Automated machine installation and method

The process of producing a plurality of different engineering components from workpieces of different forms by performance of operations thereon by means of a plurality of data-controlled machine tools each of which has automatic means for locating and securing thereon a common workpiece holder, storage means having a plurality of locations for workpieces stored therein so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means, and programmable control means, said machine tools being complementary to each other in relation to the operations to be carried out on said workpieces;

• said process comprising securing each workpiece to a workpiece holder in a predetermined position and attitude with respect to the workpiece holder, selecting each workpiece holder from a location in said storage means, transporting each selected workpiece holder by said transport means between said storage means and at least one preselected machine tool, automatically and sequentially locating and securing each of said workpiece holders at a predetermined location and attitude in each of said selected machine tools, and subsequently performing programmed operations on each of said workpieces in each of said selected machine tools while said workpiece holder is so located and secured therein, the operating sequence performed by said storage means, transport means and machine tools, including selecting, locating and securing workpiece holders, being under the control of said control means, the operating sequences of different workpieces, under the control of said control means, being different.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations and adapted to use a series of selected tools, storage means for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means to transport workpieces between a succession of said machine tools, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operation and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said storage means so that each pallet-mounted workpiece is selectively accessible;
• selecting each of said pallet-mounted workpieces from said storage means and transporting each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces by said transport means to at least a selected one of said machine tools, selecting and mounting required tools in each of said selected machine tools and machining said pallet-mounted workpieces at each of said selected machine tools;
• monitoring the location of each workpiece during the various stages of its transporting and machining sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each of said workpieces;
• and
• dismounting each machined workpiece from its associated pallet after completion of said transporting and machining sequence;
• the operating sequence of storing, transporting and machining steps, including said selecting step, for each pallet-mounted workpiece being under the control of said control means, the pallet-mounted workpieces of different batches being controlled to follow different sequences.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of complementary machine tools capable of performing different machining operations and adapted to use a series of selected tools, workpiece storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means to transport workpieces between a succession of said machine tools and said workpiece storage means, tool storage means, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations, said process comprising:

• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said workpiece storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• supplying tools to said tool storage means;
• selecting each of said pallet-mounted workpieces from said workpiece storage means and transporting each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces by said transport means between said workpiece storage means and selected of said machine tools;
• withdrawing tools from said tool storage means and mounting said tools in selected of said machine tools;
• machining said selected pallet-mounted workpieces at each of said selected machine tools;
• monitoring the location of each workpiece during the various stages of its storage, transporting and machining sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each of said workpieces;
• and
• dismounting each machined workpiece from its associated pallet after completion of said storage, transporting and machining sequence;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps, including said selecting step, for each pallet-mounted workpiece being under the control of said control means, the workpieces of different batches being programmed to follow different operating sequences.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces to form machined products by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means to transport selected of said workpieces in said storage means between said storage means and said machine tools, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• delivering each workpiece into said storage means for storage so that it is selectively accessible;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece in turn by said transport means from said storage means to one of said machine tools for the performance of a first machining operation thereon;
• transporting said selected workpiece by said transport means back to said storage means after the completion of said first machining operation for storage so that said selected workpiece is selectively accessible;
• transporting said selected workpiece by said transport means to a further one of said machine tools for the performance of a second machining operation thereon;
• and
• transporting said selected workpiece by said transport means back to said storage means after the completion of said second machining operation;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps unique for each workpiece, including said selecting step, being under the control of said control means, the workpieces of different batches being subjected to a different predetermined sequence of storage, transporting, and machining steps whereby the time required for machining all of said workpieces is minimized.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of baches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, and programmable control means adapted to control each machine tool, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• delivering each workpiece to said storage means and storing each workpiece so that it is selectively accessible, the total number of workpieces delivered to said storage means being greater than the number of said machine tools;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece in turn from said storage means to one of said machine tools for the performance of a first machining operation thereon;
• transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said first machining operation;
• transporting said selected workpiece to a further one of said machine tools for the performance of a second machining operation thereon;
• and
• transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said second machining operation;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps, including said selecting step, applicable to each said workpiece being under the control of said control means, the workpieces of different batches being subjected to a different predetermined sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps whereby the time required for machining all of said workpieces is minimized.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different operations upon the workpieces, storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces greater in number than the number of said machine tools and so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, and programmable control means adapted to control each of said machine tools, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same operations to be performed upon them by said machine tools, and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machine tool operations;

