Abstract: Provided is a tool tight-contact-state detector for a machine tool which is capable of accurately and stably detecting whether or not a tool or a tool holder having the tool attached thereto is mounted to a main spindle in tight contact therewith. While rotation of a main spindle (13) is stopped, hydraulic pressure is supplied from a hydraulic pressure supply unit (28) to a cylinder section (20) so as to bring a piston member (21) to into contact with a main spindle head (11) and the main spindle (13) against a biasing force from an O-ring (22). Air is thereby allowed to be supplied to air ejection holes (27a, 27b, 27c), which are formed in a forward end face (13a) of the main spindle (13), from the main spindle head (11) side through the piston member (21).

Abstract: A spindle control system for a milling machine is provided. The milling machine includes a column, an overarm, a spindle for mounting a cutter, a first motor mounted on the column for driving movement of the overarm, and a second motor mounted on the overarm for driving rotation of the spindle. The spindle control system includes a distance sensor and a temperature sensor, each to be mounted on the overarm and to be disposed proximate to the end portion of the spindle. The spindle control system further includes a central control unit for determining a compensation parameter based on the displacement sensed by the distance sensor and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, and for controlling movement of the overarm by the first motor through a compensation distance based on the compensation parameter to compensate for at least one of the cutter deformation and the spindle deformation.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing a workpiece includes a router bit having a processing area for processing the workpiece; an actuator for moving the relative position of the router bit with respect to the workpiece so as to place a part of the processing area of the router bit in contact with the workpiece for processing the workpiece; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the router bit relative to the workpiece; a wearing detector for detecting wear of the processing area; and a controller for controlling the adjustment mechanism, upon detection of wear of the part of the processing area of the router bit, to make a different part of the processing area of the router bit contact with the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A machining unit, particularly for machining the surface of cylindrical cavities, has a tool-holder assembly, including an electric actuator for adjustment of the radial tool position. The control signals of the actuator are transmitted to said actuator by a stationary electronic control unit via a wireless communication system. Also provided on board the tool-holder assembly is a system for electrical supply of the actuator, constituted, for example, by one or more batteries or else by an electrical-generation microsystem that exploits a portion of the flow of the high-pressure lubricant-coolant that is fed into the machining area.

Abstract: A machine tool spindle structure capable of monitoring a working state in real time includes a spindle body, a rotating mandrel, a cutter base, and an internal inspecting device. The cutter base is combined with the rotating mandrel and rotates with the rotating mandrel. The rotating mandrel has a chamber, and the internal inspecting device is disposed in the chamber. Inspecting chips in the internal inspecting device are directly disposed on the cutter base, so as to measure working parameters during a processing process. The working parameters are transmitted to an external information device by a wireless transmission module in the internal inspecting device, thereby accurately giving a feedback of the working state of a processing cutter in real time.

