BR-102025002391-B1 - Hybrid CNC milling machine for machining metallic and non-metallic materials.

Abstract

HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS. This patent application relates to a hybrid CNC milling machine (1), composed of a structural chassis (2) and a Cartesian motion system (3) configured with three main axes (X, Y and Z), which use linear guides (25) and stepper motors or servomotors, connected to a conventional control system. The machine integrates a hybrid machining head (4), which includes a 7 hp water-cooled milling spindle (7), dedicated to machining aluminum tubes, and a 4 hp milling spindle (8), used for cutting and machining ACM sheets, wood and other materials. The worktable (5) is equipped with automatic positioning cylinders (9) and lateral clamping devices (17) with adjustable movable grippers (19, 21) connected to a vacuum pump (20). The machine also features an extension module (10) with an access control mechanism for metal tubes, including a pneumatic piston (12) and a tilting door (14). Combining sheet and tube cutting and machining functionalities, the invention promotes greater precision, efficiency and economy, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment, and is applicable to the manufacturing industry of facades, doors, and various metal structures.

Inventors

• ELTON ALVES FERREIRA

Assignees

• ELTON ALVES FERREIRA

Dates

Publication Date

20260317

Application Date

20250206

Claims (6)

1. 1) HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, comprising a chassis (2); a Cartesian motion system (3) configured with three main axes X, Y and Z, each axis being composed of linear guides (25) and stepper motors or servomotors connected to a conventional control system; a machining head (4) composed of: a 7 hp water-cooled milling spindle (7), dedicated to machining aluminum tubes; and a 4 hp milling spindle (8), used for machining and cutting ACM sheets, wood, acrylics, galvanized sheets, aluminum sheets and their derivatives; a work table (5) configured by a flat base (6), characterized by the work table (5) being equipped with automatic positioning cylinders (9) for aligning the sheets; an extension module (10), integrated into the work table (5), in which a sequential plurality of side clamping devices (17) are configured, arranged along guide rails (18), each side clamping device (17) being composed of: a first movable clamp (19), connected to a vacuum pump (20); and a second fixed movable clamp (21), both configured with height adjustment mechanisms (23); the extension module (10) comprises a pneumatic piston (12), connected to an articulated arm (13), which, in turn, actuates a tilting door (14), arranged in bearings (15), for access control of metalon tubes.
2. 2) A HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, according to claim 1, is characterized by having movable grippers (19, 21) made of non-slip material, such as rubber or technical polymer.
3. 3) A HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the positioning cylinders (9) being automatically controlled by the conventional control system, allowing precise positioning of the sheets on the worktable (5).
4. 4) A HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the tilting door (14) of the extension module (10) being moved to the horizontal position at 180° by the pneumatic piston (12) to allow the introduction of the metal tubes into the side clamping devices (17).
5. 5) A HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the vacuum pump (20) connected to the first movable gripper (19) generating negative pressure to allow the linear movement of the first movable gripper (19), adjusting its position to grip pipes or sheets.
6. 6) A HYBRID CNC MILLING MACHINE FOR MACHINING METALLIC AND NON-METALLIC MATERIALS, according to claim 1, is characterized by having collection drawers (24) to collect machined material waste.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] This patent application relates to a hybrid CNC milling machine configured for a wide range of applications in machining and cutting metallic and non-metallic materials. The field of application is geared towards the manufacturing industry, more particularly for companies specializing in the production of ACM facades, doors, frames, and aluminum profile structures. The present invention aims to provide a multifunctional piece of equipment capable of machining aluminum frames and profiles, cutting and machining ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) sheets, and processing round or square metal tubes, promoting greater versatility, precision, and efficiency in material processing. Additionally, the present invention contributes to reducing operational costs and the need for multiple pieces of equipment, optimizing production processes and ensuring better use of industrial resources. PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED [002] Currently, there are CNC routers designed exclusively for cutting metal and non-metal sheets. These machines do not have the capacity to perform both machining and cutting of aluminum profiles on a single machine. This creates the need to use different machines for distinct tasks. Thus, the operator needs to cut sheets on a specific machine and, if it is necessary to cut tubular parts, will be required to use another machine designed for this type of cutting. Furthermore, if the company or the operator does not have this second machine, it will be necessary to send the parts to another location for tubular cutting. This situation entails additional costs for the manufacturer, including the investment in two separate pieces of equipment, which reflects the current reality of machining. CURRENT STATE OF THE ART [003] The document US11565360B2, which describes a control system for a wood numerical machining center, is known from the current state of the art. It includes a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) controller connected to a bus to manage multiple bidirectional and parallel control units, encompassing control of the headstock, worktable, human-machine interface, and communication. The headstock control comprises drive units for milling spindles and vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement, with each unit interconnected to data and control buses. The control system also incorporates input and output (I/O) modules, position and speed sensing devices, motors, and associated drive devices, allowing precise movements in the X, Y, and Z directions. Servo feeder units move the table and milling devices, ensuring synchronized control. The architecture emphasizes modularity, bidirectional communication, and precision for efficient operation in multiple axes and functions. [004] Document US2820187 teaches about an automated control system for a bridge-type planing mill, enabling high-precision machining operations on multiple axes. The system uses electric motors to move components such as the longitudinal table, the cutting head, and a universal fixture composed of angularly adjustable plates. The position and movement of the axes are controlled by feed spindles, commutator systems, and counters, which receive commands from punched cards or tapes containing coded information. These commands are processed by a central control unit, comparing the expected values with the feedback data generated by commutators in real time. The system allows for incremental and absolute adjustment of speeds, directions, and positions, ensuring precision in operations such as linear cuts, drilling, or the generation of complex surfaces, including three-dimensional surfaces. In addition, safety mechanisms verify the correct operation of the reading and control devices to prevent errors, providing reliability and efficiency in the machining process. [005] Document RO138252 describes a modular and reconfigurable structure for a gantry-type CNC milling machine, characterized by the use of extruded aluminum profiles to ensure a rigid and customizable structure. The configuration includes two fixed uprights connected by a table on which the workpiece is fixed, with a work unit mounted on the gantry that moves along the (X, Y, Z) axes. The uprights have upper profiles with channels for linear guides and supports for bearings and ball screws. The uprights are composed of lower and upper profiles of rectangular section, connected by vertical and horizontal profiles for greater structural rigidity. The table is formed by additional profiles, and the structure is reinforced with profiles strategically positioned so as not to interfere with the machine's operation. The coaxiality of the ball screw bearings is ensured by supports with protrusions that fit into the profile channels. The profiles used vary in cross-section, being 40x120 mm for main components and 40x40 mm for secondary reinforcements and supports, providing strength and modular flexibility. [006] Document US6390900 describes a finishing tool for workp