A universal machining system capable of accommodating multiple small-batch or one-off machining jobs, involving workplaces of different diameter and composition, comprises a rotating chuck having multiple jaws that may be adjusted positionally inward or outward towards the longitudinal centerline of the workpiece or removed entirely, and a tool turret capable of holding a variety of socketed tools. System also comprises a measurement sensor, which may be separate or comprise one of the socketed tools, A control program collects machining instructions for a series of workpieces, and directs the chuck, the tool turret, the measurement sensor, and at least one robot to load/unload workplaces and tools from the chuck and turret, respectively, measure workpieces and tools for quality control, and track available storage, overriding or skipping individual machining instructions as dictated by safety parameters and the availability of raw materials and tools.
B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
B33Y 40/00 - Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
B23P 19/02 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for connecting objects by press fit or for detaching same
B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
A universal machining system capable of accommodating multiple small-batch or one-off machining jobs, involving workpieces of different diameter and composition, comprises a rotating chuck having multiple jaws that may be adjusted positionally inward or outward towards the longitudinal centerline of the workpiece or removed entirely, and a tool turret capable of holding a variety of socketed tools. System also comprises a measurement sensor, which may be separate or comprise one of the socketed tools. A control program collects machining instructions for a series of workpieces, and directs the chuck, the tool turret, the measurement sensor, and at least one robot to load/unload workpieces and tools from the chuck and turret, respectively, measure workpieces and tools for quality control, and track available storage, overriding or skipping individual machining instructions as dictated by safety parameters and the availability of raw materials and tools.
B23Q 3/155 - Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools
B23Q 3/157 - Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools of rotary tools
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
B23Q 7/04 - Arrangements for handling work specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools, e.g. for conveying, loading, positioning, discharging, sorting by means of grippers
B23Q 17/24 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools using optics
A universal rotating chuck system capable of accommodating multiple small-batch or one-off machining jobs, involving workpieces of different diameter and composition, comprises a rotating chuck having multiple jaws that may be adjusted positionally inward or outward towards the longitudinal centerline of the workpiece or removed entirely. The chuck is rotated by a dual-motor system driving an inner and outer shaft, where the inner shaft is selectively coupled to the outer shafts to rotate independently and adjust the jaws, or rotate alongside the outer shaft to rotate the chuck. In operation, the system is capable of conducting numerous machining operations independent of direct user intervention, including loading/unloading workpieces, loading/unloading tools, measuring tools and workpieces for quality control, and storage.
B23B 31/163 - Chucks with simultaneously-acting jaws, whether or not also individually adjustable moving radially actuated by one or more spiral grooves
B23B 25/06 - Measuring, gauging, or adjusting equipment on turning-machines for setting-on, feeding, controlling, or monitoring the cutting tools or work
B23B 29/24 - Tool holders for a plurality of cutting tools, e.g. turrets
B23Q 3/155 - Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools
B23Q 15/22 - Control or regulation of position of tool or workpiece
A cutting apparatus, for cutting a material, comprising a chuck for holding and rotating material, wherein the chuck can rotate about an axis of rotation and can be movable along the axis of rotation. The cutting apparatus further comprises a cutting element for cutting a material, and a first plurality of rotating elements for supporting the material during cutting operations. The cutting element can be movable vertically for positioning the cutting element adjacent to the material to be cut, and the first plurality of rotating elements can be movable vertically to align with the material. A method for cutting a material comprises the steps of positioning the material on a plurality of rotating members, moving the plurality of rotating members vertically, gripping the material with the chuck, rotating the chuck to rotate the material, and cutting the material with a cutter.
B23D 45/12 - Sawing machines or sawing devices with circular saw blades or with friction saw discs with a circular saw blade for cutting tubes
B23D 47/04 - Sawing machines or sawing devices working with circular saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts of devices for feeding, positioning, clamping, or rotating work
A cutting apparatus, for cutting a material, comprising a chuck for holding and rotating material, wherein the chuck can rotate about an axis of rotation and can be movable along the axis of rotation. The cutting apparatus further comprises a cutting element for cutting a material, and a first plurality of rotating elements for supporting the material during cutting operations. The cutting element can be movable vertically for positioning the cutting element adjacent to the material to be cut, and the first plurality of rotating elements can be movable vertically to align with the material. A method for cutting a material comprises the steps of positioning the material on a plurality of rotating members, moving the plurality of rotating members vertically, gripping the material with the chuck, rotating the chuck to rotate the material, and cutting the material with a cutter.
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