Development of Innovative Intelligent Machine Tool Based on CAM-CNC Integration Concept – Adaptive Control Based on Predicted Cutting Force –

A new methodology to generate instruction commands for prompt machine control as a replacement for the previously prepared numerical control (NC) programs is developed to realize an innovative intelligent machine tool. This machine tool can eliminate NC program preparation, achieve cutting process control, reduce the production lead time, and realize an autonomous distributed factory. In this study, the innovative intelligent machine tool based on the computer-aided manufacturing-computer NC integrated concept is developed. The special feature of this system is to generate instruction commands in real time for prompt machine control instead of using NC programs. Digital Copy Milling, which is a digitized version of traditional copy milling, is realized by using only the computer-aided design model of the product. In this system, the cutting-force simulation is performed simultaneously with the real-time tool path generation. Then, the tool feed rate can be controlled according to the predicted cutting force. Therefore, both the improvement of the machining efficiency and the avoidance of machining problems can be achieved. The instantaneous cutting force model predicts the cutting force. In this system, the work material is represented by the voxel model, and the uncut chip thickness is calculated discretely from the number of voxels removed. Thus, it is possible to predict the cutting force in the case of non-uniform contact between the tool and the work material. In this study, a machining simulation is conducted to validate the proposed method. The results of the simulation show successful tool feed speed adaptation based on the predicted cutting force. The results also show the effective reduction of the machining time. A case study of a custom-made product for dental prosthetics is examined as a good application of both the proposed adaptive control and the Digital Copy Milling system. Through this method, it is possible to improve the machining efficiency and prevent tool breakage.

Customized End Milling Operation of Dental Artificial Crown Without CAM Operation

A new methodology to generate instruction commands for real-time machine control instead of preparing NC programs is developed under the CAM-CNC integration concept. A machine tool based on this methodology can eliminate NC program preparation, achieve cutting process control, reduce production lead time, and realize an autonomous distributed factory. The special feature of this methodology is the generation of instruction commands in real time for the prompt machine control instead of NC programs. Digital Copy Milling (DCM), which digitalizes copy milling, is realized by referring only to the CAD model of the product. Another special feature of this methodology is the control of the tool motion according to the information predicted by a cutting force simulator. This feature achieves both the improvement in the machining efficiency and the avoidance of machining trouble. In this study, the customized end milling operation of a dental artificial crown is realized as an application using the new methodology mentioned above. In this application, the CAM operation can be eliminated for the NC program generation, and tool breakage can be avoided based on the tool feed speed control from the predicted cutting force. The result shows that the new methodology has good potential to achieve customized manufacturing, and can realize both high productivity and reliable machining operation.

Esthetic Rehabilitation of Anterior Teeth with Copy-Milled Restorations: A Report of Two Cases

Digitalization has become part and parcel of contemporary prosthodontics with the probability of most of the procedures being based on the digital techniques in the near future. This digital revolution started in the latter half of the 20th century by converting analog objects/signals into digital bits and bytes. Recent developments in all-ceramic materials and systems of computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), copy milling, and so forth offer excellent esthetics and superb biocompatibility. Copy milling system for ceramics enables milling of the zirconia cores of all-ceramic restorations precisely and also if this system is properly used the procedure for fabricating all-ceramic restorations can be substantially simplified. This case report presents fabrication of all-ceramic Maryland Bridge and post-core with a copy milling system for esthetics and preservation of integrity of tooth. For both of the patients, the use of biologic, all-ceramic, copy-milled restorations resulted in clinical success and recovered function and esthetics.

The Tool Life of Ball Nose end Mill Depending on the Different Types of Ramping

The article deals with the cutting tool wear measurement process and tool life of ball nose end mill depending on upward ramping and downward ramping. The aim was to determine and compare the wear (tool life) of ball nose end mill for different types of copy milling operations, as well as to specify particular steps of the measurement process. In addition, we examined and observed cutter contact areas of ball nose end mill with machined material. For tool life test, DMG DMU 85 monoBLOCK 5-axis CNC milling machine was used. In the experiment, cutting speed, feed rate, axial depth of cut and radial depth of cut were not changed. The cutting tool wear was measured on Zoller Genius 3s universal measuring machine. The results show different tool life of ball nose end mills depending on the copy milling strategy.