Machine tool system and workpiece transport method

A method for transporting, using a loader, a workpiece between a lathe and a machining center disposed side by side with the lathe, the lathe, the machining center, and the loader being included in a machine tool system, the lathe includes a lathe-side workpiece holder that holds the workpiece such that the workpiece is directed toward a front side of the machine tool system, the lathe also includes a main spindle that rotates around an axis and a tool that machines the workpiece, the machining center includes a rotary tool that rotates around an axis that extends in a horizontal direction which is parallel to the front side of the machine tool system, and the machining center also includes a machining center-side workpiece holder that holds the workpiece and is able to turn between at least a first position in which the machining center-side workpiece holder holds the workpiece such that the workpiece is directed toward the front side of the machine tool system and a second position in which the machining center-side workpiece holder holds the workpiece such that the workpiece is directed toward the rotary tool, the machining center also includes a bed on which the rotary tool and the machining center-side workpiece holder are disposed and that is spaced away from the lathe, the method comprising:

• moving the loader along a guide that is positioned above the lathe-side workpiece holder and the machining center-side workpiece holder and extends longitudinally in the horizontal direction;
• and
• carrying the workpiece between the lathe-side workpiece holder and the machining center-side workpiece holder when the machining center-side workpiece holder is in the first position.