Abstract: Structures that implement three-dimensional (3D) conductive material (e.g., copper) in printed circuit boards (PCBs) are disclosed. 3D (three-dimensional) conductive material may include trenches and/or buried vias that are filled with conductive material in the PCBs. Trenches may be formed in build-up layers of a PCB by overlapping multiple laser drilled vias. The trenches may be filled with conductive material using electroplating process(es). Buried vias may be formed through the core layers of the PCB by mechanical drilling. The buried via may be filled with solid conductive material using a combination of electroless plating and electrolytic plating of conductive material. Various PCB structures are disclosed that implement combinations of these trenches and/or these buried vias filled with conductive material.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a first motor that receives load fluctuation when the workpiece is processed and a second motor that operates to change the plural kinds of tools. An information processing device takes out the current of the first motor measured by the first current sensor for each signal that occurs at the changing operation of the plural kinds of tools and is measured by the second current sensor, and relatively compares a non-negative function value that has a current value at each taken-out segment as a parameter for each number of times of processing on the workpiece, thereby detecting a tool abnormality for each kind of the tool.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a programmable motion device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of perceiving identifying indicia representative of an identity of a plurality of objects and directing the plurality of objects toward an input area from at least one input conveyance system, acquiring an object from the plurality of objects at the input area using an end effector of the programmable motion device, and moving the acquired object toward an identified processing location using the programmable motion device. The identified processing location is associated with the identifying indicia and the identified processing location is provided as one of a plurality of processing locations along a first direction. The step of moving the acquired object includes moving the programmable motion device along a second direction that is substantially parallel with the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer program for determining a chamfer property of a workpiece chamfer are provided. The method includes generating measurement points along at least a first measuring path, the first measuring path running over a first chamfer edge, determining at least one unadapted compensating element for the measurement points of the first measuring path, and determining a spatial position of the first chamfer edge depending on a deviation between the measurement points of the first measuring path and the at least one unadapted compensating element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray inspection system may nondestructively inspect a printed circuit board to measure a number of dimensions at a number of pre-determined locations of the printed circuit board. The X-ray inspection system may generate a data set for the printed circuit board based on the measured dimensions. The X-ray inspection system may calculate one or more drilling values based on the data set of the printed circuit board. The X-ray inspection system may provide, to a drilling machine, instructions for drilling a number of plated-through vias based on the calculated drilling values for the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Provided is an optical module assembly device, including: a fixing member for fixing an optical member to be assembled, a power supply component for supplying power to the optical member to be assembled, and an alignment mechanism for placing a lens to be assembled at the specified position; a beam splitting prism with an in-light surface close to the optical member to be assembled, a first image acquisition device close to a first out-light surface of the beam splitting prism and coaxial with the first out-light surface, and a second image acquisition device close to a second out-light surface of the beam splitting prism and coaxial with the second out-light surface; and a controller configured to control the alignment mechanism to adjust a position of the lens to be assembled according to the images captured by the first image acquisition device and the second image acquisition device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and methods for utilizing visual constraint guides to automatically transform digital design objects within a digital document based on transformation of intersecting visual constraint guides. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems generate visual constraint guides and identifies digital design objects intersecting the visual constraint guides. Further, the disclosed systems can receive user input transforming the visual constraint guide. In response, the disclosed systems can transform both the visual constraint guide and associated digital design objects based on the received transformation. More specifically, the design guide system can transform the digital design objects relative to the visual constraint guide while maintaining distribution and alignment constraints of the digital design objects relative to the visual constraint guide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a multiple-inlet turbine casing (16) for a turbine rotor (60) which comprises a first fluid supply channel (70) configured to direct a first working fluid onto the turbine rotor (60) and a second fluid supply channel (74) configured to direct a second working fluid to impart torque on the turbine rotor (60) in the same direction as the direction in which torque is imparted on the turbine rotor (60) by the first working fluid. The first working fluid is an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and the second fluid may be steam and the turbine may be an inverted-Brayton-cycle turbine for recovery of waste energy from the exhaust gas of said internal combustion engine. Thus, the number of turbine rotors is reduced in comparison to a system comprising a single turbine for each distinct working fluid.

