Reversible micromachining locator
This invention provides a device which includes a locator, a kinematic mount positioned on a conventional tooling machine, a part carrier disposed on the locator and a retainer ring. The locator has disposed therein a plurality of steel balls, placed in an equidistant position circumferentially around the locator. The kinematic mount includes a plurality of magnets which are in registry with the steel balls on the locator. In operation, a blank part to be machined is placed between a surface of a locator and the retainer ring (fitting within the part carrier). When the locator (with a blank part to be machined) is coupled to the kinematic mount, the part is thus exposed for the desired machining process. Because the locator is removably attachable to the kinematic mount, it can easily be removed from the mount, reversed, and reinserted onto the mount for additional machining. Further, the locator can likewise be removed from the mount and placed onto another tooling machine having a properly aligned kinematic mount. Because of the unique design and use of magnetic forces of the present invention, positioning errors of less than 0.25 micrometer for each machining process can be achieved. 7 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- Univ. of California, Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,944,329/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-925,096
- OSTI ID:
- 678593
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 31 Aug 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Reversible micromachining locator
Chip breaking system for automated machine tool