Abstract: Disclosed are a turning method and apparatus. The apparatus, which otherwise may be conventional, includes a tool holding mechanism, such as a turret, and a workpiece holder, typically a chuck disposed on a main machine spindle. The tool holding mechanism may be translated in three directions relative to the workpiece holder, including a Z direction that is along the axis of the rotation of the workpiece holder and X and Y directions orthogonal thereto. Under the control of the computer control system, the tool holding mechanism is moved in a direction having both an X- and Y-component relative to the workpiece holder.

Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is a computer numerically controlled machine having a coolant nozzle that is mounted on a turret of the machine and that is rotatable relative to the turret under the control of a computer control system. The nozzle is fluidically connected to a source of a coolant. The machine includes a computer control system that is operatively coupled to the various components of the machine including the nozzle. In some embodiments, the nozzle may be moved to cause a constant contact angle with respect to one of said tool and said workpiece. In other embodiments, the nozzle may be moved to cause a constant coolant time to interface. Also disclosed are related methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are a machine with a grinding wheel and a dressing surface and related method. The dressing surface is movable in at least two axes of translation relative to the grinding wheel. The rotational speed of the grinding wheel and dressing surface preferably are under the control of a computer control system, whereby the speed of rotation of the dressing surface may be adjusted as the diameter of the dressing wheel and as the diameter of the grinding wheel is decreased during use. The machine may be used in continuous or intermittent dressing operations.

Abstract: A toolholder (50) with a controllable critical angle, such as a lead, trailing, rake or clearance angles, includes a tool spindle (42a) for retaining the toolholder in a tool rest (42) of a machine tool. The machine tool (10) includes at least one linear axis, for example, three mutually perpendicular axes, a rotary axis and a rotation axis. The rotary axis and/or rotation axis is controllable to move to a specified position in synchronization with a movement of one of the linear axes. An adaptor (54) supports a cutting tool (56) that is retained in the adaptor by a clamp (58). The cutting tool (56) defines a critical angle, such as a lead angle, a trailing angle, a rake angle and a flank clearance angle, wherein the critical angle is corrected as a vector of movement of at least one of the linear axis is changed. In addition, the cutting tool (56) can be positioned on opposite side of a centerline of rotation of the workpiece to effectively double the life of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A milling cutter (10) comprises a cutter body (12) having at least two operational annular rings (13, 14). An outer ring (13) is provided for rough milling and includes a plurality of cutting inserts spaced about the periphery of the cutter body. Positioned radially inward of the outer ring (13) is at least one ring (14) comprises a coating of abrasive material. As a result, a workpiece can be both tough and finish milled by a single milling cutter (10) with the rough cutting inserts (18) and the abrasive material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus in the field of computer numerically controlled machine tools. A rotating workpiece is brought into contact with a tool, the tool being disposed in a rotating tool holder and traversing an eccentric path. By rotating the tool holder and workpiece synchronously, various characteristics forms may be produced. The method in some embodiments is useful in the turning of noncircular shapes, such as ovoid pistons and other parts.

Abstract: A milling tool and a workpiece each may be rotated at a rotational velocity of at least 25 m/min in a compound machining operation. Disclosed are a computer numerically controlled machine, a method for operation of a computer numerically controlled machine, a computer program product, and a method for determining compound machining parameters. In some embodiments, a processing parameter for compound machining is selected and other processing parameters are algorithmically determined based thereon.

Abstract: A cutting insert rotated about its axis may be utilized during a metalworking operation and applied against the rotating workpiece to enhance tool performance. A method, including an assembly with a rotatable insert mounted to a toolholder may be utilized to achieve this result.

Abstract: A cutting insert rotated about its axis may be utilized during a metalworking operation and applied against the rotating workpiece to enhance tool performance. A method, including an assembly with a rotatable insert mounted to a toolholder may be utilized to achieve this result.

Abstract: A toolholder (50) with a controllable critical angle, such as a lead, trailing, rake or clearance angles, includes a tool spindle (42a) for retaining the toolholder in a tool rest (42) of a machine tool. The machine tool (10) includes at least one linear axis, for example, three mutually perpendicular axes, a rotary axis and a rotation axis. The rotary axis and/or rotation axis is controllable to move to a specified position in synchronization with a movement of one of the linear axes. An adaptor (54) supports a cutting tool (56) that is retained in the adaptor by a clamp (58). The cutting tool (56) defines a critical angle, such as a lead angle, a trailing angle, a rake angle and a flank clearance angle, wherein the critical angle is corrected as a vector of movement of at least one of the linear axis is changed. In addition, the cutting tool (56) can be positioned on opposite side of a centerline of rotation of the workpiece to effectively double the life of the cutting tool.

Abstract: The invention described is a method of milling bimetallic, aluminum-cast iron components with silicon nitride based ceramic cutting inserts.

Abstract: A cutting insert rotated about its axis may be utilized during a metalworking operation and applied against the rotating workpiece to enhance tool performance. A method, including an assembly with a rotatable insert mounted to a toolholder may be utilized to achieve this result.

Abstract: A milling cutter comprises a cutter body having at least two operational annular rings. An outer ring is provided for rough milling and includes a plurality of cutting inserts spaced about the periphery of the cutter body. Positioned radially inward of the outer ring is at least one inner finish ring. The finish ring comprises a coating of abrasive material. As a result, a workpiece can be both rough and finish milled by a single milling cutter with the rough cutting inserts and the abrasive material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing a curved tooth. Apparatus are adapted to perform a method that includes the steps of providing a workpiece, providing a tool, and providing relative movement between the tool and the workpiece such that the tool moves along a first curved path relative to the workpiece to define a first curved surface of a tooth in the workpiece. The relative movement can be accomplished by substantially simultaneous translation of at least one of the tool and the workpiece along a first linear axis and a second linear axis that is perpendicular to the first linear axis. Methods are also disclosed for compensating for deviations in a tool path.

Abstract: A machining device includes a tool with a rotational axis and porous material with an outer peripheral surface disposed about the rotational axis and adapted to machine a surface of a workpiece. The machining device further includes a fluid delivery device oriented relative to the tool to disperse fluid to contact the tool primarily at a location inboard from the outer peripheral surface of the tool such that dispersed fluid is capable of flowing through the porous material. The machining device provides a controlled radial discharge of fluid at a workpiece surface in use. Methods of machining a workpiece are also provided.

Abstract: An improved tool and method for the machining (e.g., boring, cutting, grinding and the like) of a workpiece. The tool includes a body that can be connected in a cantilevered arrangement to a machine for rotating machining operations and has fluid distribution channels formed in the body in a predetermined arrangement. The tool also includes a machining surface and at least one bearing surface formed on the peripheral surface of the tool. Pressurized fluid is provided through the fluid distribution channels in use, which, enable creation of a fluid bearing between the tool and an opening in the workpiece which has been machined by the tool. In addition, the tool can also include additional fluid distribution openings for cooling and cleaning of machining surfaces.