored in a tool database. Dimensional data and characteristics of the worksheets that may be used by the machine are stored in a worksheet database. When a given worksheet is to be fabricated, a determination is made on whether a tool is usable for fabricating that worksheet without causing possible damage to the worksheet, the tool and its die, and/or the machine. The grind life remaining for the tool is used to determine whether the proper clearance between the tool and its die is obtainable by using the tool on the given worksheet. If it is determined that the tool is not useable for a given worksheet, the tool is flagged and reserved for use on worksheets that have a material thickness that is thinner than that of the given worksheet. An appropriate tool that does provide the proper clearance and has the appropriate grind life remaining is then selected for working on the given worksheet.
Abstract:
A completely automated apparatus for verifying the identity and geometry of drill bits, re-sharpening the cutting tip of a drill bit and re-positioning a locating ring upon the shank portion of the drill bit subsequent to the re-sharpening of the cutting tip thereof. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pair of cassette trays, a pair of grinding assemblies, a pair of optical assemblies, a pair of primary cleaning assemblies, a pair of secondary cleaning assemblies, a pair of inversion assemblies, a pair of workhead assemblies, a bumping assembly, and a loader assembly attached thereto. The workhead and loader assemblies are used to transport drill bits between the cassette trays and other assemblies in a selected sequence which is controlled and coordinated by a programmable control device. The control device is electrically interfaced to each of the assemblies and allows the cutting tip re-sharpening and locating ring re-positioning processes to be conducted simultaneously on at least two drill bits.
Abstract:
The invention pertains to a cutting device, particularly for the cutting of predetermined breaking points in plastic membranes, foils or the like, with an air-permeable supporting surface for the plastic membrane or the like and with an aspirating device, with which the plastic membrane or the like is applied onto the supporting surface. The supporting surface is formed by a sintered metal plate.
Abstract:
A completely automated apparatus for verifying the identity and geometry of drill bits, re-sharpening the cutting tip of a drill bit and re-positioning a locating ring upon the shank portion of the drill bit subsequent to the re-sharpening of the cutting tip thereof. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pair of cassette trays, a pair of grinding assemblies, a pair of optical assemblies, a pair of primary cleaning assemblies, a pair of secondary cleaning assemblies, a pair of inversion assemblies, a pair of workhead assemblies, a bumping assembly, and a loader assembly attached thereto. The workhead and loader assemblies are used to transport drill bits between the cassette trays and other assemblies in a selected sequence which is controlled and coordinated by a programmable control device. The control device is electrically interfaced to each of the assemblies and allows the cutting tip re-sharpening and locating ring re-positioning processes to be conducted simultaneously on at least two drill bits.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for “Intelligent” control of production processes such as machining, casting, heat treating and welding are disclosed. The key enabler of such control is electro-optical or other suitable sensors, generally non contact, capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring data from parts and tools used to produce them in a production “in-process” environment. Systems are disclosed to control not only the instant operation, but those processes connected therewith, both upstream and downstream. Data bases are generated and knowledge bases are used. Application of the invention can improve quality and productivity, and allow the production of parts which have unusual or individual material characteristics.
Abstract:
The machine tool comprises a tool (a drill or the like whose diameter is 2 mm or less), a camera (artificial retina chip or the like) which acquires an image of the tool, and an image processor which determines whether the tool is faulty based on the image acquired by the camera.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for machining heat softenable materials such as metals, alloys and certain thermoplastic materials. In one form, radiation generated by a laser or electron gun is directed against a portion of a workpiece immediately adjacent that portion thereof which is being machined by a cutting tool such as a milling tool, lathe tool, drill, grinder or other means adapted to remove material by so called machining. The laser or other generating means for radiation is preferably supported by a mount supporting the cutting tool and is located to direct its beam immediately in advance of that portion of the work being machined so that the heat of the beam will soften that portion of the work about to be cut or otherwise machined. Other radiation generating means such as an electric arc or plasma arc generator may also be utilized.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the positional adjustment of a cutting tool in a machine tool for the purpose of ensuring that the cutting tool is exactly in its correct position prior to starting machining operations. The machine tool is of the kind having a cutting tool support displaceable relative to the bed along two axes which are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus provided for the above purpose in accordance with the invention includes an optical projector producing in a stationary plane a picture of the tip of the cutting tool, including its cutting edge. When the tool support is displaced along either axis, the position of the picture on the plane changes accordingly. A stationary linear array of photosensitive diodes is arranged parallel to one of the axes of displacement of the tool support so that individual diodes will be covered or uncovered by the picture when it travels across the plane upon displacement of the tool support. The switching position of individual diodes is thereby altered which results in the emission of impulses whose number corresponds to that of diode covered or uncovered by the moving picture. The impulses are transmitted to an electronic processor whose output signals can be used for controlling the movements of the tool support in response to the arrival of the picture in or its departure from predetermined positions relative to the array of photosensitive diodes and in relation to a fixed reference point.