Abstract: A machine tool includes a displacement measuring unit to measure the displacement of a workpiece center-to-blade tip distance which is the distance between a center equivalent position of a workpiece support surface of a workpiece support unit and a blade tip equivalent position of a tool support unit in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a spindle axis. The displacement measuring unit measures the displacement by measuring the displacement of a continuous path between the center equivalent position of the workpiece support unit and the blade tip equivalent position and excluding a processing movement region. The displacement measuring unit includes workpiece side and tool side linear position detecting units. A measured value of the displacement measuring unit is used in correcting an X-axis command value.

Abstract: In a method for processing a workpiece in a tool machine, a first step (Step S4) for continuously measuring a position of a tip portion of a tool attached to a main axis, a second step (Step S5) for computing a displacement amount of the position of the tip point of the tool based on a result of the measurement, a third step (Step S8) for observing a time period while the displace amount is belonged in arrange of allowable displace amount previously determined, a fourth step (Step S9) for keeping an idling operation in case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount is shorter than a time period previously determined and intermitting the idling operation in the case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount become the time period previously determined and a fifth step (Step S10) for starting a process with respect to the workpiece in the case that the idling operation is finished are

Abstract: A cutting tool adjustment system comprising a body in the form of a cartridge (10) adjustably carrying a cutting tool (10a), adjustment means (17; 23; 29; 39) mechanically adjustably engageable with the body for positionally adjusting a cutting edge of the cutting tool (10a), and means (19, 20; 30, 31; 34, 35) electronically engageable with the body aid including power supply means for powering display means (21; 28; 36) for indicating the adjustment of the cutting edge position.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a milling tool for micro-structuring a substrate relative to a machining head, the machining head including a tool holder securing the milling tool, includes placing the milling tool against a reference surface of the substrate, opening the tool holder to enable an axial mobility of the milling tool relative to the machining head, and moving the machining head relative to the reference surface until a predetermined distance between the machining head and the reference surface is reached.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of processing surface profile measurements includes obtaining a calibration image, the calibration image including one or more surface profile measurements at one or more discrete points on a surface, performing calibration processing on the surface profile measurements, performing data processing on the surface profile measurements, and providing data output based upon the calibration processing and the data processing.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for centrally tightening rotatingly drivable parts. The device comprises at least three units for clamping and adjusting a part, wherein at least two of the units comprise an actuator allowing controlled adjustment in radial direction according to a control value. A measuring device is provided to detect deviations of the part from concentricity with respect to a rotary drive axis. A computer is used for controlling the actuators to effect concentricity of the part, the computer being responsive to deviations from concentricity detected by said measuring device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alignment tool. A body of the alignment tool fits into a turret block, while a head holds a machine-tool. During the alignment process, the head and body are allowed to move relative to one another in two dimensions perpendicular to an axis of rotation of a spindle. To align the alignment tool, a workpiece is inserted into the spindle. As the workpiece spins, a machine-tool cuts a taper in it. An “empty” alignment tool is brought to bear against the tapered workpiece. The axis of the head of the empty alignment tool, and thus the axis of any machine-tool held by the head, is aligned with the axis of the tapered workpiece and, thus, with the axis of the spindle. Once the machine-tool is aligned with the spindle, the head and body are tightly fastened together to preserve the alignment.

Abstract: In the method, a tool is tested for an aligning fit or an imbalance in a tool spindle. The tool spindle is set into rotation. A light beam is used to check whether the tool wobbles. The tool spindle and the light beam are moved relative to one another until the light beam impinges on the area covered by the wobbling movement and a received signal generated from the light beam has an intermittent signal path for the first time. The then prevailing relative position between the tool spindle and the light beam is evaluated in respect of a non-aligning fit of the tool or in respect of a tool imbalance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A method of measuring the position of the cutting edge of a tool T mounted to a spindle 14 of an NC machine tool includes steps of measuring the dimension of the center of an end surface of the spindle 14 relative a reference position in a machine coordinate system of the machine tool in the axial directions of the X-, Y- and Z-axes, measuring the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14 relative to the center of the end surface of the spindle 14 in the axial directions of the X-, Y- and Z-axes, obtaining the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14 relative to the reference position in the machine coordinate system through a calculation on the basis of the relative dimensions of the center of the end surface of the spindle 14 in the machine coordinate system and the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14.

