Workpiece frames with locator features for machine fixtures

A machine tool system comprising:

• a workpiece,
• a machine configured to modify the workpiece, the machine including a tool base configured to at least partially support the workpiece, and
• a workpiece frame that is repositionable on and couplable to the tool base to support the workpiece,
• wherein the workpiece frame includes a first locator component and the tool base includes a second locator component arranged on the tool base and configured to engage the first locator component of the workpiece frame when the workpiece frame is arranged on the tool base prior to coupling of the workpiece frame to the tool base, wherein the first and second locator components are configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the engagement of the first and second locator components locates the workpiece frame on the tool base in a first desired position relative to the tool base such that the workpiece frame is configured to be coupled to the tool base in the first desired position, and wherein, in the second configuration, the second locator component engages the first locator component so as to locate the workpiece frame on the tool base in a second desired position relative to the tool base different than the first desired position.

A method comprises

• providing a machine configured to modify a workpiece, the machine including a tool base,
• providing a workpiece frame that is repositionable on and couplable to the tool base to support the workpiece,
• arranging the workpiece in the workpiece frame,
• arranging the workpiece frame on the tool base, wherein the workpiece frame includes a first locator component and the tool base includes a second locator component removably arranged on the tool base and configured to engage the first locator component of the workpiece frame when the workpiece frame is arranged on the tool base prior to coupling of the workpiece frame to the tool base, wherein the first and second locator components are configurable in a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the engagement of the first and second locator components locates the workpiece frame on the tool base in a first desired position relative to the tool base such that the workpiece frame is configured to be coupled to the tool base in the first desired position,
• determining a second desired position of the workpiece frame relative to the tool base different from the first desired position,
• removing at least one of the first and second locator components from at least one of the workpiece frame or the tool base, and
• coupling the removed at least one of the first and second locator components to the at least one of the workpiece frame and the tool base in the second configuration of the at least one of the first and second locator components such that the second locator component engages the first locator component so as to locate the workpiece frame on the tool base in a second desired position relative to the tool base different than the first desired position.