Method for Machining with a Continuous Tool Rotation Tool Turret

Abstract

A continuous tool rotation tool turret is comprised of a turret head, a plurality of spindles and a motor. The spindles are attached to the turret head. Each spindle is adapted to secure and rotate a cutting tool. The motor simultaneously rotates each spindle. The spindles rotate at an operational speed while the turret head is being indexed. A bevel gear operationally connected to the motor simultaneously rotates a bevel gear attached to each spindle. Air pressure separates the turret head from its rest surface during indexing. The turret head rotates around a manifold which supplies coolant and pressurized air to the turret head. Optionally, a mating wedge and wedge receptacle attached to the turret head and its housing provide for more precise indexing of the turret head. The continuous tool rotation minimizes the time needed to index the turret from one position to another.

1 . A method for machining a workpiece with a tool turret having a plurality of cutting tools, said method comprising:
 (a) performing a machining operation upon the workpiece with a first cutting tool;   (b) backing the first cutting tool away from the workpiece;   (c) rotating a second cutting tool on the tool turret into an operational position, while the first cutting tool continues to rotate at an operational speed; and   (d) performing a machining operation upon the workpiece with the second cutting tool.   
   
   
       2 . The method for machining a workpiece with a tool turret having a plurality of cutting tools of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (a) mounting the tool turret to a three axis CNC slide prior to the machining operation;   (b) mounting the workpiece to a fixture prior to the machining operation;   (c) programming a program module which controls the position of the three axis CNC slide, the rotation of the tool turret and the rotational speed of the cutting tools;   (d) performing a machining operation upon the workpiece with a first cutting tool under control of the program;   (e) backing the first cutting tool away from the workpiece under control of the program;   (f) applying air pressure to the part of the tool turret which rests upon the slant surface of a housing to unclamp the tool turret from the slant surface;   (g) rotating a second cutting tool on the tool turret into an operational position, under program control, while the first cutting tool continues to rotate at an operational speed;   (h) removing the air pressure applied to the tool turret to clamp the tool turret to the slant surface; and   (i) performing a machining operation upon the workpiece with the second cutting tool under control of the program.