Abstract: A method for compensating positional and/or shape deviations in NC-controlled cutting production machines. The method including the steps of securing a new workpiece, processing the workpiece using nominal data of the NC program, acquiring set deviation, optimizing the NC program using the acquired data and repeating the above steps until at least one of required positional and shape tolerances are achieved.

Abstract: A groove (Da) extending in a Y-axis direction of a workpiece (D) is finish machined with an offset tool (T) that has a cross-section with a shape (L3) offset in a reducing direction by only a predetermined offset amount relative to a finished shape (L1) of the groove (Da) and that rotates around an axis of rotation parallel to a Z axis. Each time an incising step in which the offset tool (T) is relatively moved within the X-Z plane only by a predetermined distance on the circumference of an imaginary circle (C) having an initial position as its center and the offset amount (o) as its radius is carried out, a cutting step in which the entire length of the groove (Da) is cut while relatively moving the offset tool (T) in the Y-axis direction is carried out repeatedly.

Abstract: The present invention is related to manufacturing surfaces with an axis decentered from the spindle axis. In particular, the present invention is related to compensating for tool geometry in cutting processes that involve an oscillating tool.

Abstract: A method for compensating for at least one of positional deviations and shape deviations in NC-controlled cutting production machines where the method includes the steps of securing a new workpiece, processing the workpiece using the nominal data of the NC program, acquiring the set deviation data, optimizing the NC program using the acquired data and repeating these steps until at least one of required positional and shape tolerances have been achieved.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dynamic path of a five-axis machine tool having a spindle and a turntable and has a preparing step, a correcting step and a detecting step. The preparing step includes mounting a detector on the spindle, mounting a cat-eye reflector on the turntable, emitting a laser light to the cat-eye reflector, reflecting the laser light to the detector and splitting into two light beams. One of the light beams is emitted to a four-quadrant position sensitive detector. The correcting step includes rotating the detector, detecting a signal of the laser light by the four-quadrant position sensitive detector to eliminate an offset between the detecting assembly and the spindle. The detecting step includes detecting the dynamic path of the five-axis machine tool by detecting the positions of at least two of the linear axes and at least one of the rotation axes of the five-axis machine tool.

Abstract: A method for conforming components may include a measuring operation and a modifying operation. The method may comprise measuring a first component using a conforming tool that includes a measuring member, and recording position data for the first component based on the measuring. A path for the conforming tool may be provided using the position data, and a second component may be modified with a modifying member by moving the same conforming tool based on the provided path. The measuring member may include a sleeve configured so as to surround the modifying member when measuring, and to be removed from the modifying member so as to allow the modifying operation.

Abstract: A measurement/correction system for use in machining an inclined slide core hole includes means for executing a measurement program which, after machining of an intermediate pocket hole in a mold surface, measures the position of the center of a rod hole in a seating surface of the intermediate pocket and the position of the seating surface of the intermediate pocket. Arithmetic means calculates the coordinates of an actual reference point of the rod hole from the measurements. Correction means compares the measured position of the reference point with the reference point previously set in a machining program, and, if there is an error, rewrites the coordinates of the reference point in the program to the measured coordinates. The corrected machining program is executed with the rewritten reference point in order to carry out machining of the core pocket while expanding the intermediate pocket.

Abstract: A tool compensation system for adjusting parameters of a tool includes a controller and a selecting module. The controller includes a storing module, an invoking module, and a compensation module. The storing module is configured for storing serial numbers and data tables of a first and a second tools. Each data table of the first and second tools includes a plurality of first dimensional parameters and a plurality of second dimensional parameters. The selecting module is capable of selecting a tool for machining by selecting the serial number of the tool. The invoking module is configured for invoking the second dimensional parameters according to the first dimensional parameters of a tool selected by the selecting module. The compensation module is configured for adjusting machining parameters of the selected tool according to the second dimensional parameters.

Abstract: A method for modifying a component may comprise measuring the component using a modifying tool, and recording position data for the component based on the measuring. A path for the modifying tool may be provided using the position data, and the component may be modified by moving the same modifying tool based on the provided path.

