Patent ID: 6935003
Filing Date: 2005-08-30
Classification: B23H,B23P,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A machine tool for performing on a first workpiece at least one conventional mechanical machining operation and on a second workpiece at least another machining operation selected from electrochemical machining (ECM) and electro discharge machining (EDM) using said first workpiece as an electrode, comprising; a first workpiece gripper and a second workpiece gripper in which said workpieces are clamped during said machining operations; a rigid machine frame having a horizontally oriented bed, a pillar structure rigidly attached to said bed and extending vertically therefrom, and a gantry supported on said pillar structure and extending horizontally; a first carriage guided for movement on said gantry in a first horizontal direction; a second carriage carried by said first carriage and guided thereon for movement vertically; a third carriage supported by said second carriage; a fourth carriage mounted on said machine frame bed and guided for movement thereon in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to said first horizontal direction; said fourth carriage being configured to support a tool; a fifth carriage mounted on said machine frame bed and guided for movement thereon in a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to said first horizontal direction; positioning drive means connected to each said carriage to effect changes in the position of the associated carriage; said first workpiece gripper being carried in said third carriage and supporting the first workpiece; a tool holder carried in said fourth carriage; the second workpiece gripper being carried in said fifth carriage and supporting the second workpiece; and a machining drive connected and selectively operable with said positioning drive means to effect relative movement between said tool holder and said second workpiece with respect to the first workpiece carried in said first workpiece gripper to effect said machining operations on said workpieces in at least first and second locations in said machine tool in succession without intervening reclamping of the workpieces.