Patent · US Active

Adaptive spindle assembly for electroerosion machining on a CNC machine tool

US7824526B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
11References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 11, 2006
Grant dateNov 2, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 1, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49826
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method for adapting a CNC milling machine for electroerosion machining. The apparatus includes a tubular electrode on the distal end of an adapter shaft. A tool holder on the proximal end of the adapter shaft is mountable in the chuck of a cutter spindle in the milling machine. The adapter shaft is rotatably mounted within a bearing and an electrical brush contact subassembly, both of which are supported by a bracket. The bracket is attached to the milling machine but insulates it from the tool electrode. The bearing supports the adapter shaft in alignment with the CNC spindle. An electrical power supply energizes the electrode and the workpiece for electroerosion in a gap between them. Electrolyte is circulated through the spinning tool electrode during operation. The CNC computer is configured to operate the machine, power supply, and electrolyte flow for electroerosion machining.

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