With the development of science and technology, the automation level of the processing process has been continuously improved, and the production efficiency has been greatly improved. Successively developed automatic processing equipment to meet the requirements of different productivity levels, mainly including the following categories:
1. Full-automatic (semi-automatic) single machine
It is divided into two categories: single-axis and multi-axis (full) automatic single machine.
It uses the inherent unique performance of various forms of fully automatic (semi-automatic) single machine to complete the processing of various parts and processes. It is a common method of processing process automation. The model and specification of the machine tool shall be selected according to the process, process and blank conditions to be completed; In addition, the control mode should be selected according to the number of processed varieties, the frequency of each batch of products and the variety change. On semi-automatic machine tools, it is sometimes considered to add automatic loading and unloading device, tool magazine and tool change mechanism, which has realized fully automatic processing.
2. Special automatic machine tool
This kind of machine tool is specially designed to complete a certain process of a certain workpiece, and the process analysis of the workpiece is often used as the basis for designing the machine tool. Its structural feature is that the transmission system is relatively simple, and the fixture is closely related to the structure of the machine tool. In the design process, it is usually considered as a part of the machine tool. The rigidity of machine tool is generally better than that of general machine tool. This kind of machine tool has less design constraints and can fully consider the requirements of automation.
Therefore, from the perspective of automation, it is superior to the transformation of general-purpose machines. In addition, sometimes because some parts of the new design are not mature enough, more time is needed for adjustment. If it is used for single piece or small batch production, the cost will be higher. Only if the product structure is stable and the production batch is large, can it have better economic results.
3. Modular machine tool
This type of machine tool is composed of 70%~90% of general parts, which can shorten the design and manufacturing cycle, and can be partially or completely transformed. The modular machine tool is specially designed according to the specific processing object, and can be processed according to the best technological scheme, with high processing efficiency and high degree of automation; It can realize the centralized processing, multi-faceted and multi-tool processing of the workpiece, and improve the production efficiency; It can be clamped at one time. Multi-axis and multi-hole machining is conducive to ensuring position accuracy and improving product quality; It can reduce the handling of workpieces between processes. Universal parts are widely used in machine tools, which simplifies maintenance and repair and reduces costs.
4. CNC machine tool
CNC machine tool is a new type of automatic machine tool controlled by digital signals. Modern CNC machine tools are often controlled by computers, called CNC. The source program of the workpiece (including various operations of the machine tool, process parameters and size control, etc.) can be directly input into the computer with programming function, and the computer can program automatically. Control machine operation.
When changing the machining object, in addition to re-clamping and tool changing, only the CNC program needs to be changed, and new parts can be automatically processed. CNC machine tools are mainly suitable for processing single, medium and small batches of parts with complex shapes, and also for mass production, which can improve productivity, reduce labor intensity, and quickly adapt to product modification; In some cases, it has higher machining accuracy, It can also ensure the consistency of accuracy and can be used to form flexible manufacturing systems or flexible automatic lines.
5. Machining center (MC)
CNC machining center is a multi-process CNC machine tool with tool magazine and automatic tool change device. After the workpiece is clamped at one time, it can automatically complete the processing of more than two surfaces such as milling, boring, drilling, and dumpling, and has a variety of tool change or tool selection functions, which makes the process highly concentrated, significantly reducing the workpiece clamping caused by the sequential processing of multiple machine tools, adjusting the workpiece transmission and workpiece waiting time between machine tools, and avoiding the processing error caused by multiple clamping, It has greatly improved productivity and automation.
The machining center can be divided into boring and milling machining center, turning machining center, grinding machining center, stamping machining center and multi-axis machining center that can automatically replace multi-spindle box according to its functions; It is suitable for occasions with complex processing, multiple processes and high requirements. Parts requiring various types of ordinary machine tools and many tools and fixtures, requiring multiple clamping and adjustment to complete processing, or parts with simple shape but can be installed in groups on pallets for multi-variety mixed flow processing; It is suitable for medium and small batch production and also for large batch production. It has high flexibility and is the main processing equipment of the flexible manufacturing system.
6. Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC)
It is generally composed of 1~3 CNC machine tools and material conveying devices. The unit is equipped with tool magazine, workpiece storage station and unit control system. The machine tool can automatically load and unload the workpiece, change the tool, and detect the machining accuracy of the workpiece and the wear of the tool; It can be used for continuous processing of limited processes and is suitable for medium and small batch production applications.
7. Automatic production line
A set of automatic machine tools and auxiliary equipment is connected by the workpiece transmission system and the control system according to the process sequence. The production system can automatically complete all or part of the product processing process, referred to as the automatic production line. In the working process of the automatic production line, the workpiece automatically passes through each station according to the process sequence and a certain production rhythm to complete the predetermined process. According to the process equipment used, automatic production lines can be divided into general machine tool automatic production lines, special machine tool automatic production lines, combined machine tool automatic production lines and other types. Automatic assembly line production can ensure product quality, reduce labor intensity of workers and obtain higher productivity. The workpiece to be processed is usually fixed or has little change, so the automatic line is only suitable for mass production.
8. Computer Integrated Manufacturing System
Computer Integrated Manufacturing System (CIMS) is the highest level of automated manufacturing system, but this does not mean that CIMS is a fully automated manufacturing system. In fact, the current level of CIMS automation is even lower than that of FMS. The main focus of CIMS is the integration of information rather than the automation of manufacturing process logistics. The main disadvantage of CIMS is that the system is very large and contains a lot of content, which is difficult to fully implement in enterprises. However, local integration can be adopted to gradually realize the integration of information and functions of the entire enterprise.