Parameter monitoring compensation system and method

In a computer-controlled machining apparatus having a controller and including a cutting tool and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation for effecting a cut in a workpiece held by the workpiece holder wherein the preprogrammed path of relative movement between the cutting tool and workpiece holder is based upon an assumed condition associated with the machining operation at a preselected stage of the machining operation, the improvement comprising:

• a database associated with the controller including criteria relating to the assumed environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• means including means for determining the actual environmental temperature for obtaining information relating to the actual environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• and
• means for comparing the obtained information relating to the actual environmental temperature with the criteria relating to the assumed environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation and for altering the preprogrammed path of relative movement in accordance with a variation detected between the actual environmental temperature and the assumed environmental temperature.

In a computer-controlled machining apparatus having a controller and including a cutting tool and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation for effecting a cut in a workpiece held by the workpiece holder wherein the preprogrammed path of relative movement between the cutting tool and workpiece holder is based upon an assumed condition at a preselected stage of the machining operation, the improvement comprising:

• a database associated with the controller including criteria relating to the assumed condition at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• means including means for determining an environmental temperature associated with the machining operation for obtaining information relating to the actual condition at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• and
• means for comparing the obtained information relating to the actual condition with the criteria relating to the assumed condition including means for comparing the actual temperature with temperatures within a predetermined range of temperatures and for interrupting the operation of the machining apparatus when a variation is detected between the actual condition and the assumed condition and the variation is outside of a predetermined range.

In a computer-controlled machining operation including the steps of moving a cutting tool and a workpiece holder relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation to effect a cut in a workpiece held by the workpiece holder and wherein the preprogrammed path of relative movement between the cutting tool and workpiece holder is based upon an assumed condition at a preselected stage of the machining operation, the improvement comprising:

• providing a controller with a database including criteria relating to the assumed environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• obtaining information relating to the actual environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• comparing the obtained information relating to the actual environmental temperature with the criteria relating to the assumed environmental temperature at the preselected stage of the machining operation;
• and
• altering the preprogrammed path of relative movement between the cutting tool and the workpiece holder in accordance with a variation detected between the actual environmental temperature and the assumed environmental temperature.