Abstract: A circuit system and a method of analyzing audio or video input data that is capable of detecting, classifying, and post-processing patterns in an input data stream. The circuit system may consist of one or more digital processors, one or more configurable spiking neural network circuits, and digital logic for the selection of two-dimensional input data. The system may use the neural network circuits for detecting and classifying patterns and one or more the digital processors to perform further detailed analyses on the input data and for signaling the result of an analysis to outputs of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a three-dimensional perception and object manipulation robot gripper configured for connection to and operation in conjunction with a robot arm. In some embodiments, the gripper comprises a palm, a plurality of motors or actuators operably connected to the palm, a mechanical manipulation system operably connected to the palm, a plurality of fingers operably connected to the motors or actuators and configured to manipulate one or more objects located within a workspace or target volume that can be accessed by the fingers. A depth camera system is also operably connected to the palm.

Abstract: An object is to read the information of a feature shape included in a machining program so as to calculate a control command suitable for machining processing on the feature shape. A numerical controller (300) includes: a feature detection unit (302) which detects the feature of a machined shape from a machining program that commands the movement of a tool or a workpiece; an inward-turning amount calculation unit (303) which calculates, based on a servo parameter of a servo controller (400) that drives the tool or the workpiece, the feature of the machined shape detected from the machining program and a machining requirement that specifies a machining condition, a relation formula that determines the inward-turning amount of a machining path with respect to a program path; and a feedrate determination unit (304) which determines a feedrate that is optimized with the relation formula.

Abstract: This robot controller causes a robot to follow a target, while a transfer device moves the target, by using a detection result obtained by a movement-amount detecting device that detects the amount by which the transfer device moves the target. When the value of any one of the speed, the acceleration, and the jerk of the target calculated based on the detection result obtained by the movement-amount detecting device or the pattern of the speed, the acceleration, and the jerk deviates from the predetermined reference, the robot controller performs predetermined reporting or stops the robot.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a tool that machines a workpiece while being contact with the workpiece, a state-quantity-data acquisition unit that acquires state quantity data of the workpiece and of the tool, a state-quantity-estimation-data calculation unit that calculates state quantity estimation data from a simulation model including a device dynamic characteristic model indicating a dynamic characteristic of the tool and a workpiece model indicating a target shape of the workpiece, and a machining-state calculation unit that calculates machining state data indicating a machining state of the workpiece based on the state quantity data and the state quantity estimation data.

Abstract: A laser system includes a first cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a beam splitter removably located at a first position on the second path, a beam combiner removably located at a second position on the second path, and an alignment device having first and second alignment features. The first and second alignment features occupy the first position and the second position, respectively, on the second path, when the beam splitter and the beam combiner are removed from the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A program correction device is configured to generate a plurality of machining paths obtained by smoothing each of cutting paths; select a reference path serving as a reference from among the plurality of machining paths; set a plane reference point on the reference path; calculate an intersection point between the plurality of machining paths and a plane passing through the plane reference point and being perpendicular to the reference path at the plane reference point, perform a smoothing processing based on the calculated intersection point and the plane reference point, and calculate a point on an obtained curved line as a correction command point of the plurality of machining paths; and generate a post-correction machining program obtained by inserting the correction command point in the machining program.

Abstract: A robot system includes a conveyor, a robot, a speed calculation circuit, and a robot control circuit. The conveyor is configured to convey a workpiece at a conveyance speed. The robot is configured to work on the workpiece while the workpiece is conveyed by the conveyor. The speed calculation circuit is configured to calculate the conveyance speed. The robot control circuit is configured to control a working speed of the robot according to the conveyance speed calculated by the speed calculation circuit.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant (1) includes a plurality of mutually uniform modular manufacturing stations (2) which are arranged in a station matrix (5) and are interlinked for conveying by a conveyor device (16) and a path network (17). The manufacturing stations (2) are modular and include a plurality of integrated manufacturing cells (7,8) and each has its own process area (9).

Abstract: A tool-path correcting apparatus includes a cut-point calculating unit that calculates, on the basis of tool path data, tool data, and shape data, cut point information, which is information concerning cut points by a tool on a machining curved surface of a machining shape at the time when the tool is disposed at command points described in the tool path data, a correction-command-point extracting unit that extracts, on the basis of the tool path data and the cut point information, correction command points, which are command points that should be corrected, from command points described in the tool path data, a command-point-correcting-direction determining unit that determines, on the basis of the correction command points, command point correcting directions, which are directions in which the correction command points should be corrected, and a tool-path-data correcting unit that corrects the tool path data.

