High accuracy machining station for a multiple spindle rotary indexing machine tool
US5459915A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T82/2524
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to improvements in the multiple spindle rotary indexing machine tool systems of the prior art. Traditionally, such machine tool systems include a base and an upstanding vertical column which houses a plurality of machining stations each equipped with two-axis tool slides. In addition, the base supports a rotatable worktable, which carries a number of work-holding spindles. As the worktable rotates, these spindles are indexed through successive machining stations where a variety of operations are performed. In accordance with the invention, a spindle position measurement unit is provided to dynamically measure the exact location of each spindle indexed to position at a modified machining station. A computerized numerical control system calculates spindle position errors based on the position information provided by the measurement unit and offsets tool slide position commands to compensate for those errors. As a result, the control unit compensates for both fixed and variable spindle position variations, thus improving the machining tolerances of the machine tool apparatus. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a high accuracy finishing station is…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.