• said process comprising:
• delivering each workpiece into said storage means and storing each workpiece so that it is selectively accessible;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece from said storage means to one of said machine tools for the performance of a first machine tool operation thereon;
• transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said first machine tool operation;
• transporting said selected workpiece to a further one of said machine tools for the performance of a second machine tool operation thereon;
• and
• transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said second machine tool operation;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machine tool operations, including said selecting step, applicable to each said workpiece being under the control of said control means, the workpieces of different batches being subjected to a different predetermined sequence of storage, transporting and machine tool operations whereby the time required for completing all of said machine tool operations on all of said workpieces is minimized.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• delivering each pallet-mounted workpiece into said storage means for storage so that it is selectively accessible;
• selecting and transporting each pallet-mounted workpiece from said storage means to one of said machine tools for the performance of a first machining operation thereon;
• transporting said selected pallet-mounted workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said first machining operation;
• transporting said selected pallet-mounted workpiece to another of said machine tools for the performance of a second machining operation thereon;
• and
• transporting said selected pallet-mounted workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said second machining operation;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps, including said selecting step, applicable to each said workpiece being under the control of said control means;
• the workpieces of different batches being subjected to a different predetermined sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps whereby the time required for machining all of said workpieces is minimized.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of workpieces of different forms by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means for transporting said workpieces, and programmable control means;

• and process comprising:
• selecting each workpiece from said storage means and transporting said selected workpiece along a predetermined route including at least one stop at a preselected machine tool for at least one machining operation on said selected workpiece and at least one stop at said storage means, different selected workpieces following different predetermined routes and having different combinations of storage, transporting and machining sequences;
• and
• the operating sequence of storage and transporting steps for each workpiece and the machining operation by said at least one machine tool being under the control of said control means, the operating sequence of at least one workpiece being different from the operating sequences of other workpieces.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of workpieces of different forms by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means, and programmable control means;

• said process comprising:
• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said storage means so that it is selectively accessible;
• operating said machining system including the selection of each pallet-mounted workpiece from said storage means and the transporting of each selected pallet-mounted workpiece by said transport means between said storage means and at least one machine tool;
• and
• monitoring the location of each pallet-mounted workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps, including said selection step, of each said pallet-mounted workpiece being under the control of said control means, the operating sequences of different pallet-mounted workpieces being different.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, a common tool store from which tools are drawn to be mounted in said machine tools and to which tools are returned from said machine tools, workpiece and tool transport means, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said machining system for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• locating tools in said common tool store;
• transporting each palled-mounted workpiece by said transport means to at least one predetermined machine tool;
• transporting selected tools by said transport means between said common tool store and selected of said machine tools;
• monitoring the location of each workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece;
• monitoring the location of said tools by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to said tools;
• and
• replacing defective tools in said common tool store;
• the schedule of operating sequences of transporting and machining of all of said workpieces and the withdrawing and transporting of selected tools being under the control of said control means to optimize substantially the overall use of machine tool time.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, a common tool store from which tools are drawn to be mounted in said machine tools and to which tools are returned from said machine tools, transport means for transporting said workpieces and for transporting said tools between said common tool store and said machine tools, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said machining system for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• locating tools in said common tool store;
• transporting each pallet-mounted workpiece by said transport means to at least one predetermined machine tool;
• selecting and transporting tools by said transport means between said common tool store and selected of said machine tools;
• and
• monitoring the location of each workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece;
• the machining operations performed on said workpieces by said plurality of machine tools and the transporting of said workpieces being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces of similar form, comprising mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece in each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece, locating each pallet-mounted workpiece for the commencement of its operating sequence, supplying a plurality of tools of different forms to storage means, entering into control means details of said workpieces in each batch, including at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each workpiece, whereby the location of said workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is monitored by said control means, delivering selected pallet-mounted workpieces to selected machine tools;

• automatically selecting and withdrawing tools of different forms from said storage means as required for said at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each of said selected workpieces of said batches, and delivering said selected tools to more than one selected machine tool for the performance of said selected machining operations thereby, the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps for each workpiece, including said delivery of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces to said selected machine tools, and the selecting, withdrawing and delivering of tools to said selected machine tools for said selected machining operations to be performed on each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces while located at said selected machine tools being under the control of said control means, the operating sequences for different workpieces being different.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch consisting of workpieces of similar form, comprising delivering each workpiece to storage means and storing said workpieces in said storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, the total number of workpieces located at any one time at said machine tools and in said storage means being larger than the number of machine tools;

