Patent ID: 6550118
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B21J,B23B,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for performing accurate machine operations on mechanical assemblies, comprising:a first spindle for holding a cutting tool for performing very accurate machine cutting operations on a workpiece, wherein an initial nominal position of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece is known; a moving assembly for moving the first spindle toward and away from a workpiece which comprises at least two workpiece elements to be joined together, the workpiece having a near surface relative to the cutting tool, wherein the cutting tool has an initial apex position in its movement relative to the workpiece determined by said initial nominal position of the cutting tool; a pressure foot assembly for clamping the workpiece elements and stabilizing them in a fixed position, the pressure foot assembly having an aperture through which the cutting tool can move to contact the workpiece; a position determining system for identifying the position of the cutting tool following contact between a tip of the cutting tool and the near surface of the workpiece after clamping of the workpiece by the pressure foot assembly has occurred and before drilling begins; and means for adjusting the initial apex position of the cutting tool in accordance with the identified position of the cutting tool to achieve a very accurate cutting operation in the workpiece.