Patent ID: 6286402
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B23B,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming at least two different parts from a single length of bar stock including the steps of:providing a length of bar stock having an axis;rotating the length of bar stock about its axis;providing a forming zone;selectively advancing the length of bar stock in a predetermined direction along its axis until a first desired length of bar stock is located in the forming zone;providing a first single point cutting tool located in the forming zone;providing a first CNC controllable mechanism for selectively advancing and retracting the first cutting tool along a path parallel to the axis of the rotating length of bar stock;providing a second single point cutting tool located in the forming zone;providing a second CNC controllable mechanism for selectively advancing and retracting the second cutting tool radially relative to the rotating length of bar stock;providing a third CNC controllable mechanism for selectively advancing and retracting the second cutting tool along a path parallel to the axis of the rotating bar stock;providing CNC control means for simultaneously operating the first, second, and third CNC controllable mechanisms;causing the control means to simultaneously operate the first, second, and third CNC controllable mechanisms to advance and retract the first and second cutting tools in accordance with a first predetermined sequence of instructions to form a first predetermined configuration;thereafter advancing the length of bar stock along its axis until a second desired length of bar stock is positioned in the forming zone;immediately thereafter causing the control means to simultaneously operate the first, second and third CNC controllable mechanisms to advance and retract the first and second cutting tools in accordance with a second predetermined sequence of instructions to form a second predetermined configuration which is substantially different from the first predetermined configuration.