Abstract: In a method for determining the state of wear of a tool, at least one optical image of a surface of the tool is recorded. Image data of the at least one optical image are processed in order to detect a wear zone. A surface extent and/or spatial extent of the wear zone is determined. The state of wear of the tool is classified on the basis of the extent determined. An apparatus for determining the state of wear of a tool correspondingly comprises a camera for recording at least one optical image of a surface of the tool, an image processing module which is configured in such a way that it processes image data of the at least one optical image in order to detect a wear zone, a computation module which is configured in such a way that it determines a surface extent and/or spatial extent of the wear zone, and a classifier module which is configured in such a way that it classifies the state of wear of the tool on the basis of the extent determined.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining the structural characteristics of a machine tool. The system comprises an excitation device configured to induce a dynamic excitation in a tool of the machine tool, a preloading device configured to generate a static force on the tool, and a sensing device for acquiring a set of data based on which the structural characteristics of the tool can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting chatter of a machine tool. The method comprises the following steps: Feeding first input data into an artificial neural network, which includes a plurality of weights; Determining first output data at the output of artificial neural network based on the first input data and the plurality of weights; Providing the first output data into a stability model to generate prediction data; Comparing the prediction data with measurement stability data and adjusting the plurality of weights of the artificial neural network.

Abstract: A calibration method for numerical controlled machine tools (1), which uses a kinematic model to generate a compensation model for the positioning error occurring with the movement of the linear (X, Y, Z) and rotation axes (B, C, A) of a machine tool (1). The calibration method measures the positions of a calibration ball (6) with a measurement sequence which includes the combined movement of the calibration ball (6) around two rotation axes (C, B or C, A), wherein the measurements around a first rotation axis (C) include at least two rotational position movements around a second axis (B or A).

Abstract: A method for using a geometrical probe (5) with a spindle (3) of a machine tool (1), wherein a probe fetch waiting state of the machine tool (1), at least one temperature parameter related to a temperature of the spindle (3) of the machine tool (1) is determined by measuring at least one temperature value for the spindle (3), and time for fetching the geometrical probe (5) is determined depending on the at least one temperature parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining the structural characteristics of a machine tool. The system comprises an excitation device configured to induce a dynamic excitation in a tool of the machine tool, a preloading device configured to generate a static force on the tool, and a sensing device for acquiring a set of data based on which the structural characteristics of the tool can be determined.

Abstract: A method for using a geometrical probe (5) with a spindle (3) of a machine tool (1), wherein a probe fetch waiting state of the machine tool (1), at least one temperature parameter related to a temperature of the spindle (3) of the machine tool (1) is determined by measuring at least one temperature value for the spindle (3), and time for fetching the geometrical probe (5) is determined depending on the at least one temperature parameter.

Abstract: A standby control for a machine tool. The standby control is operable for regulating the energy consumption of one or more energy-consuming components of the machine tool during nonoperation of the machine tool. The standby control includes a controller operable to individually activate or deactivate energy-consuming components according to a predeterminable input value in order that a temperature of at least one of the individual components or a temperature of the machine tool is influenced during nonoperation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A chatter database system, which includes a central chatter database, which is fed with data corresponding to the machining and chatter conditions of machining tools, particularly a milling, turning, drilling or boring machine. The data fed to the central chatter database is obtained and collected from at least two individual machining tools included in the chatter database system. The data is sent to the central chatter database via a data connection, preferably via a secured network, to generate chatter stability maps based on real encountered conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration device (1) and to a coordinate measuring system for measuring the signal-inducing sensing deflection ITr of tactile measuring probes (2). A reference surface (8) of the reference element (7) is arranged with respect to the field of view (9) of the detector (5) in such a way that, in the event of signal-inducing contact of the sensing surface (4) of the sensing element (3) with the reference surface (8), the sensing surface (4) or parts of the sensing surface (4) lies or lie in the field of view (9) of the detector (5), the detector (5) and the calculation unit (6) being able to calculate the precise position of the sensing element (3) from the detected part of the sensing surface (4).

