Makino Inc.

Ab Sandvik Coromant

David C Woodruff

Stan C Weidmer

Nils David Oehlund

Gareth Wayne Mason

A tool may be used to form an engine cylinder bore in a compacted graphite iron workpiece using helical interpolation. The tool may be rotated about a first axis while orbiting about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. While rotating and orbiting, the tool may be advanced into the workpiece. This helical interpolation may be used to successively engage cutting or honing elements of the tool with the workpiece. The elements may thereby be permitted to cool between each successive engagement, which may reduce wear on the tool. Various operating parameters associated with the process may have certain relationships that may be exploited in certain ways to obtain ideal results. For instance, a helical interpolation process may be used to perform an act of rough cutting on the workpiece and finish honing on the workpiece, without having to perform an intermediary step of semi-finish boring.

Method for helical boring

A tool has a slot provided between a pair of extremities at its distal end. The extremities have cutting blades mounted thereon. The slot is configured to receive a plate. The tool has a conduit running along its axis for communication of pressurized fluid to the slot and plate. The plate directs flow of the pressurized fluid outward toward the extremities. The resulting outward force causes the extremities to bend outward, thereby urging the cutting blades outward for cutting, reaming, or other working of the workpiece. The resilience of the tool causes the extremities to return back inward when the fluid pressure is reduced. A plate may be configured to receive a wafer for transferring force from the pressurized fluid to the extremities. Some embodiments of the plate have an adjustment feature that is operable to selectively adjust the flow rate or pressure of fluid directed toward the extremities.

Tool with selectively-biased member having an adjustment feature

A tool for working a workpiece has a slot provided between a pair of extremities at its distal end. The extremities have cutting blades mounted thereon. The slot is configured to receive a plate. The tool has a conduit running along its axis for communication of pressurized fluid to the slot and plate. The plate directs flow of the pressurized fluid outward toward the extremities. The resulting outward force causes the extremities to bend outward, thereby urging the cutting blades outward for cutting, reaming, or other working of the workpiece. The resilience of the tool causes the extremities to return back inward when the fluid pressure is reduced. A plate may be configured to receive a wafer for transferring force from the pressurized fluid to the extremities.

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Morrow, OH, United States of America

David C Woodruff