Abstract: A CNC machining center has a table-mounted referencing device having two pedestals, each separately engageable by a tool in a Z-axis drive tool holder to establish a zero reference for vertical machining operations on a work-piece mounted on the table. The first of the pedestals has a relatively soft top so that rapid Z-axis advance of the tool onto the pedestal will not damage the tool tip. A spring load on the pedestal also accommodates limited downward movement from a rest position for the pedestal to operate a Z-axis drive stop switch to further avoid tool damage and to save in the computer controller memory, the height of the tool tip from the table. The second pedestal is provided with a hard top so that when the tool tip is touched on it and moves the hard pedestal to operate the switch 34, the Z-axis drive recorder records in controller memory a number that is precisely related to the height of the tool tip from the table.

Abstract: A machine tool bed has guideway rails. A slide is mounted to the rails and has gib blocks spaced along the length of the slide and engaging the rails. The gib blocks are spring loaded to maintain them engaged with the guide rails at all times to provide zero-clearance between gibs and rails. The gib blocks are provided with backing surfaces at self-locking angles such as to avoid displacement of the gib blocks under loading, and maintain constant zero-clearance.

Abstract: A gauge bar assembly is provided with T-nut, quick-action hand clamp brackets to linear bearing blocks of a gauge drive mechanism. Gauge mounting brackets are supported and guided on upstanding tubes in the quick-action clamp brackets. Powered vertical drive for the mounting brackets is provided. A gauge bar having unusually high resistance to bending, due to a unique Y-shaped cross section, is clamped to the gauge mounting brackets. Flip fingers with manually adjustable adjustment wedges, and spring take-up means, are provided for precise horizontal adjustment of gauging fingers toward and away from press brake tooling.

Abstract: A microprocessor numerical control for a milling machine including means for programming part features by the machine operator at the machine location. The control apparatus includes a CRT display which provides an inquiry system, and a keyboard for entry of data by the machine operator. The control system further includes a tape cassette deck operable to read or write data or program material into or out of the processor memory. The control system regulates motion in the X, Y and Z directions for the milling machine and also includes an external feed rate adjustment for either the XY plane or the Z axis direction which may be utilized by the machine operator to affect the programmed feed rates. There is further provided automatic tool length calibration and cutter diameter compensation for milling operations.

Abstract: A milling machine includes a C-shaped frame, tool support member movable in a vertical direction, a saddle member movable in a transverse direction, a work table movable in a longitudinal direction, a tool drive unit, a tool knock-out assembly and two oppositely positioned and removable bearing ways associated with each direction of travel. For the vertical axis the bearing ways are between the C-shaped frame and the tool support member. The tool drive unit includes a hollow tool spindle and a drive motor with a vertically extending output shaft which is rigidly and coaxially connected to the hollow tool spindle. The tool knock-out assembly includes a spring-loaded tool collet assembly and a double-action air cylinder arranged in a surrounding coaxial relationship with the output shaft.

Abstract: A milling machine includes a C-shaped frame, tool support member movable in a vertical direction, a saddle member movable in a transverse direction, a work table movable in a longitudinal direction, a tool drive unit and two oppositely positioned and removable bearing ways associated with each direction of travel. For the vertical axis the bearing ways are between the C-shaped frame and the tool support member. The tool drive unit includes a hollow tool spindle and a drive motor with a vertically extending hollow output shaft which is rigidly and coaxially connected to the hollow tool spindle. Each vertical axis bearing way longitudinally extends in a vertical direction and includes an outer race portion attached to the C-shaped frame and a ball circulating track portion attached to the tool support member.

Abstract: A rear gauge assembly includes a gauge bar extending between two carriages, each carriage being mounted to a housing mounted to the rear of a press brake bed and having a lead screw and motor associated with it. Front gauges are provided on carriages on a pair of similar housings mounted to a rail mounted to the front of a press brake bed, each of these housings also having a lead screw and motor for driving its respective carriage. A microcomputer is employed to control the two motors for synchronizing movement of the rear gauge carriages with each other while driving the rear gauge, and to control the two motors for the front gauge while the front gauges are being driven to synchronize movement of front gauges with each other. The same synchronizing techniques for two lead screws are employed on a new type of ram drive for press brakes incorporating two ram drive screws, with a motor for each screw, the motors being synchronized by the controller.

Abstract: A rear gauge assembly includes a gauge bar extending between two carriages, each carriage being mounted to a housing mounted to the rear of a press brake bed and having a lead screw and motor associated with it. Front gauges are provided on carriages on a pair of similar housings mounted to a rail mounted to the front of a press brake bed, each of these housings also having a lead screw and motor for driving its respective carriage. A microcomputer is employed to control the two motors for synchronizing movement of the rear gauge carriages with each other while driving the rear gauge, and to control the two motors for the front gauge while the front gauges are being driven to synchronize movement of front gauges with each other. The same synchronizing techniques for two lead screws are employed on a new type of ram drive for press brakes incorporating two ram drive screws, with a motor for each screw, the motors being synchronized by the controller.

Abstract: A microprocessor unit (MPU), together with appropriate memory devices of the read only (ROM) and random access (RAM) type, and peripheral interface adapters (PIA), light emitting diode (LED) displays, and back lighted information displays, is included in a pendant control cabinet having on the front thereof a control panel with arrays of push-buttons for entering data and instructions, and windows displaying data and operational information. The pendant control is mountable as original equipment or as a retrofit installation to a machine tool, such as a press brake or milling machine, to control tool or gauge slide drives for positioning as needed during the desired sequences of operation.