Abstract: A Web-based system and method creates one or more qualitatively distinct process plans for machining a part. The surfaces of the part are modeled and parameters for a plurality of CNC machining tools are obtained, including the orientations along which the tool cuts away raw material. A maximal set of translations for each tool is also obtained, where each translation includes a collision-free orientation of the tool and a maximal machinable volume of material removable from the part in that orientation. A search engine navigates through a hierarchically-structured search space that starts at an initial state and transitions to successive states based on actions that satisfy a cost constraint function. Each state and each action includes a tool, orientation of the tool, and a maximal machinable volume. The search ends when a goal condition is satisfied. The actions constitute the process plan.

Abstract: A detection device, detection method, and compensation method for tool wear, applied to a machine tool including a spindle connected to a tool. A first parameter set including a first cutting depth having a zero cutting depth is set, and the machine tool performs a cutting procedure with the first parameter set to record a first loading rate of the spindle. A second parameter set including a second cutting depth having a non-zero cutting depth is set, and the machine tool performs the cutting procedure with the second parameter set to record a second loading rate of the spindle. A processing device calculates an estimated cutting force according to the loading rates and a machine performance database. A fuzzy logic unit outputs a wear level according to a tool wear database and the estimated cutting force. The machine tool adjusts a cutting locus according to the wear level.

Abstract: Machining methods for machine tools where a workpiece can be manually moved by an operator or by automatic operation. A drawing file is displayed on a screen and machining is performed. An evaluation is performed to determine if the processed points of the workpiece match the desired processing coordinates within a tolerance range. Accordingly, the system is selectively activated to prevent processing at incorrect processing points or deviating from the tolerance range of the desired processing points. Processing yield rate is improved and all processing points are monitored by the system and displayed on a drawing file screen.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system for measuring or monitoring the voltage between a plasma torch and the material being cut to determine a voltage or voltage signature and comparing that measurement against predetermined values to indicate that an initial pierce of the material is complete, and based on the measurement, moving the torch or the material to a different location for additional cutting. The system further provides a Fix Drawing Tool, which will automatically detect and fix gaps or overlaps in a drawing that are very difficult to find visually. These gaps and overlaps become a problem when trying to make a proper toolpath because a CAM program requires a clean, closed shape. The system also provides a Dynamic Corner Looping system, which automatically adjusts with the feed-rate and accelerations of the toolpath and plasma machine, eliminates unwanted dross, sharpens corners and minimizes material loss. A pendant tethering system is also disclosed for managing control of a CNC machine remotely.

Abstract: A correcting apparatus includes: a detecting pin; a microcomputer configured or programmed to acquire a first coordinate value indicative of a first coordinate of a detection point, and a first height, and to acquire a second coordinate value indicative of a second coordinate of the detection point, and a second height; to rotate the detecting pin by 180 degrees, and to acquire, with the detecting pin rotated by 180 degrees, a third coordinate value indicative of a third coordinate of the detection point, and a fourth coordinate value indicative of a fourth coordinate of the detection point; to generate, in accordance with the values acquired, a first linear equation including a third height as a variable; and to correct a fifth coordinate value indicative of a coordinate of a measurement point using the first linear equation.

Abstract: A band saw machine includes a working platform, a cutting machine, a vertical displacement element causing the cutting machine to move vertically, a height sensor and a central processor. The working platform includes a reference plane for placing a workpiece. The cutting machine includes a driving wheel, a driven wheel, a band saw wound on the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and a motor that electrically drives the driving wheel. The band saw includes a starting cutting tooth and a processing cutting tooth sequentially arranged. The height sensor detects a starting cutting point of the workpiece farthest from the reference plane. The central processor receives information of a position of the starting cutting point, and controls a displacement speed of the vertical displacement element and a first rotational speed of the motor to cause the starting cutting tooth to first cut at the starting cutting point.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of an object in a machine tool includes a camera configured to provide an image of the object and an object carrier to which the object is connected and whose position within the machine tool is known. A first processing unit is configured to identify a position of the object relative to the camera based on geometric features of the object which are obtained from the image. A second processing unit is configured to identify a position of the object carrier relative to the camera based on geometric features of the object carrier which are obtained from the image. A third processing unit is configured to determine a position of the object relative to the object carrier from the identified positions of the object and the object carrier relative to the camera.