Abstract: A reference block 30 attached to a housing 20a is moved together with a main spindle 20 to a measurement start position A1, and the reference block 30 is so moved in a Z-axis direction as to across air injected from an air injection nozzle 25, so that a thermal displacement of the main spindle 20 is calculated based on change in pressure measured in the movement. The outer circumference of a tool mounted on the main spindle 20 is brought close to a leading end face of the air injection nozzle 25, and the air is injected to the outer circumference of the tool while rotating the tool at a predetermined position, and the air pressure is measured so that the rotational deflection of the tool is calculated based on the change in the measured pressure.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for processing a workpiece includes a router bit having a processing area for processing the workpiece; an actuator for moving the relative position of the router bit with respect to the workpiece so as to place a part of the processing area of the router bit in contact with the workpiece for processing the workpiece; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the router bit relative to the workpiece; a wearing detector for detecting wear of the processing area; and a controller for controlling the adjustment mechanism, upon detection of wear of the part of the processing area of the router bit, to make a different part of the processing area of the router bit contact with the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A tool attachable to a spindle of a machine tool in the same way as an ordinary tool, capable of being driven without connecting with an external power supply etc., giving a higher rotational speed than that of the spindle of the machine tool without supplying electric power from the outside, and able to be changed automatically, provided with a machining tool for machining a workpiece, a motor for driving the machining tool, a generator for generating electric power to drive the motor by the rotation of the spindle, a rotational speed detecting device for detecting the rotational speed of the motor, and a rotational speed display for displaying the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detecting device so as to be visually recognized from the outside of the attachable tool.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool performs machining by rotating a rotational tool attached to a tool holder mounted on a spindle, with keys fitted into key grooves in the tool holder. The numerically controlled machine tool includes predetermined-amount rotating unit for stopping the tool holder at a predetermined rotational position and then rotating the tool holder by a given amount, and a distance sensor which is installed apart from the tool holder and measures a distance to the outer surface of the tool holder. The predetermined-amount rotating unit stops the tool holder at a rotational position at which the key grooves do not face the distance sensor, then rotates the tool holder by the given amount. The distance sensor measures the distance to the tool holder while the tool holder is rotating. The measurement result is compared with a reference distance or distances to discriminate between normal and abnormal rotational run-out of the tool holder.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the incorrect chucking of a machine tool capable of easily and surely detecting a chucking error; the method, comprising the steps of measuring, by a sensor (12), the change of a distance (d) between the sensor (12) and the outer peripheral surface of the flange part (2B) of a tool holder (2) installed in a spindle (3) through all around the periphery of the tool holder while rotating the tool holder (2), performing a FFT analysis of the measured data by a CPU (18), extracting a fundamental frequency component, and calculating the amplitude thereof, whereby the eccentric amount of the tool holder (2) can be calculated by using the amplitude of the fundamental frequency component and, when the eccentric amount exceeds a preset allowable value, the tool holder (2) is judged to cause an incorrect chucking.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the incorrect chucking of a machine tool capable of easily and surely detecting a chucking error; the method, comprising the steps of measuring, by a sensor (12), the change of a distance (d) between the sensor (12) and the outer peripheral surface of the flange part (2B) of a tool holder (2) installed in a spindle (3) through all around the periphery of the tool holder while rotating the tool holder (2), performing a FFT analysis of the measured data by a CPU (18), extracting a fundamental frequency component, and calculating the amplitude thereof, whereby the eccentric amount of the tool holder (2) can be calculated by using the amplitude of the fundamental frequency component and, when the eccentric amount exceeds a preset allowable value, the tool holder (2) is judged to cause an incorrect chucking.

Abstract: A molding machine for machining workpieces of wood or plastic material has a transport path for transporting workpieces in a transport direction and adjustable spindles arranged sequentially in the transport direction on the transport path. Tools are fixedly connected on the spindles. Adjusting elements are drivingly connected to the spindles. First indicator devices are coupled to the adjusting elements and indicate a position of the spindles relative to a reference point of the machine, respectively. At least one data storage device is connected to the indicator devices and configured to save position data of the spindles and to allow retrieval of the position data of the spindles.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces of wood and plastic has a transport path for transporting workpieces through the machine. One or more driven spindles having a tool for machining the workpieces transported through the machine are provided. An adjustable element that is adjustable relative to the tool is provided. At least one data storage is provided for storing data at least of the tool wherein the data are used to determine a position of the adjustable element relative to the tool and are retrievable. In the method for adjusting the machine, characteristic data of the tool are measured and stored in the data storage. The characteristic data are supplied to a control unit. In the control unit positioning data for the adjustable element are calculated based on the characteristic data and then made available for processing the workpieces.

Abstract: The apparatus and method includes a spindle portion which holds a cutting tool. The drill is initially moved forwardly of a pressure foot portion of the apparatus. The pressure foot portion is then moved forwardly along with the spindle and drill to clamp the mechanical assembly. A thrust control arrangement produces a reduction of the thrust on the tool holder such that as the assembly is being clamped, the tool initially contacts the workpiece and then remains stationary while the pressure foot moves forward to complete clamp-up. The positions of the tip of the tool and the surface of the workpiece are recorded and compensation is then made to the apex position of the spindle stroke, using a previously determined reference position of the tool relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: In a multi-axis machine tool (M) including an angular dividing head (HD) having a spindle head (9) mounted thereto, the positional correction includes determining an error representative vector componentwise representative of a plurality of positional errors with respect to a plurality of axes of the spindle head at a respective angular position dividable by the angular dividing head, and correcting an arbitrary positional error of the spindle head by calculating a component vector of the error representative vector associated with the respective angular position.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.

