Sunnen Products Company

Timothy P Hoth

Daniel R Cloutier

Russell Jacobsmeyer

David M Moehn

Carl A Mik

Michael J Nikrant

Russell L Jacobsmeyer

A machine controller includes a memory and a processor configured for operating a machine control for automatically controlling apparatus for performing a machining process on a workpiece at least partially as a function of data relating to a parameter of the workpiece, and a gage control for automatically controlling gaging apparatus for collecting and processing the data relating to the parameter of the workpiece and storing the data in the memory. At least a portion of the memory in which the data relating to the parameter of the workpiece is stored, is configured as a shared memory so as to allow the machine control to immediately retrieve and use the stored data relating to the parameter of the workpiece. The controller has particular utility for use in controlling a honing process and a gaging process, which can be in-process or post-process, and which can be used for bore sizing and other parameters.

Automatic bore size control by completely integrating an air gage system into the machine control

The honing feed system and method utilizes feedback from various sources during rapid feeding of the honing tool while rotating and stroking, to detect initial contact with a bore surface, to slow the feed to a normal honing rate, involving conditioning the feedback signals to eliminate noise factors such as the stroking movement and forces generated to rotate and feed the tool unopposed.

Honing feed system and method employing rapid tool advancement and feed force signal conditioning

The method of the invention provides a capability for accurately and uniformly determining the sizes of bores of workpieces, both pre- and post-process, to improve process control, particularly compensation for tool or stone wear and other factors, and process data collection. The present method makes all required bore measurements, including those in both the workpiece bore and the calibration ring or sample workpiece bore, with the honing tool, under controlled static, non-honing conditions, including expanding the tool in the bores in a predetermined manner, such as at a predetermined rate. The method of the invention has utility for honing multiple workpieces to a finished size with a single tool, and also for multiple spindle applications.

Pre- and post-process bore gaging using a honing feed system equipped with feed force sensing

The feed system for a honing machine provides a capability to dynamically correct in real time errors in bore size inferred arising from variations in feed force, and a method of operation of the same. The system allows a user to select between rate and force controlled honing modes, which provides one or more of the advantages of both modes. The system provides capabilities for automatic rapid automatic bore wall detection, compensation for elasticity of elements of the feed system and honing tool, and automatic tool protection. The system is automatically operable using feed force, feed rate and positional information for honing a work piece to one or more target parameters, such as one or more in-process sizes and a final size.

Method of operating honing feed system having full control of feed force, rate, and position

The feed system () for a honing machine () provides a capability to dynamically correct in real time errors in bore size inferred arising from variations in feed force, and a method of operation of the same. The system () allows a user to select between rate and force controlled honing modes, which provides one or more of the advantages of both modes. The system provides capabilities for automatic rapid automatic bore wall detection, compensation for elasticity of elements of the feed system () and honing tool (), and automatic tool protection. The system is automatically operable using feed force, feed rate and positional information for honing a work piece () to one or more target parameters, such as one or more in-process sizes and a final size.

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St. Peters, MO, United States of America

Timothy P Hoth