GB1483256A - Machining workpieces - Google Patents

Abstract

1483256 Machining curved surfaces; removing metal by fusion; grinding; blasting CLARKE CHAPMAN Ltd 12 June 1975 [17 Aug 1974] 36312/74 Headings B3K B3D B3V and B3L In a method of machining, for example machining curved surfaces, a machining device is mounted on a machine tool which moves the device along a first line of travel, the device being free to move, on the machine tool, along a second line of travel, transverse to the first line of travel, the device being constrained to move around a curvilinear path by a mechanical linkage which constrains the movement of the machining device in relation to a reference centre. In the embodiment described the machining device is in the form of a milling cutter 20 which is mounted for movement on the milling machine from 16 in direction of arrow "A" whilst being movable in the transverse direction "B" by an adjustable arm 30 connected between the axis 31 of the cutter 20 and a pivot pin 38. The arm 30 is adjusted to the desired radius to be machined on the workpiece 10 and which is effected by moving the cutter 20 around the arc described by the end of the arm as the milling cutter is subjected to the movement in directions A and B on the machine tool. To machine other curvilinear shapes a fluid pressure unit 18 may be actuated to produce a contour in conjunction with a chain linkage attached to the cutter assembly 20, 18. Also, the beam 30 may be lengthened or shortened in a continuous or discontinuous manner by way of a screw to permit special curvilinear profiles to be machined. Although in the embodiment described the operation is related to a milling machine other machining operations such as grinding, plasma cutting, laser cutting gas cutting, sand blasting can be used and the machining may also be applicable to other materials than metal i.e. wood, stone, plastics.