Method and apparatus for non-spindle multi-axis machining

A non-spindle multi-axis machining apparatus for use in plastic deformation and controlled fracturing processes comprising:

• a base section to which machine components are attached directly or by intermediary devices;
• at least one cutting tool affixed to a flying bridge such that the flying bridge is moveable relative to the base section;
• at least one linear drive;
• at least one table affixed to the base for holding a workpiece into a fixed position in relation to the table such that the table moves independently of the at least one cutting tool and where the at least linear drive is configured to move the at least one table in both a vertical and horizontal axis relative to the base section;
• and
• wherein the cutting tool and the table are synchronized to produce a movement of the cutting tool through a workpiece along any three-dimensional path within the work envelope of the apparatus by a microprocessor enabling a predetermined force to be applied to the workpiece for profiling the workpiece into a predetermined shape using a controlled fracturing process.

A non-spindle multi-axis machining apparatus for machining a workpiece using a controlled fracturing process comprising:

• a base section to which machine components are attached directly or by intermediary devices;
• a flying bridge connected to the base section for moving at least one cutting tool along a first axis of movement;
• at least one table affixed to the base for holding a workpiece in a fixed position in relation to the at least one table such that the at least one table moves independently of the cutting tool and moves in both a second axis and third axis;
• a microprocessor controller configured to cause a cutting edge of one of the plurality of cutting tools to be in contact with the workpiece that is held by the table in order to cause the cutting edge to translate along an accurate cutting path to cut the workpiece such that the cutting tool or the at least one table is rotated with a continuous turning-type rotation;
• wherein the at least one cutting tool and the at least one table move relative to one another along any three-dimensional path within a work envelope of the machining apparatus for profiling the workpiece into a predetermined shape;
• and
• a first linear drive for moving the flying bridge in a first axis;
• a second linear drive for moving the table in the second axis;
• a third linear drive for moving the table in a third linear axis;
• and
• wherein the first linear drive, second linear drive and third linear drive move the cutting tool and workpiece with sufficient force to induce controlled fracturing of the workpiece and are each configured so the at least one linear drive moves the at least one table in a respective X, Y and Z axis relative to the base section.