Milling Machine with Tool Changer Positionable Within Motion System Envelope
AssigneeD4D Technologies, LLC
InventorsMark S. Quadling, Henley S. Quadling, Rod Duncan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.
Claims4
1-8. (canceled)
In a milling machine having an assembly, a pair of opposed spindles, and a tool changer carried within the assembly, wherein the assembly also supports a blank to be milled by the pair of opposed spindles, a tool change method comprising:
- retrieving a tool from the tool changer to a spindle by moving the tool changer through first and second axes while simultaneously positioning the spindle along a third axis;
- wherein a tool change is carried out within a same envelope of motion used for milling the blank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.