• entering into programmable control means means for determining the identity of each workpiece;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece in turn from said storage means to a first machine tool for the performance of a first machining operation thereof;
• transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said first machining operation, storing said workpiece in said storage means so that it is selectively accessible, and subsequently selecting and transporting said workpiece from said storage means to a second machine tool for machining thereby and then back to said storage means;
• each said transporting step being under the control of said control means in accordance with a predetermined operating sequence of storing, transporting and machining steps unique to said selected workpiece, workpieces of a different form being subjected to a different predetermined operating sequence whereby the minimum practical time for machining all of said workpieces is achieved.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch consisting of workpieces of similar form, comprising delivering each workpiece to storage means adapted for storing said workpiece in said storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, the number of workpieces being greater than the number of machine tools, selecting and transporting each workpiece in turn from said storage means to a first machine tool for the performance of a first machining operation thereon, transporting said selected workpiece back to said storage means after the completion of said first machining operation, storing said workpiece in said storage means so that it is selectively accessible, and subsequently selecting and transporting said workpiece from said storage means to a second machine tool for machining thereby and then back to said storage means, each of said transporting and machining operations being under the control of a programmable control means in accordance with a predetermined sequence of storage, transporting and machining operations unique to said selected workpiece, workpieces of different forms being subjected to a different sequence of storage, transporting and machining operations whereby the minimum practical time for machining all of said workpieces is achieved.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch consisting of workpieces of similar form, comprising mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece in each of said machine tools by which it is to be machined, delivering each pallet-mounted workpiece into storage means adapted for storing a plurality of the pallet-mounted workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, entering into programmable control means the identity of each workpiece and the location thereof in said storage means, selecting a pallet-mounted workpiece from said storage means and transporting said selected pallet-mounted workpiece to a first machine tool for the performance of a first machining operation thereon, transporting said selected pallet-mounted workpiece back to said storage means for storage so that each workpiece is selectively accessible after the completion of said first machining operation, and subsequently selecting and transporting said pallet-mounted workpiece from said storage means to a second machine tool for machining thereby and then back to the storage means, each of said transporting and machining operations being under the control of said control means in accordance with a predetermined sequence of storage, transporting and machining operations unique to said selected workpiece, workpieces of different forms being subjected to a different preprogrammed sequence of storage, transporting and machining operations whereby the minimum practical time for machining all of said workpieces is achieved.

A method of machining a plurality of different workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations under the control of a programmable control means, comprising mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece in each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;

• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece, for the commencement of its operating sequence, in storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• selecting and transporting each pallet-mounted workpiece from said storage means to at least one of said machine tools;
• performing at least one machining operation on said selected pallet-mounted workpiece at said at least one of said machine tools;
• and entering into said control means details of said selected workpiece whereby the location of said selected workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is monitored by said control means;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps being under the control of said control means, different workpieces having different operating sequences.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece in each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;

• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• supplying a plurality of tools of different forms to a common tool store;
• entering into programmable control means details of the workpieces in each batch, including at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each workpiece, whereby location of each workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is monitored by said control means;
• entering into said control means the location and type designation of said plurality of tools at said common tool store for supplying said tools to said machine tools;
• delivering selected pallet-mounted workpieces to selected machine tools;
• selecting and withdrawing tools of different forms from said common tool store as required for said at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each of said selected workpieces of said batches;
• and delivering said selected tools to more than one of said selected machine tools for the performance of said selected machining operations thereby;
• the operating sequences for all said workpieces, including delivery of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces to said selected machine tools, and the withdrawal of selected tools from said common tool store and delivery of said selected tools to said selected machine tools for said selected machining operations to be performed on each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces while locate at said selected machine tools being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations by a plurality of complementary machine tools, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece in each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;

• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• supplying a plurality of tools of different forms to a common tool store;
• entering into control means details of said workpieces in each batch, including at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each workpiece, whereby location of each workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is automatically monitored by said control means;
• delivering selected pallet-mounted workpieces to selected machine tools;
• selecting and withdrawing tools of different forms from said common tool store as required for said at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each of said selected workpieces of said batches;
• and delivering said selected tools to more than one of said selected machine tools for the performance of said selected machining operations thereby;
• the machining operations to be performed on said selected pallet-mounted workpieces by a plurality of said selected machine tools, the delivery of said selecting pallet-mounted workpieces to said selected machine tools, the selection and withdrawal of selected tools from said common tool store, and the delivery of said selected tools to said selected of said machine tools by transport means for said selected machining operations to be performed on each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces while located at said selected machine tools being under the control of said control means.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of workpieces of different forms by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, storage means for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, transport means, and programmable control means, said process comprising:

• mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said machining system for the commencement of its machining sequence;
• operating said machining system, including the transporting of each selected pallet-mounted workpiece by said transport means to and from said storage means and the transporting of each selected pallet-mounted workpiece by said transport means between said storage means and at least one machine tool;
• and
• monitoring the location of each workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece;
• the operating sequence of storage and transporting steps for each workpiece and the machining operation by said at least one machine tool being under the control of said control means, the operating sequence of at least one workpiece being different from the operating sequences of other workpieces.

A method of machining, by means of a plurality of machine tools, a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces of similar form, comprising:

• storing each workpiece in storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• detecting when a machine tool has completed a machining operation on a particular workpiece and is ready to receive another workpiece;
• transporting said particular workpiece from said machine tool;
• transporting a selected further workpiece from said storage means to said machine tool;
• and
• machining further workpieces by following similar detecting and transporting steps in relation to appropriate workpieces and appropriate machine tools;
• said machining and transporting operations being under the control of control means.

A method of machining, by means of a plurality of machine tools, a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces of similar form, comprising:

• storing each workpiece in storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• detecting when a machine tool has completed a machining operation on a particular workpiece and is ready to receive another workpiece;
• transporting said particular workpiece from said machine tool to a selected location in said storage means;
• transporting a selected further workpiece from said storage means to said machine tool;
• and
• machining further workpieces by following similar detecting and transporting steps in relation to appropriate workpieces and appropriate machine tools;
• said machining, storage and transporting operations being under the control of control means.

A method of machining by means of a plurality of machine tools a source of workpieces, and common transport means for transporting workpieces between said source and said machine tools, a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations under the control of programmable control means, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising:

• locating each workpiece at said source so that it is selectively accessible;
• detecting when a machine tool has completed a machining operation on a workpiece and is ready to receive a further workpiece;
• operating said common transport means to select and deliver a further workpiece from said source to said machine tool;
• operating said machine tool to perform the appropriate machining operation on said further workpiece;
• detecting when said machining operation on said further workpiece has been completed;
• operating said common transport means to remove said further workpiece from said machine tool;
• and
• proceeding in similar manner to machine still further workpieces by said machine tool and the other of said machine tools;
• the operation of said machine tools and said transport means being under the control of said control means.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of workpieces of different forms by means of a plurality of complementary machine tools capable of performing different machining operations and adapted to use a series of selected tools, workpiece storage means, tool storage means, transport means to transport workpieces between said machine tools and said workpiece storage means and tools between said machine tools and said tool storage means, and programmable control means, the workpieces of different forms requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• (a) mounting each workpiece on a pallet adapted for locating said workpiece at each of said machine tools required for machining said workpiece;
• (b) locating each pallet-mounted workpiece in said workpiece storage means, for the commencement of its machining sequence, so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• (c) supplying tools to said tool storage means;
• (d) selecting each of said pallet-mounted workpieces from said workpiece storage means and transporting each of said selected pallet-mounted workpieces between said workpiece storage means and selected of said machine tools;
• (e) automatically and sequentially locating and securing each of said pallets at a predetermined location and attitude in each of said selected machine tools;
• (f) withdrawing selected tools from said tool storage means and transporting and mounting said selected tools in each of said selected machine tools;
• (g) machining said pallet-mounted workpieces at each of said selected machine tools;
• (h) monitoring the location of each pallet-mounted workpiece during the various stages of its storage, transporting and machining sequence;
• and
• (i) dismounting each machined workpiece from its associated pallet after completion of said storage, transporting and machining sequence;
• (j) the operating sequences of storage, selecting and transporting steps for each selected pallet-mounted workpiece and tool and the machining of each selected pallet-mounted workpiece being under the control of said control means, the operating sequences of workpieces of different forms being different.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations by a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising locating each workpiece for the commencement of its operating sequence;

