Patent · US Expired

Tool touch probe system and method of precision machining

US4428055A · kind A · utility

68Cited by
14References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 18, 1981
Grant dateJan 24, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 18, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T408/172
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for automatically machining a work piece to precise selectively determined dimensions under computer numerical control in which the cutting tool is set automatically and automatic on-machine inspection is performed of the machined work piece surfaces. Using vibration sensing to detect contact between the cutting edge of the cutting tool and position reference surfaces, the cutting edge is calibrated against these surfaces under closed loop control. The deviation between the programmed and the actual positions of the cutting edge at each reference surface is determined and an initial compensating tool position offset is automatically provided in each axis and is entered into numerical control means. After machining has been initiated, probing of the work piece occurs at least once before the final cut is taken. The tool functions as a tool touch probe during this operation and vibrations are sensed as the calibrated cutting edge is brought into contact with the machined surface. Appropriate tool position offsets are determined and entered into the numerical control means at that time, to assure that the dimensions of the finished surface will confor…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.