Floating aggregate for defined edge machining of contoured parts on 5-axis machines or robot systems

A CNC floating aggregat fulfills the mechanical copying of the reference surface to be machined in order to carry out different machining operations and to compensate for a constant and defined machining depth despite stress inaccuracies and thickness variations.

The application areas of a floating aggregate are manifold. They range from milling V-grooves or decorative grooves to classic edge machining such as contour and radius milling and drilling with a defined depth to milling recesses, such as for worktops.

If the machining of curved moldings on 5-axis systems or robotic systems is required, the SOFT TOUCH 360° FUNCTION LINE floating aggregate is shortlisted. One application example is the contour machining of a curved instrument body such as that of a guitar. This is subject to three-dimensional variations due to the manufacturing process.

The technical finesse of the aggregate is the "floating" tool spindle. Controlled by a thrust ring in the X/Z direction, this allows contour variations of up to ± 5 mm to be compensated. The floating aggregate moves completely freely in the X/Z plane, probing is implemented in the plane in ALL directions at right angles to the machining axis, so that the contour is scanned without errors and individually machined with a milling cutter. Contour variations are thus no longer perceived by the observer. An ideal machining result can be achieved even with relatively small contour tools and, at the same time, costly reworking can be avoided.

The MONO version of the aggregate, which has one tool output in the vertical direction, is joined by the SOFT TOUCH 360° DUO FUNCTION LINE. The aggregate has two tool outputs in the horizontal machining direction, which is an immense advantage in tight spaces and extends the machining possibilities. Likewise, with this aggregate solution, tool changes can be saved if several applications with different tools are required.

A typical application of both aggregates is the milling of radii or contours on the panel side. Here, both aggregates realize the machining of the top and bottom edges and their intervening end faces in a single operation. In addition, overhangs of glued-on edges on shaped workpieces can also be milled flush.