Apparatus and method for hybrid machining a workpiece
US7741576B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23H5/08
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for hybrid machining a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mandrel for supporting the workpiece adjacent a cutter mounted on an arbor. A workpiece is powered as an anode and the cutter is powered as a cathode, and a cutting fluid or coolant is circulated therebetween. The cutter is made of a conductive material and a non-conductive abrasive material to maximize the amount of material removed from the workpiece. The coolant includes one or more additives to enhance the electrical discharge between the cutter and the workpiece. The cutter is moved relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece at a predetermined depth of cut using an enhanced high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process in which both HSEE and abrasive machining processes are used. The workpiece may then be finish machined to a final shape of the titanium article, such as a dovetail of a turbine blade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.