FLY-CUTTING SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND RELATED TOOLING ARTICLES

• US 20100227123A1
• Filed: 05/19/2010
• Published: 09/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Burke, James P., Wertz, Daniel S., Ehnes, Dale L., Campbell, Alan B.
• Granted Patent: US 9,562,995 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/156
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 2226/125 cubic [CBN]
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 2226/31 Diamond
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 3/30 Milling straight grooves, e.g. keyways
• CPC Class Codes: B23C 5/08 Disc-type cutters
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 15/007 while the tool acts upon the workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2793/0009 Cutting out
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 37/0057 Moulding single grooves or ribs, e.g. tear lines folding lines B29C53/06
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/045 Prism arrays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/1852 using mechanical means, e.g. ruling with diamond tool, moulding
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/182 characterised by the machine tool function, e.g. thread cutting, cam making, tool direction control G05B19/21 - G05B19/40 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50213 Grooving of different forms or parallel to each other, grooving cycle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/03 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/909 Having peripherally spaced cutting edges
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/108745 Cutting action along work axis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/303752 Process
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24355 Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24479 including variation in thickness
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 82/10 Process of turning
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 82/2529 Revolvable cutter heads
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 82/2587 Turret type holder [e.g., multiple tools, etc.]

Abstract

Methods of fly-cutting a workpiece are disclosed, and in methods in which the position of a fly-cutting head or its associated cutting element is known as a function of time. Also disclosed are methods of forming features, such as grooves or groove segments, in a workpiece such as a cylindrical roll. The features may be provided according to one or more disclosed patterns. Articles made using tools machined in the manner described are also provided, such as polymeric film or sheeting that exhibit certain beneficial properties.

Claims

1. A polymeric article formed using a tool and having features formed by the tool, wherein the tool comprises a cylindrical tool comprising a plurality of groove segments individually formed around the perimeter of the tool, the groove segments being aligned with other groove segments to form generally uniform longitudinally-extending grooves in the tool.

2. A polymeric article formed using a tool and having features formed by the tool, wherein the tool comprises a cylindrical tool having groove segments formed therein, wherein the groove segments have a beginning and an end, and the groove segments are arranged according to an integer brick pattern, wherein the integer is greater than one.

3. A polymeric article formed using a tool and having features formed by the tool, wherein the tool comprises a cylindrical tool having groove segments formed therein, wherein the groove segments have a beginning and an end, and successive groove segments are offset with respect to previous groove segments by a helix angle.

4. A polymeric article formed using a tool and having features formed by the tool, wherein the tool comprises a cylindrical tool comprising a plurality of groove segments, wherein the groove segments are individually formed in positions relative to each other, and wherein the groove depth distribution of successive adjacent grooves, measured along a line that is parallel to any helix angle associated with the groove segments, is multi-modal.

5. A polymeric article, comprising:

a series of features formed in the article, wherein the series of features have a beginning and an end, and the features are arranged according to an integer brick pattern, wherein the integer is greater than one.

6. The polymeric article of claim 5, wherein the article comprises an optical film.

7. The polymeric article of claim 5, wherein the article comprises a friction-control film.

8. The polymeric article of claim 5, wherein the article comprises an adhesive film.

9. The polymeric article of claim 5, wherein the article comprises mechanical fasteners having self-mating profiles.

10. A polymeric article having features formed in the article, comprising:

a first substantially linear series of partially overlapping first individual features;

a second substantially linear series of partially overlapping second individual features; and

a third substantially linear series of partially overlapping third individual features,

wherein the first, second, and third series of the first, second, and third individual features collectively form cube corners.

11. The polymeric article of claim 10, wherein the first, second, and third individual features comprise pyramids.