Automatic Machining Processes for Thin-Walled Hemispheric Shells

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Abstract

Research Method

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Abstract

At present, the machining of precision hemispheric shells requires substantial human effort. An operator must align a roughly machined shell on the chuck of a diamond turning lathe, where one of the diameters (inner or outer) can be finished. The operator must then transfer the shell to an opposing chuck so that the other diameter can be finished. If the shell is not perfectly centered on the second chuck after transfer, the inner and outer diameters will not be concentric and the resulting hemishell will have a non-uniform wall thickness. This report describes a process that will automate the measurement and transfer of a thin walled hemishell, eliminating the need for human intervention. A complete part measurement and transfer is demonstrated. Measurement errors are tracked through the whole procedure to ensure that the necessary tolerances are maintained. Future work will measure any run-out that may have occurred during the transfer process and automatically realign the part on the second chuck. The entire process will allow a human to place a roughly machined part on either chuck, and then stand by as the machine automatically aligns, machines, measures, transfers, and realigns a complete hemisphere with a tolerance of 3 µm.

Research Method

Results

Supporting Materials

• Quad Chart

The following faculty, students, and PEC affiliates are involved in this project: