TTL uses adaptive machining technology to engrave chicken eggshells with a company logo using a 5-axis CNC machine. Eggshells present machining challenges similar to turbine blades due to their complex 3D shapes that vary between individuals and are easily damaged. Each eggshell is digitized and processed by TTL's adaptive machining software to generate a unique toolpath that cuts to a consistent depth regardless of surface variations and avoids cracking the shell. This demonstration illustrates how adaptive machining can solve problems encountered when machining features that are difficult to fixture and not identical, such as turbine blades.

1. Adaptive Machining in an Egg Shell
TTL's adaptive machining
technology explained
Many ofTTL’s customers or
those who have attended our
seminars will be aware of an
interesting demonstration
that we use to help illustrate
our Adaptive Machining
Technology by CNC engraving
an eggshell via a fully
automated process.
It’s true that using a 5-axis machine
tool to engrave chicken eggs is rather
unusual. However, this seemingly
strange idea may not be as crazy
as it first appears. Eggs do have
some similarities with blades, vanes
and components found in turbine
applications; they are complex three
dimensional shapes, difficult to
fixture, easily damaged during the
machining process and critically, no
two eggs are identical.
We revised this demonstration to
show the principles of Adaptive
Machining and to illustrate the
capability of our solutions. A
company name or logo can be CNC
machined into the shell of a raw egg
using a standard 5-axis machine tool,
without causing the shell to crack.
Since eggs are all different in shape
and size, each one is digitised and
the resulting data captured viaTTL’s
Adaptive Machining Software where
it is processed and a unique tool path
for that particular egg is generated.
The resulting NC programme controls
a 5-axis machine tool, cutting to a
consistent depth of around 0.05mm
(0.002 inches), regardless of the
surface variations.
The problems encountered when
engraving the egg are technically
similar to those of machining many
features of new cast or forged blades
or vanes, or removing the coating or
blending excess weld from repaired
ones.
TTL, Unit 1a & 1b Haddenham Business Park, Pegasus Way, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8LJ
+44 (0)1844 296650 | enquiries@ttl-3d.co.uk | www.ttl-solutions.com