METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-ROTARY HOLEMAKING BY MEANS OF CONTROLLED FRACTURING

摘要

A method and apparatus for producing a hole in any material by means of controlled fracturing using non-rotary machining includes the steps of fixturing a workpiece to the table of a non-rotary holemaking machine tool (103). The cutting tool is then fixtured to the column of the machine tool (105) and the face of the cutting tool is positioned perpendicular to the centerline of the proposed hole (107). The surface of the workpiece is approached with the cutting tool to a predetermined clearance level (109). Thereafter, the cutting tool is driven with sufficient force to induce instantaneous strain in the material of the workpiece to a depth necessary (111) to create a hole of a desired size and shape using a drive mechanism (113). The cutting tool is then repositioned so that the face of cutting tool is perpendicular to centerline of a subsequent hole to be produced (117).

主权项

1. A non-rotary holemaking machine comprising:
a base section for supporting a workpiece; a bridge section for holding at least one machine tool; andwherein the non-rotary holemaking machine is used to produce a hole in material without pre-processing or modification using non-rotary machining comprising the steps of:
fixturing a workpiece to a table of a non-rotary holemaking machine tool such that no die is used; fixturing a cutting tool to the column of the machine tool; positioning a face of the cutting tool perpendicular to the centerline of the proposed hole; approaching the surface of the workpiece with the cutting tool to a predetermined clearance level; driving the cutting tool into the workpiece through the use of at least 20,000 lbs/sq-in of an impact induced force to produce controlled fracturing by simultaneously exceeding the yield strength and the breaking strength of the workpiece material by an impact which causes the axial projection of banding along the perimeter of the tool to produce a repeatable, precision shaped through-hole without plastic deformation to a depth necessary to make a through-hole without driving completely through the workpiece and using the table to directly support the workpiece; creating the precision shaped through-hole of a desired size and shape using a drive mechanism without a counterstrike, die or other counter-tool used on the opposite side of the workpiece; withdrawing the cutting tool from the workpiece to a predetermined level; resetting cutting tool using the drive mechanism; repositioning the workpiece so the face of the cutting tool is perpendicular to centerline of a subsequent hole; and retracting the cutting tool from a work envelope upon completion of the non-rotary machining process.