Abstract: A method for machining a metallic member to provide a finished appearance, the method uses a lathe and a scraping process. A metallic member includes a top portion and a peripheral sidewall, is positioned on the worktable. The worktable is rotated with the metallic member, the lathe tool reciprocates to machine the top portion of the rotary metallic member circumferentially. The lathe tool is moved along a predetermined path relative to the worktable by the moving device to machine curved surfaces of the top portion of the metallic member. The scraping cutter is moved to contact the peripheral sidewall of the metallic member. The scraping cutter is moved along a predetermined path, and the scraping cutter is fed the metallic member to achieve the required shape and finish.

Abstract: In a production accuracy verification method to verify a production program installed in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, wherein the production program is used to produce a product, coordinates of points on an ideal processing path of the production program are obtained to fit a first curve. A CAD model of the product is obtained, and outlines of the product are extracted in the CAD model. A normal vector of each of the outlines is computed and to be adjusted, making the normal vectors of the outlines pointing to a same direction. First distances between points in the first curve and corresponding points in the second curve are computed, and whether the production program is accurate can be determined by comparing whether each of the first distances is within a first predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: Exemplary inventive practice provides for evaluation of a substantially cylindrical object in terms of its conformity to dimensional tolerance standards designated for that object, such as involving runout tolerancing or profile tolerancing. Distances to the curved axial-longitudinal surface of the object are measured by sensors (e.g., linear variable differential transformers) at various axial-rotational orientations of the object. A computer converts the sensory measurements (e.g., represented as voltage signals) to linear measurements (e.g., defined in inches or centimeters), compares the linear measurements to pertinent dimensional tolerance standards stored in memory, and renders a “pass-or-fail” decision regarding acceptability of the object. Failure of the object is implied by nonconformity in any respect of its linear measurements to its dimensional tolerance standards.

Abstract: The invention discloses a computer-aided numerical control method and system, and changed the computer numerical control (CNC) to the computer-aided numerical control (CANC). Based on discrete geometry and discrete kinematics, the invention is constructed a technical solution of a related data flow file, it is completely solved the optimization of discrete position information and the axis smoothness. The invention is used to manufacture digital control information. Through the three-dimensional graphical interface, therefore completely achieved the software implementation for R&D of CNC technologies and reconfiguration of CNC systems, and is created an open platform for R&D of CNC technologies and CNC systems. The related data flow file, as a computer program product, will be commercializing digital control information, and then will be expediting a new industry namely digital control information manufacture industry.

Abstract: A method for designating and/or controlling a manipulator process for a manipulator configuration having at least one manipulator, in particular, an industrial robot, wherein the manipulator process includes a given oriented manipulator path for the manipulator configuration. The method includes designating or executing at least one action by the manipulator configuration, in particular, differently, in response to a reverse movement running counter to the oriented manipulator path, and/or a return movement running in the same direction as the oriented manipulator path.

Abstract: According to exemplary inventive practice, a cylindrical object is secured by a rotatable mechanism. Via a motor controller and corresponding motor actuators, a computer exercises motional control as follows: (i) rotation of the rotatable mechanism, and hence of the cylindrical object, about the cylindrical axis; (ii) linear movement of a positionally adjustable LVDT along the cylindrical axis; and, (iii) linear movement of the positionally adjustable LVDT perpendicular to the cylindrical axis. The computer varies the rotational position of the cylindrical axis, varies the Cartesian planar/spatial position of the positionally adjustable LVDT, and receives measurements taken by the positionally adjustable LVDT under these varying conditions. Based on the measuremental input, the computer evaluates the surface profile of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer flexible circuit comprises providing first and second flexible substrates, each comprising a conductor layer and an insulator layer. The conductor layer of the first substrate is a patterned conductor layer. The first and second substrates are laminated together using a double belt press through which the substrates move in a continuous process. The method may include patterning the conductor layer of the first substrate and/or the conductor layer of the second substrate using an etching method that includes exposing a dry film resist on the conductor layer to a pattern by carrying out a plurality of exposures of adjacent and/or overlapping areas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical element including: a surface including a plurality of grooves arranged concentrically. Each of the grooves includes a bottom surface with a predetermined width, a side surface, and a curved surface with a predetermined curvature radius. The bottom surface extends in a radius direction of the grooves. The curved surface connects the bottom surface and the side surface.