Abstract: A cutting tool with a sensor according to the present invention includes an electrically conductive substrate, an insulation film provided on a surface of the electrically conductive substrate, and a sensor circuit of an electrically conductive film provided on the insulation film. The insulation film includes two consecutive insulation layers. Even if the plural insulation layers each have defects such as cracks and pinholes which possibly impair the insulation property of the insulation film, the defects present in the plural layers are unlikely to be continuous. Therefore, the insulation film has an improved insulation reliability, thereby ensuring proper function of the sensor circuit in the cutting tool.

Abstract: An automated quill drive assembly is adapted to be retrofit on a milling machine having a frame presenting a quill head and a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions. The quill head includes a centrally disposed lower lug, a quill feed engagement control lever boss located above and spaced to one side of the lug, and a transmission cover opening located above and spaced to a side of the lug opposite the quill feed engagement control lever boss. The automated quill drive assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted to the lug, the quill feed engagement control lever boss, and the transmission cover opening, a motor supported on the housing, and a transmission supported on the housing for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed providing improved maintainability for CNC machine tools with serviceable parts. An electronic manual with video, audio, and textual information is stored in memory on a computer system integrated with the CNC tool control. A first register in computer system memory stores predetermined cycle value for at least one serviceable part. A service clock accumulates information collected from tool movement data monitored using the CNC machine tool control in a second register. Maintenance events are indicated for at least one serviceable part based on a comparison of first and second register contents. A graphical display with a graphical representation of the CNC machine shows where the maintenance event has occurred and where maintenance is required with an accompanying alarm indication. Such an indication may be a visual alarm indication superimposed on the graphical display in proximity to location of maintenance event.

Abstract: A clutch device has a shaft rod, a hollow torsion sleeve, a trip device, an outer toothed gear, an inner toothed gear, and a first belt pulley. The outer toothed gear is disposed on the trip device. The hollow torsion sleeve has a plurality of grooves. The trip device has a center hole to receive the hollow torsion sleeve, and a plurality of radiated thread holes. The inner toothed gear is disposed on the first belt pulley. The outer toothed gear engages with the inner toothed gear. Each radiated thread hole receives a ball, a spring, and a stud. Each groove receives the respective ball. The shaft rod is inserted through the hollow torsion sleeve, the first belt pulley, and a second belt pulley.

Abstract: First and second motors are provided for moving a workpiece support in an up and down direction and and for rotation about an axis. Third, fourth and fifth motors are provided for moving a rotating cutter in a lateral direction, for rotating the cutter about an axis, and for moving the cutter toward and away from a workpiece. A first conductive pin sensor senses workpiece parameters. A cutter motor rotates the cutter at constant speed, and a second sensor senses changes in cutter motor torque when the cutter comes into contact with a workpiece. A computer includes a memory for storing instructions for cutting a desired pattern, and the computer causes the first, second, third, fourth and fifth motors to vary the relative position of the cutter and workpiece support to cut a pattern in the workpiece.

Abstract: A spindle device for detecting the completion of an automatic tool changing procedure comprising a spindle (11) having a tool holder support portion (22) formed at the forward end thereof, a drawing bolt (17) with a through-hole (18) through which an air is blown in the vicinity of a tool holder support portion (22) of the spindle (11) for cleaning in the automatic tool changing procedure, and a pressure detection means (21) disposed in association with the through-hole (18) of the drawing bolt (17), wherein whether or not a tool holder (9) is suitably mounted on the tool holder mounting portion (22) is judged on the basis of an air blow pressure detected by the pressure detection means (21).

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permit the accurate sensing of the height of a solder nozzle above a circuit board during operation of the solder nozzle. A non-contact limit switch, which provides an indication of the presence of a planar surface at a preselected proximity, is mounted in a fixed relationship with a solder nozzle which is manipulatable by means of a robotic arm. A reference surface is provided which includes a proximity sensor, such as a through beam fiber optic switch. The proximity sensor is mounted a predetermined distance above the reference surface and is utilized to detect the solder nozzle as it is moved toward the reference surface.

Abstract: A tooling device for numerically controlled machining centers having programmable torque, thrust and surface sensing utilizing a telescopic tool holder comprising an adapter to be retained in the taper of the machine spindle and a control rod in the spindle attached to an actuating rod having electronic coupling means to control the axis feed rate of the computer numerical control for controlling deceleration of the spindle and a transducer for producing a signal to feed the spindle to a programmable depth and to measure the tool thrust and torque and to sense the location of work surfaces with random length tools and also be able to control feed rate of tool proportional to tool thrust or torque.

