Automatic die calibration for accurate punching for shoe making machine tools

A novel cutting-tool calibration technique was developed in this study for the traditional die-cutting machine. Specifically, cross-laser rays were emitted from the cutting die to the cutting platform, which were then captured by a camera placed above the platform. The angle of the cutter and its center deviation were estimated by image processing. The deviation was then directly fed back to the object packing system based on the estimated angle correction. Compared to the traditional mechanical cutting-tool calibration mechanism, the proposed cutting-tool calibration mechanism not only was more efficient without auxiliary mechanical holding devices, but also avoided execution of multiple test cuts for manual calibration. With this calibration system, accurate fixing of cutter can be achieved, and 14% of materials can therefore be saved due to precise punching. Furthermore, the proposed calibration methodology plays a core role in the automatic cutting process, thereby allowing the construction of an intelligent and precise cutting machine.