Abstract: A cutting distance calculating device for a multi-axis working machine acquires axis positions at calculation times for at least three linear axes and two rotation axes of a multi-axis working machine and calculates the position of a tool tip point on the basis of the acquired axis positions. This device accumulates moving distances (cutting distances) of the tool tip points from the calculated position of the tool tip point to thereby calculate a cutting distance and predicts tool wear and tool life on the basis of the calculated cutting distance.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting metal, comprising: an understructure, rails (8), a driving trolley (2), a driven trolley (3), a cross beam (1), a transverse driving device (4), a hoisting device (6), a tow chain (9), a rail cleaning device (11), a torch support (10) and a software control system. The rails (8) with a circular cross section are parallel mounted on the understructure, and the driving trolley (2) and the driven trolley (3) move synchronously on the rails (8). An automatic longitudinal adjusting device (7) is provided at the driving trolley (2) and at one end of the drawn cross beam (1), and the driven trolley (3) is rigidly connected to the other end of the cross beam (1). Longitudinal driving devices (5) are installed symmetrically at the lower parts of the driving trolley (2) and the driven trolley (3). The longitudinal driving devices (5) comprise rack and pinion and guiding mechanisms for adjusting the distance between the rack and the gear by elastically sliding.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus that controls a machine tool including a plurality of linear axes and rotation axes, and controls a relative tool posture with respect to work on a table includes a program reading unit that sequentially reads a tool posture with respect to the work from a machining program, a determining unit that determines whether the read tool posture is within a predetermined tool posture range, a tool-posture control unit that determines control content of the tool posture according to the determination by the determining unit, and an interpolation/acceleration and deceleration processing unit that controls the linear and rotation axes according to the control content of the tool posture. When the read tool posture is within the predetermined range, the tool-posture control unit determines rotation axis angles of the rotation axes such that a change of tool posture from the last tool posture is limited.

Abstract: A position correcting system, method and tool for guiding a tool during its use based on its location relative to the material being worked on. Provided is a system and tool which uses its auto correcting technology to precisely rout or cut material. The invention provides a camera which is used to track the visual features of the surface of the material being cut to build a map and locate an image on that map used to reference the location of the tool for auto-correction of the cutting path.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of visually and accurately analyzing a change of the tool trajectory before and after changing a processing condition, whereby a parameter of a drive axis can be properly adjusted. The numerical controller comprises a numeric controlling part which controls each drive axis based on a predetermined position command; a position data obtaining part which obtains position data of each drive axis controlled by the numerical controlling part; a tool coordinate calculating part which calculates a coordinate of a tool center point based on position feedback or obtained position data of each drive axis and information of a mechanical structure of a machine tool; a tool trajectory storing part which stores the calculated coordinate of the tool center point as a feedback trajectory; and a displaying part which displays the stored feedback trajectory on a display.

Abstract: Methods and devices for milling a channel-shaped cavity by a five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine by selecting a workpiece to be machined, determining cutting tool flow along the channel-shaped cavity, determining cutting tool in-depth penetration, determining a trochoid path, and determining auxiliary movements.

Abstract: In connection with a machining program used in machining a workpiece by means of a machine tool controlled by a numerical controller, interpolation data, a command position point sequence, and a servo position point sequence for each processing period are determined by simulation by designating speed data for giving a machining speed and precision data for giving a machining precision. A predicted machining time for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined interpolation data, and a predicted machining error for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined command and servo position point sequences. Further, the precision data and the speed data are determined for the shortest predicted machining time within a preset machining error tolerance, based on a plurality of predicted machining times and a plurality of predicted machining errors.

Abstract: A machine vision inspection system comprises an optical portion providing an image of a field of view of a workpiece which may be a magnified image. A first camera and a second camera provide first and second images of a shared or common field of view of the workpiece and are arranged such that the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the first camera is rotated relative to the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the second camera. Signal processing provides an edge measurement of an edge feature within the common field of view and determines which of the first and second images is used as a basis for the edge measurement based on whether their respective edge orientation (with respect to the pixel array of each camera) differs from the pixel array orientation of their associated camera by an orientation difference threshold amount.

