A method for optimizing the execution of automated drilling systems controlled by a numerical control, NC, machine, wherein the NC machine performs the following steps: (i) identifying each drill executed by an automated drilling tool at first drilling event (t); storing a theoretical position of each executed drill at the event (t); (iii) calculating a learned position using a machine learning model and based on the stored theoretical position at the event (t); (iv) estimating an intermediate position by applying a tendency statistical function, and (v), if the difference between the intermediate position and the learned position is less than a pre-configured threshold, using the intermediate position for the drilling tool to position a next drill and execute it at a subsequent event (t+1).

A method for repairing a composite structure is provided. A rework zone is defined on the composite structure. A theoretical scarfing bottom surface is identified for the rework zone from a model of the composite structure. An actual scarfing bottom surface in a local axis system is identified for the rework zone. Parameters for a rework program for an automated scarfing tool are modified based on deviations between the theoretical scarfing bottom surface and the actual scarfing bottom surface. Plies in the rework zone are removed using the automated scarfing tool.

A method for repairing a composite structure is provided. A rework zone is defined on the composite structure. A theoretical scarfing bottom surface is identified for the rework zone from a model of the composite structure. An actual scarfing bottom surface in a local axis system is identified for the rework zone. Parameters for a rework program for an automated scarfing tool are modified based on deviations between the theoretical scarfing bottom surface and the actual scarfing bottom surface. Plies in the rework zone are removed using the automated scarfing tool.

A workpiece processing device includes a workpiece supporting unit configured to support a workpiece so that the workpiece is rotatable around a first axis parallel to a central axis of the workpiece, a cutting unit having a blade configured to cut a surface of the workpiece, a detecting unit configured to calculate a position of a vertex of the surface in a direction along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the blade, and a control unit configured to control the workpiece supporting unit so that a cutting position on the surface is located at a vertex in the direction along the second axis, and relatively move the workpiece supporting unit and the cutting unit so that an incision direction of the blade is on a plane defined by the central axis and the cutting position, thereby forming a groove at the cutting position.

A workpiece processing device includes a workpiece supporting unit configured to support a workpiece so that the workpiece is rotatable around a first axis parallel to a central axis of the workpiece, a cutting unit having a blade configured to cut a surface of the workpiece, a detecting unit configured to calculate a position of a vertex of the surface in a direction along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the blade, and a control unit configured to control the workpiece supporting unit so that a cutting position on the surface is located at a vertex in the direction along the second axis, and relatively move the workpiece supporting unit and the cutting unit so that an incision direction of the blade is on a plane defined by the central axis and the cutting position, thereby forming a groove at the cutting position.

A machine tool includes: a tool holder which includes a key groove; a spindle drive unit which includes a spindle key that can be fitted into the key groove of the tool holder and a spindle and which removably holds the tool holder; a tool exchanger which includes a grip key and a grip that holds the tool holder at a fixed position with respect to the spindle; and a numerical controller which controls the tool exchanger so as to fit and remove the tool holder with respect to the spindle, and the numerical controller controls the spindle drive unit such that when the tool holder is fitted to the spindle, in a state where the key groove of the tool holder is inserted in the spindle key, the spindle is rotated to press the spindle key to the key groove so as to determine the phase of the tool holder with respect to the spindle.

A machine tool includes: a tool holder which includes a key groove; a spindle drive unit which includes a spindle key that can be fitted into the key groove of the tool holder and a spindle and which removably holds the tool holder; a tool exchanger which includes a grip key and a grip that holds the tool holder at a fixed position with respect to the spindle; and a numerical controller which controls the tool exchanger so as to fit and remove the tool holder with respect to the spindle, and the numerical controller controls the spindle drive unit such that when the tool holder is fitted to the spindle, in a state where the key groove of the tool holder is inserted in the spindle key, the spindle is rotated to press the spindle key to the key groove so as to determine the phase of the tool holder with respect to the spindle.

A numerical control apparatus for controlling a tool attached to a column of a machine tool includes a compensation data setting unit that sets, as selection input, a linear drive axis combination of the column, a tilt direction of the column, and a perpendicularity error of the column, and a compensation amount calculation unit that generates a tool vector from a tool length as a distance in an axial direction from a tool attachment position to a tool tip end and a tool diameter as a distance in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the tool attachment position to the tool tip end to calculate a position compensation amount of the tool tip end as a machining point in an execution program from the linear drive axis combination of the column, the tilt direction of the column, and the perpendicularity error of the column set by the compensation data setting unit and the tool vector.

A numerical control apparatus for controlling a tool attached to a column of a machine tool includes a compensation data setting unit that sets, as selection input, a linear drive axis combination of the column, a tilt direction of the column, and a perpendicularity error of the column, and a compensation amount calculation unit that generates a tool vector from a tool length as a distance in an axial direction from a tool attachment position to a tool tip end and a tool diameter as a distance in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the tool attachment position to the tool tip end to calculate a position compensation amount of the tool tip end as a machining point in an execution program from the linear drive axis combination of the column, the tilt direction of the column, and the perpendicularity error of the column set by the compensation data setting unit and the tool vector.

Processing data during polygon processing is stored in the processing data storage unit 17. The position detection unit 18 detects a cut-start position A and a cut-end position B of a workpiece based on a change in the processing data. The position detection unit 18 detects a processing surface based on the cut-start position A and the cut-end position B.