Flexible CNC belt grinding machine

Abstract

A belt grinding machine is disclosed that includes an automatic pressure and position control systems for robotic grinding and polishing applications. The machine will be combined with off-line programming package, capable of carrying out complicated operations that cannot be performed on traditional types of machines. The multiple contact wheels of the machine give the flexibility to accommodate complicated geometry of workpieces with a large material removal rate (MRR) and great surface finishes. The basic components of this belt grinding machine consists of the followings: a power source, a drive wheel or active wheel driven by a motor, multiple contact wheels; an idler for tensioning and tracking the belt, an active force control device to keep the constant pressure on the workpiece, a proper coated abrasive belt, and a dust collection system.

1 . A belt grinding machine comprising a compliant frame of a parallel four-bar linkage which carries multiple contact wheels of various diameter and width, and hardness. Active force sensing, compliance control and automatic wheel size control allows belt grinding to be performed on various workpieces with an enhanced productivity.  
   
   
       2 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the compliance of the four-bar linkage is provided by a pneumatic actuator or a device.  
   
   
       3 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the compliant linkage oscillates according to the change of grinding process force.  
   
   
       4 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the frame carries a group of contact wheels of various properties with the grinding belt wrapping around the wheel system.  
   
   
       5 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the wheels are arranged around a common axis of rotation with an active motor to position the wheels so that the right contact wheel that fits the shape and size of the workpiece to be machined will be aligned automatically in a position that grinding can be performed efficiently with the compliance system working properly.  
   
   
       6 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the rotation of the contact wheel group is CNC-based.  
   
   
       7 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the frame carries a tensioning wheel.  
   
   
       8 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the frame carries a tracking wheel.  
   
   
       9 . A belt grinding machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the grinding force sensing means includes a detection means for detecting grinding force variations in the signal output from the force sensor to the signal-processing unit means and determines the deflection of the contact wheel based on the process requirements.