Abstract: A motor control system suppresses vibration of a machine base and achieves high-speed positioning without using a special sensor but using a model control system. A first feedback section outputs a first feedback command generated based on model machine base position information and containing at least position information on the machine base. A second feedback section outputs a second feedback command containing a filtered model torque command. A differential between the sum of the first feedback command and the second feedback command obtained by a second addition section and the model torque command is calculated to give the differential to an input portion of a model torque command low-pass filter and an input portion of a torque command low-pass filter.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of moving a tool end point position to an accurate position in a five-axis machining apparatus. Compensation amounts are set, which correspond to respective ones of a linear axis-dependent translational error, a rotary axis-dependent translational error, a linear axis-dependent rotational error, and a rotary axis-dependent rotational error, which are produced in the five-axis machining apparatus. A translational/rotational compensation amount ?3D is determined from these compensation amounts and added to a command linear axis position Pm. As the compensation amounts, there is used a corresponding one of six-dimensional lattice point compensation vectors, which are determined in advance as errors due to the use of a mechanical system and measured at lattice points of lattices into which the entire machine movable region is divided.

Abstract: A workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilizes a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronization signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronization signal was used. The synchronization signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.

Abstract: A method for compensating positional and/or shape deviations in NC-controlled cutting production machines The method including the steps of securing a new workpiece, processing the workpiece using nominal data of the NC program, acquiring set deviation, optimizing the NC program using the acquired data and repeating the above steps until at least one of required positional and shape tolerances are achieved.

Abstract: A position ensuring system includes an A-axis calibration system which measures a displacement angle, which is an error between a target value and a measured value of the pivot angle of the spindle head about the A-axis, and corrects the pivot angle about the A-axis in such a manner that the displacement angle as measured with the corrected pivot angle as a target value fall within a tolerable range. A corrected data storage device stores the corrected pivot angle about the A-axis. An A-axis control system reads out the corrected pivot angle about the A-axis, the corrected pivot angle about the A-axis to pivot the spindle head when executing oblique machining of the inclined hole.

Abstract: By coordinating the amount and course of the crowning of the tool and the diagonal ratio, a twist is created with a simple tool, and superimposed on the natural twist, thus resulting in the twist required for the work piece. Furthermore, an additional portion of the crowning is superimposed on the portion of the crowning of the work piece which is the result of the crowning of the tool during the machining in the diagonal method, thus resulting in the required crowning of the work piece, with the additional portion of the crowning being generated by changing the spacing between tool and work piece during the machining.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus that performs dual-position feedback control and thereby achieves a reduction in position error according to the purpose of machining.

Abstract: An ultra-precision machine tool capable of accurately detecting a machining start position, in which movable axes are supported by fluid bearings. A workpiece is mounted on a rotary table of a B axis, and the rotary table is mounted on an X axis that is a linear motion axis. A tool is mounted on a Y axis. The Y axis is mounted on a Z axis. The X axis is moved reciprocally each time the Z axis is moved a predetermined amount, a machining surface of the workpiece is scanned, and it is determined whether or not position deviation of the X, Y and B axes reaches or exceeds a reference value. The Y axis is driven and the tool is moved toward the workpiece a predetermined amount, and the above-described scan is performed.

Abstract: A triaxial tool unit includes three actuators 3, 4, 5 which operate in three-axis directions orthogonal to one another, a tool holder 7 provided at an intersection on axial lines in operating directions of the actuators 3, 4 and 5, and sensors 8, 9 and 10 which measure displacement amounts in the operating directions of the actuators 3, 4 and 5, and has a structure in which the sensors 8, 9 and 10 are disposed so that extension lines in respective sensing directions intersect with one another at one point.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for adjusting the relative position and/or relative movement between a workpiece and a tool of a machine tool in the direction of an axis. An actuating variable for a basic axis comprising one or more drives is generated in the first controller of a basic axis control system, an actuating variable for a higher-dynamic additional axis comprising a drive is generated in a second controller of an additional axis control system, and a third actuating variable, which is fed both to the additional axis control system and to the basic axis control system, is generated in a third controller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fitting a workpiece to geometric design data of a workpiece. Nominal data points are selected from the geometric design data. Command codes are created to generate measured data points. The measurement data points have associated nominal measurement points which are used to fit the workpiece to the geometric design data. The apparatus and method may also be used to determine whether a workpiece is within tolerance and for process control.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for quickly characterizing the profile of a surface of a processed workpiece using a non-contact scanner, such as a laser scanner, in preparation for subsequent machining. The method determines the location of a plurality of features of a processed workpiece on a machine tool, and includes steps of reading a first list of approximate feature locations, defining a scan path based on the first list, scanning a profile of the workpiece along the scan path and calculating an actual location of each feature of the plurality of features based on the profile. The system and method are well suited to determine the location of features such as holes in welder header boxes.

Abstract: A reference block 30 attached to a housing 20a is moved together with a main spindle 20 to a measurement start position A1, and the reference block 30 is so moved in a Z-axis direction as to across air injected from an air injection nozzle 25, so that a thermal displacement of the main spindle 20 is calculated based on change in pressure measured in the movement. The outer circumference of a tool mounted on the main spindle 20 is brought close to a leading end face of the air injection nozzle 25, and the air is injected to the outer circumference of the tool while rotating the tool at a predetermined position, and the air pressure is measured so that the rotational deflection of the tool is calculated based on the change in the measured pressure.

Abstract: A CNC machine tool deflection compensation system intergrated in a CNC machine tool Controller for providing continuous, accurate, real-time compensation for unintended and/or undesired axis coordinate deflections from a preprogrammed path of tool movement in a coordinate plane, so as to ensure that the tool remains on its programmed path irrespective of such deflections capable of continuously detecting, in real-time, the presence, magnitude an rate of change of such undesired deflections and simulataneoulsy genereating instrtuctions to initiate equal and opposite deflections at the same rate of change, thereby ensuring that the tool remains on its preprogrammed path irrespective of the inherently occuring undesired deflection and/or the precipitating causes(s) thereof. The algorithms empolyed provide for automatic gouge avoidance protection and/or relocation of the tool to safe positions when necessary.

Abstract: A method of self calibrating a positioning system, by positioning a reference device provided with reference markings at different calibration locations, and sensing the positions of the reference markings at each calibration location, is provided. The calibration parameters are selected such that differences in relative positions of the sensed locations, expressed in actual coordinates for different calibration locations are reduced or preferably minimized.

Abstract: In a two-step processing mode in which a cup for attaching a lens to a chuck axis is changed from a large diameter cup to a small diameter cup on the way of processing, a roughing path data computing unit for computing first roughing path data larger than the target lens shape data by a predetermined finishing margin, and second roughing path data having a radius vector larger by at least ?a than at least radius vector data of the large diameter cup; and a processing controller for roughing the peripheral edge of the lens based on the second roughing path data in response to a processing start signal, thereafter stopping the processing and further resuming the processing. The processing controller performs, when a processing resuming signal is inputted, processing control of either roughing and finishing, or finishing without roughing.

Abstract: A grinding method wherein the correlation between the amount of inertial grinding occurring in performing spark-out by a grinding unit and the maximum load current in a motor of the grinding unit is grasped, and a correction value for the amount of inertial grinding corresponding to the maximum load current is preliminarily obtained. When the wafer thickness measured by a thickness measuring gauge has reached the sum of a desired value and the correction value (=the amount of inertial grinding) corresponding to the maximum load current, the spark-out is started. Accordingly, the wafer thickness becomes the desired value after the inertial grinding in performing the spark-out.

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.

Abstract: In a displacement compensation control method and module for an object mounted movably on a driving rod unit and movable between first and second positions relative to the driving rod unit during processing, a detecting unit determines a displacement amount of a free end of the driving rod unit from a reference position in an axial direction of the driving rod unit as a result of thermal deformation of the driving rod unit during high-speed rotation. A control unit controls the driving rod unit to rotate based on the displacement amount so that the object moves between first and second compensation positions relative to the driving rod unit. A distance between the first position and the first compensation position, and a distance between the second position and the second compensation position are equal to the displacement amount.

Abstract: In a method for operating controlled machines, a motion of at least one movable machine element of the machine is controlled using a motion profile specific to that motion, and this motion profile of the motion of the machine element is subdivided into a plurality of profile segments. Each of the profile segments is assigned at least one motion condition which influences this profile segment, and each motion condition includes at least one tripping event and at least one action event associated with this tripping event and tripped by the tripping event, and the action event influences the applicable profile segment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for position sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes measuring at least three discrete point positions associated with a first component using at least one transmitter having a known position and orientation and in a line of sight with the three discrete point positions, the three discrete point positions having known distances relative to one another. The method computes a current position and orientation of the first component using data provided by the at least one transmitter and the three discrete point positions, along with position and orientation data from a last known location of the first component assuming that no sudden position changes since the first component has moved from the last known location. The first and second components may be a workpiece and a tool that performs a manufacturing operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece can be used to make prismatic structures in the workpiece. The method involves machining the surface of the workpiece using an FTS actuator to make continuous features in the surface and machining the surface of the workpiece using flycutting to make discontinuous features in the surface through the continuous features. The discontinuous features are machined at a non-parallel angle to the continuous features. The machined workpiece can then be used to make films having particular optical or mechanical properties.