Abstract: The trust exerted on a drill bit is sensed and employed to determine the speed at which the bit is driven. A controller for the drill compares the thrust to a predetermined threshold value and in response to the comparison emits a control signal which shifts a transmission in the drill into high or low speed. After each shift, a number of thrust samples are taken in order to compute an average thrust for different strata of the material being drilled. At the completion of drilling each hole, the average thrusts for the hole are used to recalibrate the shift threshold value. In this manner, the shift threshold is adjusted to compensate for drill bit wear. The sensed thrust is also compared to a bit reject threshold value to determine when the bit is too dull for proper drilling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which the degree of wear and useful life limitations of a drill, end mill or other types of metal removal tools can be detected. The method is based on the short circuit current, open circuit voltage and/or power that is generated during metal removal by the utilization of an insulated rotary tool bit to which electrical contact is made by a non-rotating conductor and an insulated or non-insulated workpiece, with an external circuit connecting the tool and workpiece through a measuring device. The generated current, voltage or power shows a sharp increase or change in slope upon considerable tool wear and/or at the point of failure.

Abstract: An intelligent tool system used with computer numerical controlled machining centers consisting of an internal spindle machanism and a variety of spindle mounted devices.The spindle mechanism provides CNC communicating and operating means with spindle mounted devices such as; telescoping tool holders for determining work surface locating with random length tools and for sensing tool condition; automatic boring tools for high precision boring and contouring; probing devices for work surface location, measurement and definintion; combination boring and probing tools for boring and measuring a hole without removing the tool from the spindle.

Abstract: A profile working machine includes a support portion, a working portion, and a drive and control system.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a wear limit or break in a cutting edge of a machine tool. At least two conductor paths are embedded in the cutting material forming the cutting edge, one of the conductor paths being part of a closed circuit while the other is part of an open circuit. A signal serving to break off the machining process is produced if either the conductor path disposed in the circuit is interrupted or the open circuit is closed by the creation of a conductive connection between the two conductor paths.

Abstract: A profile working machine is equipped with a support for holding a work in place, a working tool for machining the work, and drive and control systems for controlling the relative displacements between the support and the working tool. The profile working machine is to machine the work into a desired profile.

Abstract: A tool abnormality detector for use with a machine tool for detecting any abnormality of a tool mounted on the tool mounting shaft. When the tool mounting shaft is in a correct position with respect to the tubular body secured to the spindle, the air pressure is kept constant. When an abnormal resistance is applied to the tool mounting shaft, the latter will lag in rotation with respect to the tubular body, so that the exhaust air passage will be blocked. A pressure sensor detects an abnormal increase in the air supply line, giving a signal for stopping the spindle of the machine tool. This prevents the tool from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating a machining state from a non-machining state in a machine tool wherein a workpiece is machined with a cutting tool or grinder, comprising plural vibration sensors including at least one acoustic-emission sensor, which detect vibrations of different frequency bands, respectively, which are produced during machining of the workpiece by the tool. A discriminating device judges that the workpiece is being machined by the tool when levels of output signals generated from at least two of the vibration sensors are higher than respective predetermined threshold levels, and judges that the workpiece is not being machined by the tool when the level of an output signal generated from less than two of the vibration sensors is higher than a predetermined threshold level. Also disclosed is a method for discrimination between the machining and non-machining states.

Abstract: A tool adapter for use in drilling, tapping and milling operations with the spindle of a machining center having a collet type tool holder which holds the tool which upon advancement into the work piece at a programmed feed rate to a programmed depth rate utilizes a spring loaded unit to signal the computer numerical control through a transducer of the machining center in the event a tool is broken during the machining operation to automatically stop said operation.

Abstract: When a drill is overloaded, while cutting a hole in a workpiece, a torque limiter disconnects the drill from a main spindle. As the drill is disconnected from the main spindle, the torque limiter generates high-level elastic waves. The elastic waves are converted by a transducer into a voltage signal. The level of the voltage signal is compared with a threshold value.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising a rotary drive unit rotating a tool or workpiece, a load torque detecting device disposed between the rotary drive unit and the tool or workpiece rotated thereby, a linear drive unit moving one of the tool and the workpiece toward and away from the other, a main start switch for actuating the rotary drive unit, and a control device.