Machining method and apparatus for thread formation on workpiece
AssigneeSandvik Medical Solutions Oregon, Inc.
InventorAdam Ferrell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Machining techniques and machining apparatus are provided for treating workpieces in an efficient and reliable manner. The machining techniques and machining apparatus employ multiple thread whirling heads associated with a single machining assembly, such that each of the thread whirling heads is able to act on a workpiece during a single, uninterrupted machining process. Screw threads may be formed that include first and second thread profiles and an intermediate transition region. The machining apparatus generally includes a processor that is programmed to control operation of the multiple thread whirling heads in a sequential manner.
Claims17
A machining apparatus, comprising:
- (a) a spindle;
- (b) a plurality of thread whirling heads independently rotatably mounted with respect to the machining apparatus, the thread whirling heads of the plurality thereof at least including respective first and second thread whirling heads;
- and
- (c) a processor programmed so as to energize the first and second thread whirling heads to contact, in a sequential manner, a workpiece extending from the spindle;
- wherein the first and second thread whirling heads are mounted for operation by the processor in a single, uninterrupted machining process in which the first thread whirling head contacts the workpiece and forms thereon a first screw thread profile, and the second thread whirling head contacts the workpiece and forms thereon a second, different screw thread profile.
A method for machining a workpiece, comprising:
- (a) providing a workpiece of metal stock;
- (b) feeding the workpiece into a machining apparatus that includes:
- (i) a plurality of thread whirling heads independently rotatably mounted with respect to the machining apparatus, the thread whirling heads of the plurality thereof at least including respective first and second thread whirling heads, and (ii) a processor programmed so as to energize the first and second thread whirling heads to contact, in a sequential manner, the workpiece;
- and
- (c) employing the processor to machine the workpiece with each of the first and second thread whirling heads in a single, uninterrupted machining process in which the first thread whirling head contacts the workpiece to define thereon a first screw thread profile, and the second thread whirling head contacts the workpiece to define thereon a second, different screw thread profile.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.