Precision machining system and methods
First Claim
1. A precision machining system with a variable projected machining width of a cutting surface of a machining tool, the precision machining system comprising:
- a workpiece holder to hold a workpiece for machining;
a machining tool holder to hold the machining tool such that a Z axis is substantially parallel to a centerline axis of the machining tool;
a Z translation stage coupled to at least one of the workpiece holder or the machining tool holder to control a relative Z position of a tip of the machining tool and a surface of the held workpiece;
an X translation stage coupled to at least one of the workpiece holder or the machining tool holder;
a workpiece spindle coupled to the workpiece holder to rotate the workpiece about a workpiece axis parallel to the Z axis;
a machining path controller electrically coupled to the X translation stage and the workpiece spindle, the machining path controller controlling the X translation stage and the workpiece spindle such that the tip of the machining tool traverses a machining path on the surface of the held workpiece; and
a tool spindle coupled to the machining tool holder and said machining path controller to actively rotate the machining tool to a desired position about the centerline axis of the machining tool for a portion of the machining process, wherein rotation of the machining tool varies a width of the cutting surface of the machining tool projected perpendicular to the machining path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A precision machining system with a variable projected machining width of the cutting surface of the machining tool, including: a workpiece holder to hold a workpiece; a machining tool holder to hold the machining tool such that the Z axis is substantially parallel to the tool'"'"'s centerline; a Z translation stage and an X translation stage each coupled to one of the workpiece holder or the machining tool holder; a workpiece spindle coupled to the workpiece holder to rotate the workpiece about the workpiece axis that is parallel to the Z axis; a machining path controller electrically coupled to the X translation stage and the workpiece spindle; and a tool spindle coupled to the machining tool holder. The tool spindle rotates the machining tool about the centerline of the machining tool, which varies the width of the cutting surface of the machining tool projected perpendicular to the machining path.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A precision machining system with a variable projected machining width of a cutting surface of a machining tool, the precision machining system comprising:
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a workpiece holder to hold a workpiece for machining; a machining tool holder to hold the machining tool such that a Z axis is substantially parallel to a centerline axis of the machining tool; a Z translation stage coupled to at least one of the workpiece holder or the machining tool holder to control a relative Z position of a tip of the machining tool and a surface of the held workpiece; an X translation stage coupled to at least one of the workpiece holder or the machining tool holder; a workpiece spindle coupled to the workpiece holder to rotate the workpiece about a workpiece axis parallel to the Z axis; a machining path controller electrically coupled to the X translation stage and the workpiece spindle, the machining path controller controlling the X translation stage and the workpiece spindle such that the tip of the machining tool traverses a machining path on the surface of the held workpiece; and a tool spindle coupled to the machining tool holder and said machining path controller to actively rotate the machining tool to a desired position about the centerline axis of the machining tool for a portion of the machining process, wherein rotation of the machining tool varies a width of the cutting surface of the machining tool projected perpendicular to the machining path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A precision machining system adapted to project a cutting surface of a machining tool with a variable machining width, comprising:
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alignment means for aligning a tip of the machining tool over a surface of a workpiece such that the cutting surface of the machining tool is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece; tool rotation means for actively rotating the machining tool to a desired position about an axis substantially normal to the surface of the workpiece for a portion of the machining process, wherein rotation of the machining tool varies a width of the cutting surface of the machining tool projected perpendicular to a machining path on the surface of the workpiece; normal movement means for moving at least one of the workpiece or the machining tool in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the workpiece; and parallel movement means for moving at least one of the workpiece or the machining tool substantially parallel to the surface of the workpiece.
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Specification