Patent ID: 6443673
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B23B,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for tuning a toolholder having a diameter D, wherein the toolholder may be supported on a metalworking machine at different lengths along the tool to define different length to diameter ratios, wherein the toolholder hasi) a shank having a longitudinal axis, wherein a central cavity extends within the shank along the axis and wherein the central cavity defines a cavity wall, iii) a toolholder head adapted to receive a cutting tool and attached to the shank at a tool end of the shank, iii) a tunable absorber having an absorber mass inserted within the central cavity, wherein the mass has a first end, a second end and an elastomer support circumscribing each end, iv) a pressure plate at each end of the absorber mass adjacent each elastomer support, wherein at least one pressure plate is movable along the longitudinal axis to compress the elastomer supports against the absorber mass, wherein the method is comprised of the steps of: a) positioning the at least one movable pressure plate to a reference location in which the compression of each elastomer support is known; b) supporting the shank on the metalworking machine at a first length L1 from the end of the shank to define a first length to diameter ratio; and c) moving the pressure plate from the reference location to a predefined first tuned location to adjust the compression upon each elastomer support thereby minimizing vibration for the tool supported at the first length to diameter ratio, wherein a pin extends radially outwardly from the pressure plate through a slot in the cavity wall of the shank and the longitudinal location of the pressure plate may be visually determined by looking at the position of the pin, wherein the amount of compression of the pressure plate upon the elastomer supports is determined by the longitudinal location of the pressure plate.