A new tooling mechanism for CNC lathes

The paper describes details of the development of a new CNC lathe tooling mechanism with on-line adjustable cutting edge inclination angle, which is one of the major tool geometry parameters in machining operations. The mechanism is based on the combination of (i) three linkages which adjust the tool inclination angle automatically and continuously, (ii) three curved slots which work simultaneously to compensate the tooltip deviations accurately, and (iii) an input link driven by a linear stepping motor that converts the linear stroke into tool angle rotation. The prototype developed provides a new tooling mechanism for the prospective open architecture-based CNC machines. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.