Abstract: A robotic processing system includes a microprocessor-controlled workpiece processor having a mobile processing element to be positioned independently in three orthogonal dimensions with respect to each of a plurality of target locations on a workpiece, with each particular target location of the plurality of target locations including an element to be processed, the mobile processing element processing the element at each particular target location by first moving to an initial location that is offset from the particular target location in a single dimension and then second moving along the single dimension towards the element at the particular target location until a contact signal is detected; and a control, coupled to the workpiece and to the mobile processing element, communicating the contact signal to the workpiece processor when the processing element makes physical contact with the element at the particular target location.

Abstract: A machining program creating apparatus includes a tool-route generating unit sequentially executing, concerning each line segment, processing for setting an end point of a set tool route as an endpoint of interest and setting a line segment connected to the endpoint of interest as a next tool route and an NC-machining-program-creation processing unit creating the NC machining program. When a line segment not set as a tool route yet is present among line segments connected to the endpoint of interest, the tool-route generating unit sets the line segment not set as a tool route as a next tool route, and, otherwise, the tool route generating unit sets a line segment already set as a tool route as a tool route again between the endpoint of interest and an endpoint forming a line segment not set as a tool route yet.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments may provide an apparatus comprising a vision system, a drilling tool, and a system controller. The vision system may be configured to generate data about a number of laser signatures on a surface of a workpiece. The drilling tool may be configured to drill a number of holes in the surface of the workpiece. The system controller may be configured to generate drilling instructions for the drilling tool using the data generated by the vision system.

Abstract: A numeric controller is provided with a three-dimensional model storage which stores a three-dimensional model of at least one of a workpiece and a jig; a three-dimensional measuring unit which integrally measures shapes of the workpiece and the jig fixed to the machine tool; and a shape processor generating an integrally measured model based on the measured data, in which the workpiece and the jig being integrally recognized, measured by the three-dimensional measuring unit, and further generating, regarding at least one of the workpiece and the jig, an individually measured model in which the workpiece or the jig is individually measured based on the generated integrally measured model and the three-dimensional model of the workpiece or the jig.

Abstract: In a numerical control device, with respect to an intervening variable within a posture adjustment interval, the transfer command derivation unit obtains a position coordinate of a tip point on a tip path corresponding to the intervening variable and a position coordinate of a midair point on a midair path corresponding to the intervening variable, adjusts the obtained position coordinate of the midair point so that a variation in a direction of a projection tool axis vector becomes more gradual, and obtains a tool axis vector extending from the obtained tip point to the adjusted midair point, while with respect to an intervening variable outside of the posture adjustment interval, the transfer command derivation unit obtains a position coordinate of the tip point corresponding to the intervening variable and a tool axis vector extending from the tip point toward the midair point corresponding to the intervening variable.

Abstract: A shaping machine system including a shaping device and a computer is provided. The shaping device includes at least one jig mount body configured for mounting a jig; a shaping tool support body configured for supporting a shaping tool; a first drive device configured for rotating the shaping tool; and a second drive device configured for driving the shaping tool support body or the at least one jig mount body or changing a posture of the shaping tool relative to the workpiece. The computer is configured for controlling the first and second drive devices according to predetermined shaping data. The computer includes a jig position measuring unit configured for measuring a position of the jig; a position error detecting unit configured for detecting a position error of the jig, and a shaping data correcting unit configured for correcting the predetermined shaping data according to a jig position error.

Abstract: An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.

Abstract: Four basic measurements are performed when calibrating a spherical measurement probe fastened to a tool spindle having a fixed longitudinal position along the spindle axis. Moving the measurement probe transversely towards the calibration sphere yields a basic position of the tool spindle relative to an element with an attached calibration sphere, when measurement probe touches the calibration sphere. The measurement probe is rotated about the spindle axis from one basic measurement to the next by the same angle, whereas the orientation of the calibration sphere is maintained for all four basic measurements. Based on the basic positions, a reference position of the tool spindle relative to the element, at which the tool spindle is located above the calibration sphere and the spindle axis goes through a central point of the calibration sphere, is determined and taken into account in further calibration of the measurement probe.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills at a multiplicity of target locations on a component. Two robots, calibrated with calibration data, move the component in a 6-D coordinate system. A metrology system ascertains the position of the component relative to the drilling machine. The movement of the robots is effected by commands generated by off-line programming. The component is moved relative to the drilling machine to a target position, ready for drilling, by a closed-loop process in which the differences in position between the expected position (the target position) and the actual position (as viewed by the metrology system) are corrected.