Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.

James Lankford

Gregory Aaron Hyatt

Abhijit Sahasrabudhe

Jeffrey D Wallace

Machine tool systems and methods include methods of synchronizing cutting tools with a workpiece retainer. In some embodiments, the methods and systems provide at least two cutting tools that are synchronized to machine a common surface of a workpiece in a quick and efficient manner. A controller having a single line of code for controlling both cutting tools and the workpiece retainer may be used. The cutting tools may be synchronized such that they engage substantially opposite portions of the workpiece, thereby to reduce resulting forces in the workpiece that may tend to induce workpiece deflection and/or chatter. In other embodiments, a cutting tool is synchronized with a split workpiece holder that may be controlled to induce a compression, tension, or torsion pre-load in the workpiece.

System and method of synchronized machining

To provide a machine tool including a workpiece inner surface machining tool which is not only capable of machining an inner surface of a workpiece into a spherical shape but also capable of machining a bearing surface which is a flat surface and machining the combination of a spherical surface and a flat surface. A machine toolmachines a surface to be machined mlocated on an inner surface of a workpieceby a toolhaving: a supporting member; a cutting toolwhich is supported to be pivotable about a support shaftlocated on a plane b' perpendicular to an axis a of the supporting memberand has a cutting edgeat one end; a drive shaftpivoting the cutting toolby moving in an axis a direction; and a link member. The toolis supported by a tool post, the drive shaftis movable in the axial direction by the movable base, and an axial position of the movable baseand an axial position of the tool postare controlled so as to cause a machining point P by the cutting edgeto move along a desired machining line while the workpieceis rotated by the spindle headstock

Growing community of inventors

Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America

James Lankford