Multi-axis computer numerical control machine tool with integrally-controlled saw and method
AssigneeC. R. Onsrud, Inc.
InventorsTom Onsrud, Tom Lesch, Adam Hassler, Steve Hurley, Jason Chen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A CNC machining center that includes a machine base and a machine tool positioned on the base for carrying out a machining operation on a workpiece. A work table is positioned on the base and is adapted for supporting the workpiece and moving the workpiece relative to the machine tool during a machining operation. A saw is positioned above the work table in a longitudinally-offset direction from the machine tool for carrying out a sawing operation on the workpiece. The saw may be a band saw.
Claims30
A CNC machining center, comprising:
- a. a machine base;
- b. a multi-axis machine tool positioned on the base for carrying out a machining operation on a workpiece.
- c. a work table positioned on the base and adapted for supporting the workpiece as the workpiece moves relative to the machine tool;
- d. a saw positioned above the work table in a linearly offset position relative to the machine tool for carrying out a sawing operation on the workpiece;
- and
- e. a programmable digital computer and computer interface for controlling the operation of the machine tool, work table and saw of the machining center.
A method of machining a workpiece under the control of a CNC machining center, comprising the steps of providing:
- a. a machine base;
- a multi-axis machine tool positioned on the base for carrying out a machining operation on a workpiece;
- a work table positioned on the base and adapted for supporting the workpiece as the workpiece moves relative to the machine tool;
- a saw positioned above the work table in a linearly offset position relative to the machine tool for carrying out a sawing operation on the workpiece;
- and a programmable digital computer and computer interface for controlling the operation of the machine tool, work table and saw of the machining center;
- b. positioning a workpiece in a stationary condition on the work table;
- c. moving the workpiece and the machine tool relative to each other to perform a machining step on the workpiece under the control of the computer;
- d. moving the workpiece and the saw relative to each other to perform a sawing step on the workpiece under the control of the computer to sever a topmost layer of the workpiece from an underlying layer of the workpiece;
- and
- e. removing the severed topmost layer of the workpiece from the underlying layer of the workpiece.
A method of machining a workpiece under the control of a CNC machining center, comprising the steps of:
- a. positioning a multi-axis machine tool on a base, the multi-axis machine tool capable of carrying out a machining operation on a workpiece;
- b. positioning a workpiece in a stationary condition on a work table positioned on the base, the work table supporting the workpiece as the workpiece moves relative to the multi-axis machine tool;
- c. moving the workpiece and the multi-axis machine tool relative to each other to perform a machining step on the workpiece under the control of a programmable digital computer;
- d. positioning a saw above the work table in a linearly offset position relative to the machine tool, the saw capable of carrying out a sawing operation on the workpiece;
- and
- e. moving the workpiece and the saw relative to each other to perform a sawing step on the workpiece under the control of the programmable digital computer to sever a topmost layer of the workpiece from an underlying layer of the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.