Abstract: A machine for producing a three dimensional joint replacement article and which exhibits a three dimensional shaped body incorporating a scanner component for at least receiving a digitized input corresponding to a set of dimensions associated with a replacement article to be produced. Incorporated in die machine is a numerical control guided machining subassembly in communication with at least one material blank corresponding to an article to be produced. Material shavings are vacuum removed and collected for disposal and, following CNC machining, the finished part is deposited into a cavity accessed by a retrieval door for removal.

Abstract: A milling head for thread whirling, the milling head includes a plurality of cutting elements evenly disposed around a center hole, each cutting element in the plurality of cutting elements includes at least two cutting surfaces formed thereon. Any one of the at least two cutting surfaces is selectable to extend within the center hole for contacting a work-piece. Each cutting element in the plurality of cutting elements is disposed in a recess formed in a face of the milling head, with each recess defining at least two walls. Each of the at least two walls contacts a side of the cutting element to align the cutting element in a predetermined relationship with respect to the milling head. In one embodiment, the plurality of cutting elements include first and second sets of cutting elements. The first set of cutting elements is evenly disposed around the center hole and contact the work-piece to produce a thread form on the work-piece.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed in apparatus for copy-machining a workpiece from a master model, the apparatus being moved along the workpiece by a feed mechanism in response to the scanning of the master model. The improvement comprises a first tool and a second tool mounted on the feed mechanism, a pivot arm for supporting the second tool for movement relative to the first tool in the direction of movement along said workpiece, and means for locking said pivot arm and second tool at a desired position, said first and second tools engaging the workpiece in staggered relationship to one another, with reference to the direction of movement along said workpiece, wherein the relative positions of said first and second tools are adjustable by movement of the second tool in response to movement of the pivot arm and locking the pivot arm and second tool at the desired position. Apparatus is also disclosed wherein the pivot arm is situated substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement along said workpiece.

Abstract: Known machines for milling a crankshaft comprise a longitudinal carriage movable in a first direction, a tool carriage movable on the longitudinal carriage for reciprocation relative thereto in a direction transverse to the first direction, a cutter head mounted on the tool carriage for rotation and having a cutting tool with inwardly directed cutting edge extending along a cutting circle and a chuck supporting a workpiece for rotation about the same axis as the cutter head and surrounded by the cutting circle.