Patent GB-1532781-A (GB)
Title: Method of machining by erosive electrical discharges
IPC: G05B19/416
Filed: 1975-11-13
Abstract: 1532781 Electro erosion ATELIERS DES CHARMILLES SA 13 Nov 1975 [14 Nov 1974] 46837/75 Heading B3V Process for electro erosion machining in which relative displacement between the electrode and workpiece is achieved through a cyclic translation movement in such a manner as to modulate the speed of translation movement so as to remove for all the machined surface the same quantity of material per unit area, the modulation being effected in response to the variation of a characteristic of the sparking gap. The circuit of Fig. 5 provides for comparison of a signal g(t), representing the size of the spark gap, with a reference signal Wo, the difference W(t) being used to control translation speed. Alternatively the instantaneous signal g(t) is compared with the average gap over the whole preceding cvcle. The average gap signal is g and is derived from an integrator-circuit 7 which is re-set every cycle. A switch J1 enables one or other mode of operation to be selected. Provision is also made for determining whether the amplitude of translation movement is correct. The mean signal g is compared in a flip-flop B1 with a pre-set signal go which is derived from a programmer PR and indicates a suitable gap for the machining process in hand. If signals g and go differ, flip-flop B1 puts a signal into a transfer register RT where it is stored until a definite number of pulses has been received by a counter C7 whereafter a signal is given to a translation control device GTC to adjust the amplitude. A switch J6 may be operated manually to cause the amplitude to be adjusted in accordance with the instantaneous difference between signals g(t) and go. derived by a differential amplifier 22. This signal is compared with the signal of the transfer register RT; if the comparison indicates a gap smaller than that set by the register, a switch 24 falls back and control of translation is restored to the register RT. A counter CI allows the direction of translation movement of the electrode to be reversed after it has counted a predetermined number of cycles. In the circuit of Fig. 6 (not shown) the device GTC is controlled by pulses from a clock (H) either directly or via a divider 12 to give maximum or minimum speed of translation respectively. A signal from any of three outputs from OR gate (10) causes maximum speed to be applied. Such a signal is given, when a switch (J3) is in position (a), (i) when abnormal machining conditions are detected, (ii) when a reference signal Io is greater than a signal I representing the mean machining current or (iii) when the signal Io has been smaller than signal I for a,predetermined number of cycles with the switch (J3), in position (b), changes in the comparison between signals Io and I are registered in chronological order during one cycle and transmitted to cause maximum speed to be applied during the following cycle with an advance of phase in relation to the instantaneous position in the cycle. Fig. 7 shows apparatus for controlling translation movement of variable speed and amplitude according to a square or circular path, in which the device GTC is replaced by means for controlling the resulting motion of a coordinate table (19) by means of stepping motors (Mx), (Mg).