General Electric Company

John R Zurbrick

John Robert Kelley

George Jernakoff

William N Coffey

A system and method are disclosed for automatically machining a work piece to precise selectively determined dimensions under computer numerical control in which the cutting tool is set automatically and automatic on-machine inspection is performed of the machined work piece surfaces. Using vibration sensing to detect contact between the cutting edge of the cutting tool and position reference surfaces, the cutting edge is calibrated against these surfaces under closed loop control. The deviation between the programmed and the actual positions of the cutting edge at each reference surface is determined and an initial compensating tool position offset is automatically provided in each axis and is entered into numerical control means. After machining has been initiated, probing of the work piece occurs at least once before the final cut is taken. The tool functions as a tool touch probe during this operation and vibrations are sensed as the calibrated cutting edge is brought into contact with the machined surface. Appropriate tool position offsets are determined and entered into the numerical control means at that time, to assure that the dimensions of the finished surface will conform to the desired dimensions. After final machining has taken place, the finished surface is again probed with the calibrated cutting edge, using vibration sensing. Deviations from the desired dimensions are determined and are indicated together with the allowable machining tolerance for each dimension.

Tool touch probe system and method of precision machining

An energy reflection flaw detection system utilizes a programmable system synchronization means having high stability and resolution, to facilitate the detection of flaws within an object to be analyzed even in the presence of relatively large amplitude reflections from front and back surfaces of the object. A surface encounter attenuator is actuated by the system synchronizer to highly attenuate the front and back surface echoes and allow flaws closely adjacent to the surfaces to be resolved by the broadband apparatus. Novel means for adjusting the system gain to compensate for divergence of the interrogating energy beam with time and distance is also utilized in this novel apparatus.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

John R Zurbrick