The present disclosure is directed to calibrating position detection for a tool. The tool can use a sensor to detect a first value of a parameter. The tool can use a motor to extend the working member of the tool towards a working surface. The tool can include a base. The tool can detect, with the working member in contact with the working service, a second value of the parameter. The tool can determine a z-axis position of the working member relative to the working surface.

The present disclosure relates to a machine tool, such as a moving column-type machining center, and a method of operating the same, which are capable of shortening tool change time, improving productivity, minimizing a collision or mechanical interference, and increasing stability and reliability in a medium-sized or large-sized machine tool having a long length in a width direction by means of a magazine installed on a saddle, a tool changing unit movably installed on the saddle, and a tool changing unit transfer part configured to move the tool changing unit independently of a column.

A working machine comprising a working head (1) having a spindle (10) and which is movable in a xyz working space and further comprising a clamping device (2,3) for clamping pieces (100) to be worked by said machine. The clamping device (2,3) comprises first (21, 31) and second (22,32) clamping means which are movable along a z direction between a first operative position, in which they are in clamping contact with pieces (100) to be worked, and a second non-operative position, in which they are at a distance from said pieces (100), said first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) clamping means being fixed with respect to an xy working plane when in said first operative position and being movable together with said working head (1) in said xy working plane when in said second non-operative position, said first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) clamping means being alternatively moved between said first and second position during a working cycle of said working machine.

A working machine comprising a working head (1) having a spindle (10) and which is movable in a xyz working space and further comprising a clamping device (2,3) for clamping pieces (100) to be worked by said machine. The clamping device (2,3) comprises first (21, 31) and second (22,32) clamping means which are movable along a z direction between a first operative position, in which they are in clamping contact with pieces (100) to be worked, and a second non-operative position, in which they are at a distance from said pieces (100), said first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) clamping means being fixed with respect to an xy working plane when in said first operative position and being movable together with said working head (1) in said xy working plane when in said second non-operative position, said first (21, 31) and second (22, 32) clamping means being alternatively moved between said first and second position during a working cycle of said working machine.

A work method for a Cartesian machine tool includes the following steps

starting machining of a workpiece;

carrying out a machining cycle; and

carrying out a qualification operation, i.e., an operation to check a relative positioning system, on board the machine tool, by way of comparison with a positioning system with absolute reference for calibration, which is adapted to check the displacement of the indications of the positioning systems on board the machine, i.e., of the relative reference system, with respect to the positions of an absolute reference system for calibration. The method further includes the steps of

checking the outcome of the qualification operation,

If the qualification operation is passed successfully, then proceed with an operation to measure the workpiece prior to finishing.

If the qualification is not passed, then proceed with a compensation step, which includes one or more compensation operations.

A work method for a Cartesian machine tool includes the following steps

starting machining of a workpiece;

carrying out a machining cycle; and

carrying out a qualification operation, i.e., an operation to check a relative positioning system, on board the machine tool, by way of comparison with a positioning system with absolute reference for calibration, which is adapted to check the displacement of the indications of the positioning systems on board the machine, i.e., of the relative reference system, with respect to the positions of an absolute reference system for calibration. The method further includes the steps of

checking the outcome of the qualification operation,

If the qualification operation is passed successfully, then proceed with an operation to measure the workpiece prior to finishing.

If the qualification is not passed, then proceed with a compensation step, which includes one or more compensation operations.

The present disclosure is directed to calibrating position detection for a tool. The tool can use a sensor to detect a first value of a parameter. The tool can use a motor to extend the working member of the tool towards a working surface. The tool can include a base. The tool can detect, with the working member in contact with the working service, a second value of the parameter. The tool can determine a z-axis position of the working member relative to the working surface.

The present disclosure is directed to calibrating position detection for a tool. The tool can use a sensor to detect a first value of a parameter. The tool can use a motor to extend the working member of the tool towards a working surface. The tool can include a base. The tool can detect, with the working member in contact with the working service, a second value of the parameter. The tool can determine a z-axis position of the working member relative to the working surface.

A positioning system includes a centrally mounted robot within a work area. Workpiece holders are independently moveable relative to the robot between working positions on opposite sides of the robot and a shared loading and unloading position. The system permits the robot to continuously operate without a need to wait for movement between the loading position and the working position. Furthermore, the system can be used as a single workpiece system while maintenance or hardware change is being performed on one of the workpiece holders. The workpiece holders move between the work positions and the loading and unloading position in a rotation and sliding fashion.

A positioning system includes a centrally mounted robot within a work area. Workpiece holders are independently moveable relative to the robot between working positions on opposite sides of the robot and a shared loading and unloading position. The system permits the robot to continuously operate without a need to wait for movement between the loading position and the working position. Furthermore, the system can be used as a single workpiece system while maintenance or hardware change is being performed on one of the workpiece holders. The workpiece holders move between the work positions and the loading and unloading position in a rotation and sliding fashion.