Abstract: A presetting device is proposed for a tool holder (1) which holds the shank (23) of a rotary tool (3) in an interference fit in a locating opening (5) and releases said shank (23) during heating, in particular by means of an induction heating arrangement (7), and which has inside the locating opening (5) an axially adjustable positioning stop surface (21) for the tool shank (23). The presetting device comprises a holder receptacle (11), which holds the tool holder (1) in an axial position and has an opposing reference surface (25), and means (43) for measuring the axial overall length of the rotary tool (3). The presetting device also comprises a measuring device (27) which measures the axial distance between the positioning stop surface (21) of the tool holder (1) and the opposing reference surface (25) of the holder receptacle (11) and has a measured-value indicator (55), the indicated distance value of which can be increased by the measured value of the overall length of the rotary tool (3).

Abstract: A boring tool head has a movable element which can be moved by means of an adjuster relative to a centerline. Attached to the movable element is a cutting tool which moves with the movable element. A hole which is slightly smaller in size than the desired hole is first bored with the boring tool head and its size precisely measured. The fitting of the invention is then clamped onto the boring tool head by means of a clamping lever. The fitting has a position sensor which abuts against the movable element of the boring tool head, an indicator being attached to the sensor which provides an indication of the sensor's lateral position. The indicator is set to zero and the boring tool head adjuster set to bring the movable element of the boring tool head, as indicated on the indicator, to the desired position for increasing the size of the initially bored hole to the desired precise dimension.

Abstract: A method of measuring the position of the cutting edge of a tool T mounted to a spindle 14 of an NC machine tool includes steps of measuring the dimension of the center of an end surface of the spindle 14 relative a reference position in a machine coordinate system of the machine tool in the axial directions of the X-, Y- and Z-axes, measuring the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14 relative to the center of the end surface of the spindle 14 in the axial directions of the X-, Y- and Z-axes, obtaining the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14 relative to the reference position in the machine coordinate system through a calculation on the basis of the relative dimensions of the center of the end surface of the spindle 14 in the machine coordinate system and the dimensions of the position of the cutting edge of the tool T mounted to the spindle 14.

Abstract: A boring tool head has a movable element which can be moved by means of an adjuster relative to a centerline. Attached to the movable element is a cutting tool which moves with the movable element. A hole which is slightly smaller in size than the desired hole is first bored with the boring tool head and its size precisely measured. The fitting of the invention is then clamped onto the boring tool head by means of a clamping lever. The fitting has a position sensor which abuts against the movable element of the boring tool head, an indicator being attached to the sensor which provides an indication of the sensor's lateral position. The indicator is set to zero and the boring tool head adjuster set to bring the movable element of the boring tool head, as indicated on the indicator, to the desired position for increasing the size of the initially bored hole to the desired precise dimension.

Abstract: A setback gauge for use with a router, a fence and a workpiece, the router having a base, an edge on the base for guiding the router, and a router bit extending out from said base for rotation about a router axis. The setback gauge comprises a substantially rectangular plate wherein the length of the rectangular plate defines a first setback distance and the width of the rectangular plate defines a second setback distance. The first setback distance is equal to the distance from the router axis to the edge of the base plus one-half of the cutting diameter of the router bit and defines the setback distance for cuts inside the cutting line. The second setback distance is equal to the distance from the router axis to the edge of the base less one-half of the cutting diameter of the router bit and defines the setback distance for cuts outside the cutting line. A set of setback gauges includes a plurality of identical pairs of setback gauges for use with various common router bit cutting diameters.

Abstract: In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.

Abstract: A single point adjustable triangular carbide cutting insert holder designed to clamp the cutting insert with maximum possibility for regrind or grinding for secondary operations. The insert holder is arranged for use in a milling machine and is collet-mounted by its shank. The jaw clamps can be removed for placement of the cutting insert between them, and are then refitted in the cavity where they are tightened by adjustment of a screw. As the screw is tightened, the jaw clamps are drawn further within the cavity, and are rigidly clamped against the cavity walls by frictional contact. When partially released, the jaws can be rotated within the cavity, enabling direct adjustment of the cutting insert rake and relief angle as desired. The cutting insert is seated between the jaw clamps on a seating cam mounted at an edge of the inner jaw face, such that the exposed portion of the cutting insert is a maximum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the positional adjustment of cutting tools for use on machine tools has a first block having a gauging surface mounted thereon and translationally and swivelly movable on a perpendicular shaft. A second block is coupled to the first block in such a manner that the two blocks move together translationally with the first block being free to swivel relative to the second block. The second block carries indicating means for indicating the amount of translational movement of the two blocks.

Abstract: The location of the point of a cutting tool with respect to a known reference on a rotatable tool turret is determined preferably with the tool extended in a direction 90.degree. displaced from the cutting position. A reference grid plate is secured in a calibrated position to the carriage on which the turret is mounted. The measuring position of the tool overhangs the grid plate, and an indicator detects the position of the tool point over the measuring grid.