Flexible automation cell for performing secondary operations in concert with a machining center and roll check operations

A method of performing a plurality of secondary operations on manufactured parts for use with a manufacturing machine operable to perform primary manufacturing of the parts, the method comprising:

• providing an automation cell having:
• a cell housing;
• a robot supported in the housing and having an elongated arm with a gripper mechanism disposed on the elongated arm;
• a gauging station supported in the housing, the gauging station operable to gauge a parameter of a manufactured part;
• and
• a marking device supported in the housing;
• a vision system supported in the housing;
• positioning the cell housing adjacent to the manufacturing machine to allow the robot arm to move a green part or a manufactured part between the cell housing and the manufacturing machine;
• retrieving the manufactured part from the manufacturing machine using the gripper mechanism of the robot;
• positioning the manufactured part in the gauging station;
• performing a gauging operation on the manufactured part within the cell housing and determining if the manufactured part meets a specification;
• marking the manufactured part within the cell housing using the marking device if the manufactured part meets the specification, the marking being an identification code;
• and
• using the vision system to verify the marking within the cell housing.