A device for determining an approach of a tool to a workpiece in a machine tool with internal cooling supply includes a measuring arrangement, having a measuring graduation arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a shaft and at least one position sensor arranged in a fixed manner relative to the shaft, and a data processor. The position sensor is adapted to scan the measuring graduation and to generate position values therefrom that indicate a position of the shaft. The position values are fed to the data processor, which, by evaluating a progression of the position values when the tool approaches the workpiece, determines that the tool is located in an approach area relative to the workpiece, and signals, by an approach signal, when the tool reaches an approach position relative to the workpiece, in which the tool is close to the workpiece without touching it.

In a method for automated positioning of a blank in a processing machine provided with a housing and a spindle unit with an electric motor, a control unit for control and electrical supply of the processing machine, a computer producing processing programs for manufacturing workpieces, a workpiece holder, and an image recording unit that optically records image data of a blank received in the workpiece holder, a blank is fixed in the processing machine and the image recording unit produces an image of the blank. A division of the blank into an already processed region and into an unprocessed region based on the image data of the image is performed. A workpiece geometry to be produced is assigned to the unprocessed region of the blank, and a milling operation is performed on the unprocessed region. In a variant of the method, the image recording unit is separate from the processing unit.

In a method for automated positioning of a blank in a processing machine provided with a housing and a spindle unit with an electric motor, a control unit for control and electrical supply of the processing machine, a computer producing processing programs for manufacturing workpieces, a workpiece holder, and an image recording unit that optically records image data of a blank received in the workpiece holder, a blank is fixed in the processing machine and the image recording unit produces an image of the blank. A division of the blank into an already processed region and into an unprocessed region based on the image data of the image is performed. A workpiece geometry to be produced is assigned to the unprocessed region of the blank, and a milling operation is performed on the unprocessed region. In a variant of the method, the image recording unit is separate from the processing unit.

A method for correcting tool parameters of a machine tool for machining workpieces includes recording measurement values of measured characteristics as actual values of at least one workpiece machined with the machine tool. The measurement values are compared with the default set values of the workpiece. The measurement values of at least two measured characteristics are recorded from at least two parameters of at least one measured characteristic and/or from at least one measured characteristic and from at least one parameter. An average for a tool correction value is calculated from the measurement values and the corresponding set values, with which a correction of the machine tool is performed.

A method for correcting tool parameters of a machine tool for machining workpieces includes recording measurement values of measured characteristics as actual values of at least one workpiece machined with the machine tool. The measurement values are compared with the default set values of the workpiece. The measurement values of at least two measured characteristics are recorded from at least two parameters of at least one measured characteristic and/or from at least one measured characteristic and from at least one parameter. An average for a tool correction value is calculated from the measurement values and the corresponding set values, with which a correction of the machine tool is performed.

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.

To change or update each operating pattern and/or an operating condition according to a workpiece feeding state and/or an operating state of a robot. A workpiece transfer system includes: a workpiece infeed device for feeding a workpiece; a robot for transferring the workpiece being fed; a control device for selecting an operating condition of the robot based on a condition related to the workpiece and/or a condition related to the robot, the control device including a storage unit in which plural operating conditions are stored and a selection unit for selecting, as the operating condition of the robot, an optimum operating condition out of the plural operating conditions.

A fixture and a method of operating the fixture are disclosed for repositioning a workpiece disposed on the fixture to correct an offset between the centerline of the workpiece and an indexing position on the fixture. The fixture includes one or more linear actuators that linearly move vacuum grippers on their outboard ends into contact with surfaces of the workpiece. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum grippers, which enables the vacuum grippers to grip the surfaces of the workpiece. The linear actuators are driven to reposition the workpiece on the fixture to reduce the offset between the two below a threshold value. When in position, the fixture secures the workpiece in place for subsequent machining operations that may be performed on the workpiece.

A fixture and a method of operating the fixture are disclosed for repositioning a workpiece disposed on the fixture to correct an offset between the centerline of the workpiece and an indexing position on the fixture. The fixture includes one or more linear actuators that linearly move vacuum grippers on their outboard ends into contact with surfaces of the workpiece. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum grippers, which enables the vacuum grippers to grip the surfaces of the workpiece. The linear actuators are driven to reposition the workpiece on the fixture to reduce the offset between the two below a threshold value. When in position, the fixture secures the workpiece in place for subsequent machining operations that may be performed on the workpiece.