Milling machine with tool changer positionable within motion system envelope
AssigneeD4D Technologies, LLC
InventorsMark S. Quadling, Henley S. Quadling, Rod Duncan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An 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.
Claims20
In a milling machine having an assembly, a pair of opposed spindles, and a tool changer movable along first and second axes and carried within the assembly, wherein the assembly also supports a blank to be milled by the pair of opposed spindles, the opposed spindles both movable along a third axis and the opposed spindles accepting tools such that the tools face one another in opposite directions along the third axis, a tool change method comprising:
- retrieving a tool from the tool changer to one of the spindles by moving the tool changer through the first and second axes while simultaneously positioning the one spindle along the third axis;
- wherein a tool change is carried out within a same envelope of motion used for milling the blank.
In a milling machine having an assembly, a first spindle coupled to a first frame, a second spindle coupled to a second frame, and a tool changer carried within the assembly and movable along first and second axes, wherein the assembly supports a blank to be milled by the first and second spindles, wherein the first and second frames are each movable along a third axis, and wherein the first and second spindles are oriented opposite one another and configured to accept a tool such that the tools face one another in opposite directions of the third axis, a tool change method comprising:
- retrieving a first tool from the tool changer to the first spindle by moving the tool changer through the first and second axes while simultaneously positioning the first frame along the third axis;
- wherein a tool change is carried out within a same envelope of motion used for milling the blank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.