A multi-axis machine includes a horizontally-displaceable carriage, a vertically-displaceable column, a spindle supported distally of the column, a motor configured to change a position of at least one of the carriage, the column, or the spindle; and an impact detection mechanism. The impact detection mechanism includes a first plate, a second plate secured distally of the first plate, and a sensor configured to detect a motion of the second plate with respect to the first plate.

A control device includes: a storage unit that stores a working program and a tool length correction amount; a control unit that causes a table and a spindle to relatively move on the basis of the working program and the tool length correction amount; a region setting unit that sets an interference checking region including a tool held by the spindle on the basis of the tool length correction amount; and an interference determination unit that determines whether the interference checking region interferes or not with obstacles in surroundings of the tool in a case in which the tool and the table are caused to relatively move on the basis of the working program and the tool length correction amount.

The invention relates to a machine for the precision machining of toothed workpieces, which machine comprises a tool spindle (30) for mounting a precision machining tool (31). The tool spindle can be driven to rotate about a tool spindle axis (B) by means of a tool spindle drive (32). A control device (70) takes at least one measurement of the distance from the precision machining tool (31) by means of a distance sensor (60) and, on the basis of said measurement(s), determines at least one characteristic variable of the precision machining tool, in particular the outer diameter thereof. The distance sensor can operate optically in particular.

Apparatus for processing a sheet-metal workpiece includes a press tool including a bottom die and top die. A press includes a platen which receives the bottom die, and a ram which receives the top die. The press tool is protected by a protective system which detects an idle stroke and includes an adjustable spacer assembly to prevent collision between the top and bottom dies.

A numerical controller performs control to rotate a turret, which holds a plurality of tools on the outer peripheral portion thereof, thereby moving one (selected tool) of the tools selected by a command to a predetermined position (selected position). The numerical controller sets and holds a partial area of the outer peripheral portion of the turret as an area (passage-prohibited area) prohibited from passing through the selected position and determines whether or not the selected tool is present in the passage-prohibited area or whether or not the passage-prohibited area passes through the selected position as the selected tool is moved to the selected position.

A numerical controller performs control to rotate a turret, which holds a plurality of tools on the outer peripheral portion thereof, thereby moving one (selected tool) of the tools selected by a command to a predetermined position (selected position). The numerical controller sets and holds a partial area of the outer peripheral portion of the turret as an area (passage-prohibited area) prohibited from passing through the selected position and determines whether or not the selected tool is present in the passage-prohibited area or whether or not the passage-prohibited area passes through the selected position as the selected tool is moved to the selected position.

A control system for controlling a tool of a machine includes at least one controller and detecting means. The detecting means includes at least one range finder device for at least partly detecting and positioning an object with regards to the tool in 3D space. An operation mode of the at least one controller depends at least in part on the object. A machine and a method for controlling a tool of the machine are also disclosed.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic monitoring method and apparatus that automatically detects occurrence of an accident or a situation that may lead to an accident in a CNC machine and environment; and signals to take an appropriate action for rectifying the accidental situation. The method and apparatus may include a plurality of sensors that are mounted on various parts of the CNC machine, wherever required. The method, in execution, detects collisions and other failures/injuries in the CNC machine that lead to severe accidents and damage to the operation.

The invention relates to a transport system for workpiece carriers along a path, wherein each of a plurality of workpiece carriers has its own drive and energy storage, wherein the drive is effected via a drive means rolling on the guide of the path, said drive means being driven by a motor of the workpiece carrier, wherein at least one absolute value track is attached along the path for position coding of the path and each of a plurality of workpiece carriers has an absolute value sensor, which reads out the absolute value of the absolute value track.

An apparatus is provided for measuring a tool or a cutting tool, or a complete tool including a tool holder and a tool or a cutting tool, clamped in the tool holder. A method is provided for compiling a digital image of a tool or a cutting tool, or a complete tool including a tool holder and a tool or a cutting tool, clamped in the tool holder, in particular by using the apparatus. During the method, the tool or the complete tool is sampled for the compilation of the digital image. At least one first cutting point, for example a cutting start point, and a second cutting point, for example a cutting end point, are measured for the tool or the complete tool. A cutting region is then ascertained in the digital image by using the first and second cutting points forming a collision-relevant digital twin.