Abstract: A calibration method for numerical controlled machine tools (1), which uses a kinematic model to generate a compensation model for the positioning error occurring with the movement of the linear (X, Y, Z) and rotation axes (B, C, A) of a machine tool (1). The calibration method measures the positions of a calibration ball (6) with a measurement sequence which includes the combined movement of the calibration ball (6) around two rotation axes (C, B or C, A), wherein the measurements around a first rotation axis (C) include at least two rotational position movements around a second axis (B or A).

Abstract: A crash prevention device for a machine tool for preventing the collision of a moving part of the machine tool with other machine tool parts or with a workpiece in a working area of the machine tool includes an isolation mechanism that electrically isolates the moving part from the other machine tool parts or the workpiece. The device includes a detection system with a high voltage generator having a first positive connector electrically connected to the moving part and a negative connector electrically connected to the workpiece or to the other machine tool parts. The high voltage generator generates DC, AC, or pulsating voltage. The detection system includes a discharge detection device that detects an electrical discharge between the moving part and the workpiece or between the moving part and the other machine tool parts, then sends a signal to stop or adapt further relative movement of the moving part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration device (1) and to a coordinate measuring system for measuring the signal-inducing sensing deflection ITr of tactile measuring probes (2). A reference surface (8) of the reference element (7) is arranged with respect to the field of view (9) of the detector (5) in such a way that, in the event of signal-inducing contact of the sensing surface (4) of the sensing element (3) with the reference surface (8), the sensing surface (4) or parts of the sensing surface (4) lies or lie in the field of view (9) of the detector (5), the detector (5) and the calculation unit (6) being able to calculate the precise position of the sensing element (3) from the detected part of the sensing surface (4).

Abstract: A standby control for a machine tool. The standby control is operable for regulating the energy consumption of one or more energy-consuming components of the machine tool during nonoperation of the machine tool. The standby control includes a controller operable to individually activate or deactivate energy-consuming components according to a predeterminable input value in order that a temperature of at least one of the individual components or a temperature of the machine tool is influenced during nonoperation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A crash prevention device for a machine tool for preventing the collision of a moving part of the machine tool with other machine tool parts or with a workpiece in a working area of the machine tool includes an isolation mechanism that electrically isolates the moving part from the other machine tool parts or the workpiece. The device includes a detection system with a high voltage generator having a first positive connector electrically connected to the moving part and a negative connector electrically connected to the workpiece or to the other machine tool parts. The high voltage generator generates DC, AC, or pulsating voltage. The detection system includes a discharge detection device that detects an electrical discharge between the moving part and the workpiece or between the moving part and the other machine tool parts, then sends a signal to stop or adapt further relative movement of the moving part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chatter database system, which includes a central chatter database, which is fed with data corresponding to the machining and chatter conditions of machining tools, particularly a milling, turning, drilling or boring machine. The invention is characterized by the features that the data fed to the central chatter database is obtained and collected from at least two individual machining tools included in the chatter database system. The data is sent to the central chatter database via a data connection, preferably via a secured network, to generate chatter stability maps based on real encountered conditions.

Abstract: A machine for machining a work piece with at least one revolving or rotating tool, having a ball screw, which is pivoted by a fix and a floating bearing whereas the machine has a device for measuring the length of the extension of the ball screw. Furthermore, a method is provided for measuring and compensation a thermal displacement comprising the steps of: detecting the length U of the axis of the ball screw, detecting the length I2 of the axis of the ball screw, calculating the difference ?l of the length I1 extended axis and the reference length I2 of the axis and compensating the difference value to the correct value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are presented for finding positional relationships and geometrical changes of at least one rotating part attached to or forming part of a machine when the part is in a rotating mode. In the apparatus and method, geometrical changes of the part caused by its state of production and use, determine any locations on the rotating part which exhibit contaminants, and subsequently remove or compensate effects of such contaminants present on the rotating part.

Abstract: A CNC machine, or CNC machining centre, for the automated and computer-controlled production or machining of components. The CNC machine does not have any operator module attached to it, or any operator module connected to it, that remains permanently connected to the CNC machine during the operation of the CNC machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for finding to find positional relationships and geometrical changes of at least one rotating part attached to or forming part of a machine when said part is in a rotating mode, said changes of the part caused by its state of production and use, to determine any locations on said rotating part which exhibit contaminants, and to subsequently remove or compensate effects of such contaminants present on the rotating part.