Modular apparatus and method for machining flat sheets

A modular apparatus (10) for machining flat sheets in a continuous cycle, the modular apparatus arranged according to a U-shaped path comprising:

• a sheet input zone;
• a
• sheet output zone;
• a first store (16) suitable for receiving sheets to be machined (25),
• a second store (18), parallel and opposed to said first store (16), suitable for receiving machined sheets (27);
• a plurality of sheet machining moduli comprising a first grinding machine (12) and a second grinding machine (14) arranged parallel and opposite to each other and suitable for performing grinding machining along peripheral edges of vertically arranged sheets (25);
• one or more further sheet machining moduli including any combination of one or more corner cutting machines or drills or washing machines, in communication with said first or second grinding machines (12, 14), and
• a first manipulator (20) and a second manipulator (22) arranged in a space between the first grinding machine and the second grinding machine, said first manipulator and said second manipulator adapted for picking up and transferring said flat sheets between said sheet machining moduli;
• wherein the first store (16) is placed adjacent to the sheet input zone where said sheets to be machined (25) are input, and wherein the second store (18) is placed adjacent to the sheet output zone of the second grinding machine (14) or of the further machining module.