Milling machine
AssigneeD4D Technologies, LLC
InventorsRod Duncan, Joel Witt, Mark Quadling, Henley Quadling, Branko Bern
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The 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.
Claims26
A milling machine for milling a blank for producing a dental item comprising
- (a) an x-axis carriage having a first and second spindle, which are each operable to translate independently along an x-axis,
- i) said first spindle having a first central axis and operable to receive a first tool in line with said first central axis and
- ii) said second spindle having a second central axis and operable to receive a second tool in line with said second central axis and in an opposing orientation to said first tool;
- wherein said first and second central axes are axially offset from one another but parallel to said x-axis;
- (b) a subassembly mechanism operable for holding and adjusting the position of said blank, comprising
- i) a y-axis carriage operable to translate independently along a y-axis and;
- ii) a z-axis carriage contained within said y-axis carriage and operable to translate independently along a z-axis.
A method of milling a blank using an improved milling machine comprising the steps of:
- (a) milling a surface on the blank, comprising
- i) affixing said blank to a mandrel,
- ii) engaging a distal end of said mandrel in a mandrel socket of a z-axis carriage, wherein said z-axis carriage is contained within a y-axis carriage and operable to translate independently along a z-axis and said y-axis carriage is operable to translate independently along a y-axis,
- iii) positioning said blank between a first and second spindle by adjusting said y-axis carriage along said y-axis and said z-axis carriage along said z-axis,
- iv) positioning said first spindle relative to said blank along an x-axis, and
- v) positioning said second spindle relative to said blank along said x-axis;
- (b) detecting a condition during the milling;
- (c) signaling the condition by illuminating a part of a cover with a colored light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.