Abstract: Producing a three-dimensional multi-material component whereby successive layers of at least one material are printed by a drop ink-jet-type printer including cutting a representation of the multi-material component into remarkable objects; cutting the representation of the component into print layers, as a function of the remarkable objects; for each print layer, establishing a plurality of discrete spatial print path trajectories; for each print layer and for each discrete spatial trajectory, establishing an assembly of printing parameters which are dependent on the nature of the deposited materials and the deposition conditions thereof; and establishing a rule for the spatial and temporal sequencing of the print path of the print layers and of the discrete spatial trajectories as a function of the objects, the relative three-dimensional arrangement thereof and the characteristics of the printing device.

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: In a coordinate measuring machine or any other kind of machine having at least one translational movement axis, correction values are determined by moving the mobile head of the machine along a defined path of movement. First and second position data are recorded by means of first and second position measuring devices. The first position data originate from position measuring devices of the machine. The second position data result from a reference measurement. The correction values are determined as a function of the first and second position data. A defined number of correction values is determined for each section of the path of movement, with the defined number varying in the sections as a function of the error profile defined by the correction values.

Abstract: There is described a method and a device for positioning an element of a machine. A setpoint position variable is generated, said setpoint position variable is reduced by means of a limiting variable and a modified setpoint position variable which is forwarded as a setpoint variable to a controller for positioning the element is formed in this manner. An expected setpoint position variable is determined from the modified setpoint position variable, the braking distance of the element is determined from the expected setpoint position variable, and a braking process of the element is initiated if the braking distance matches a target position which is reduced by the expected setpoint position variable. An element of a machine can so be positioned with accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for position-dependent compliance compensation in a machine tool. To permit the lowest possible machining time or greatest possible contour fidelity in the machining of a workpiece with a machine tool, the following method steps are proposed:—deriving the compliance (2) of the machine tool (1) at a position of a tool of the machine tool (1) from machine data (3) stored in a memory,—determining a machining force (4) acting on the tool during a machining process at said position,—modification of at least one machining parameter (5) that has an influence on the machining process for the said position in dependence on the derived compliance (2) and the machining force (4) in such a way that a displacement (6) of the tool with respect to a desired position that is caused by the compliance (2) of the machine tool (1); and the machining force (4) is counteracted.

Abstract: An engraver having a shoe sensor system for sensing a movement of the shoe and for adjusting an engraving signal in response thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a drilling method capable of improving machining accuracy of a printed board drilling apparatus as a whole by decreasing dispersion of the machining accuracy even if it is a multi-spindle printed board drilling apparatus. A misalignment of an axial center of a drill with respect to a designed axial center in X and Y directions is detected in advance per a certain number of revolutions of each spindle that rotates the drill. Holes of two or more types of diameter are made on a printed board by making holes of at least one diameter, e.g., an exposure master hole, per each spindle and by making holes of all other diameters almost simultaneously by all of the spindles.

Abstract: A method of controlling drive of a driving motor for a rotary indexing device is provided. The device includes an indexing mechanism that indexes an angular position of a circular table by rotating the circular table with the use of the driving motor as a driving source, a clamping mechanism that holds the indexed angular position, and a control unit that controls drive of the driving motor by position control. In the method, the control unit controls the drive of the driving motor during operation of the clamping mechanism with a content of control in which an output torque of the driving motor by the position control becomes smaller than an output torque by the position control during indexing of the angular position of the circular table for an equivalent positional deviation.

Abstract: To better address these problems, one or more characteristics are measured from a work piece (28). The measurement information is used to select a preferred predetermined laser processing recipe from a lookup table. The laser processing recipe is then used to process the work piece (28). The lookup table of laser processing recipes can be established from theoretical calculations, from trial an error by an operator, from an automated systematic recipe variation process with post process testing, or from some combination of these or other methods. An automated process can also reduce operator errors and may store measurement values for convenient tracking of work piece characteristics.

Abstract: In a threading control system for performing a threading operation by moving, in synchronization with rotation of the main-spindle, either a cutter or a workpiece in the feeding spindle direction so that the ridge is not damaged nor the dimensional accuracy of the thread is lowered even if the main-spindle speed is variable, a threading computing section 3 and a main-spindle angle computing section 4 are provided to alter the threading start timing based on the servo-spindle acceleration time-constant of the feeding spindle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling kinematic singular points in a process path are disclosed. In one embodiment, a numerically controlled (NC) processing system includes a materials processing installation having a multi-axis kinematic linkage operable to position a tip portion of the linkage along a predetermined process path. The system also includes a processor having a compensation system operable to detect a singular point in the process path and to improve the accuracy tip portion positioning near the singular point.

