Universal adaptive machining chatter control fixture

A universal adaptive machining chatter control process for minimizing workpiece chatter in a machine tool structure, said process comprising:

• providing an active bed device comprising, an active bed for supporting a workpiece and a base for movably supporting said active bed for movement in at least x, y and z directions, said base being adapted to be secured to said bed of said machine tool structure;
• securing a workpiece directly or indirectly to said active bed;
• sensing any undesirable movement of said workpiece in at least the x, y and z directions during machining;
• responsive to said sensing step, controlling the position of said active bed in the x, y or z directions, or any desired combination thereof, in a manner which will minimize any undesirable movement of said workpiece.

A chatter control device for a machining structure, comprising:

• means for securely supporting a workpiece;
• sensing means located in said support means, said sensing means for sensing, in said supporting means, an undesirable motion of said workpiece during a machining operation of said workpiece, said sensing means also for outputting a detection signal in response to sensing the undesirable motion of said workpiece, said detection signal corresponding to the undesired motion of said workpiece, said sensing means comprising at least one accelerometer for sensing accelerations of said workpiece along the x, y, and z axes;
• and
• motion generating means, coupled to an output of said sensing means, said motion generating means for generating, in response to receiving said detection signal, a compensating motion in said supporting means to minimize the undesirable motion of said workpiece.

A universal adaptive machining chatter control fixture for attachment to a bed of a machine tool structure, said fixture comprising:

• an active bed for supporting a workpiece and a base for movably supporting said active bed for movement in at least x, y and z directions, said base being adapted to be secured to the bed of said machine tool structure;
• means for securing a workpiece directly or indirectly to said active bed;
• means for sensing any undesirable movement of said workpiece in at least the x, y and z directions during machining;
• actuating means for adjusting the position of said active bed in the x, y or z directions or any desired combination thereof;
• and
• control means responsive to said sensing means for controlling said actuating means in a manner which will minimize any undesirable movement of said workpiece.