Patent ID: 7824526
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: B23H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adaptive spindle assembly for electroerosion machining of a workpiece by a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool, the adaptive spindle assembly comprising: a rotatable adapter shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a tool electrode comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the tool electrode mounted on the distal end of the adapter shaft; a tool holder on the proximal end of the adapter shaft for insertion in a tool chuck on a spindle of a CNC machine tool, the tool holder electrically insulated from the adapter shaft; a bracket attached to the CNC machine tool and supporting the adaptive spindle assembly; a low friction bearing supported by the bracket and supporting the adapter shaft in alignment with the spindle; a stationary-to-rotary electrical conduction device supported by the bracket and electrically insulated therefrom for electrically energizing the tool electrode; and a fluid channel that routes a fluid electrolyte from a pump to the distal end of the tool electrode; whereby the tool electrode can be mounted on a spindle of a CNC machine tool via the adaptive spindle assembly for rotation and machining via electroerosion.