Abstract: For determining a space coordinate of a measurement point on a measuring object, the measurement point is approached with a probe head arranged on a displacement mechanism having at least two supports movable parallel to one another. Each support is moved by its own drive. The space coordinate of the measurement point is determined as a function of the respective displacement position of the supports. The two drives are controlled by a common regulator.

Abstract: Processing a workpiece with a laser includes generating laser pulses at a first pulse repetition frequency. The first pulse repetition frequency provides reference timing for coordination of a beam positioning system and one or more cooperating beam position compensation elements to align beam delivery coordinates relative to the workpiece. The method also includes, at a second pulse repetition frequency that is lower than the first pulse repetition frequency, selectively amplifying a subset of the laser pulses. The selection of the laser pulses included in the subset is based on the first pulse repetition frequency and position data received from the beam positioning system. The method further includes adjusting the beam delivery coordinates using the one or more cooperating beam position compensation elements so as to direct the amplified laser pulses to selected targets on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring (i.e. class, championship, or affiliation) begins by receiving order data specifying a series of personalization elements, such as the addition of text and icon designs. A geometric model for each personalization item is constructed. To assemble text panels, the operating system provides font geometry for a desired TrueType font. Then a set of splines are created from the font geometry and are then tessellated to generate polyline sets of data, which are then spaced and mapped between two boundary curves. The personalization elements are then projected onto one of the model's 3D surfaces. A set of machining instructions for a milling machine is generated by obtaining a set of machining pattern strategies, generating a set of curves, projecting the toolpath onto the surface of the ring to calculate the 3D toolpath, and rotating it to a desired angle.

Abstract: A method for compensating positional and/or shape deviations in NC-controlled cutting production machines, the method having the following steps: a) chucking a new workpiece; b) processing the workpiece using the nominal data of the NC program; c) acquisition of the set deviation; d) optimization of the NC program using the acquired data from c);and e) repetition of iterative steps a) to d) until the required positional and/or shape tolerances have been achieved.

Abstract: A surface of a workpiece is traced when a machining tool is pressed onto the surface of the workpiece under force control so as to find the positional data of the surface shape. This positional data is corrected by an error caused by a bend of a robot. The positional data is compared with the target shape of the surface, from which the burr is removed. A shift of the surface shape in the normal line direction is found. The burr generation start position, the burr generation end position and the height of the burr are found by the shift start position, the shift end position and the shift size. A machining program is made which is composed of a pass connecting the burr end position with the burr start position and also composed of a cutting pass for removing the burr, and the thus made machining program is executed. As the burr position is found and the burr is removed when the machining tool is moved to the burr position, the burr can be effectively removed.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus provides for manual shift operation involving feed shafts of a machine tool in terms of a work coordinate system easily and readily understood by an operator. The numerical control apparatus includes a manual shift amount input unit for receiving an amount of manual shift involving linear feed shafts as operator-input data in terms of a work coordinate system defined on the work revolved or rotated by a rotary feed shaft. The numerical control apparatus further includes a manual shift amount cumulative storage for cumulatively storing the received amount of manual shift in terms of a work coordinate system. Also included is a cumulative shift amount coordinate converter for converting the cumulative amount of shift from the work coordinate system data to data in terms of machine coordinate system defined on the machine tool.

Abstract: In a scrubber adapted to clean a semiconductor wafer, the torque of a brush rotation motor is monitored while a scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and is being rotated by the motor. The position of the brush relative to the wafer may be adjusted based on the monitored torque to regulate the pressure applied to the wafer by the brush. Open loop positioning or closed loop control may be employed.

Abstract: A method for determining a deviation of at least one regulating variable on chip removal machines with a mechanical drive for a tool and/or a workpiece, regulated by a control system, wherein the regulation comprises a plurality of values of at least three spatial axes for the control system and for the drive, and the values have a functional relation with the axes. A protocol is prepared from a plurality of control system actual values detected by measuring devices and/or selected drive actual values and a control system nominal value and/or a drive nominal value is calculated at least in relation to an axis, and a control system differential value and/or a drive differential value is calculated at least in relation to the axis. A chip removal machine which implements such a method is disclosed.