• supplying a plurality of tools of different forms to a common tool store;
• entering into control means details of said workpieces in each batch, including at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each workpiece, whereby location of each workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is automatically monitored by said control means;
• delivering selected workpieces to selected machine tools;
• selecting and withdrawing tools of different forms from said common tool store as required for said at least one selected machining operation to be performed on each of said selected workpieces of said batches;
• and delivering said selected tools to more than one of said selected machine tools for the performance of said selected machining operations thereby;
• the machining operations to be performed on said selected workpieces by a plurality of said selected machine tools, the delivery of said selected workpieces to said selected machine tools, the selection and withdrawal of selected tools from said common tool store, and the delivery of said selected tools to said selected of said machine tools by transport means for said selected machining operations to be performed on each of said selected workpieces while located at said selected machine tools, being under the control of said control means.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations and adapted to use a series of selected tools, workpiece storage means adapted for storing a plurality of workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, central tool storage means, transport means to transport workpieces between a succession of said machine tools and said workpiece storage means and to transport tools between said machine tools and said tool storage means, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations, said process comprising:

• locating each workpiece in said workpiece storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• supplying a plurality of tools to said tool storage means;
• selecting each of said workpieces from said workpiece storage means and transporting each of said selected workpieces by said transport means between said workpiece storage means and selected of said machine tools;
• selecting, withdrawing and transporting tools by said transport means from said tool storage means to selected machine tools and mounting said selected tools in said selected machine tools;
• machining said selected workpieces at each of said selected machine tools;
• and
• monitoring the location of each workpiece during the various stages of its storage, transporting and machining sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each of said workpieces;
• the operating sequence of storage, transporting and machining steps, including said selecting step, for each workpiece and of selecting, withdrawing, transporting and mounting steps for said tools being under the control of said control means, the workpieces of different batches being programmed to follow different operating sequences.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, workpiece storage means for storing workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, a common tool store from which tools are drawn to be mounted in said machine tools and to which tools are returned from said machine tools, workpiece and tool transport means, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• locating each workpiece in said workpiece storage means, so that it is selectively accessible, for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• locating a plurality of tools in said common tool store;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece by said transport means between said workpiece storage means and predetermined machine tools;
• selecting and transporting tools by said transport means between said common tool store and selected of said machine tools;
• monitoring the location of each workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece;
• monitoring the location of said tools by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to said tools;
• and
• replacing defective tools in said common tool store;
• the schedule of operating sequences of selecting, transporting and machining of all of said workpieces and the selecting and transporting of tools being under the control of said control means to optimize substantially the overall use of machine tool time.

The process of producing engineering components from a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces by means of a machining system comprising a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, workpiece storage means for storing workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, a common tool store from which tools are drawn to be mounted in said machine tools and to which tools are returned from said machine tools, transport means for transporting said workpieces between said workpiece storage means and said machine tools and for transporting said tools between said common tool store and said machine tools, and programmable control means, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces requiring substantially the same machining operations and the workpieces of different batches requiring different machining operations;

• said process comprising:
• locating each workpiece in said workpiece storage means, so that it is selectively accessible, for the commencement of its operating sequence;
• locating a plurality of tools in said common tool store;
• selecting and transporting each workpiece by said transport means from said workpiece storage means to at least one predetermined machine tool;
• selecting and transporting tools by said transport means between said common tool store and selected of said machine tools;
• and
• monitoring the location of each workpiece at the various stages of its operating sequence by periodically entering into said control means information relevant to each workpiece:
• the machining operations performed on said workpieces by said plurality of machine tools and the transporting of said workpieces being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces of similar form, comprising locating each workpiece in workpiece storage means, so that it is selectively accessible, for the commencement of its operating sequence;

• entering into control means details of each workpiece whereby the location of said workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is monitored by said control means;
• selecting and transporting each of said workpieces from said workpiece storage means to at least one of said machine tools in accordance with its operating sequence;
• supplying a plurality of tools to tool storage means;
• and selecting and transporting tools from said tool storage means to selected machine tools for the performance of said machining operations;
• the operating sequence of selecting, transporting and machining steps for each workpiece and of selecting and transporting of tools being under the control of said control means, the operating sequences of different workpieces being different.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations from a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising locating each workpiece in workpiece storage means, so that it is selectively accessible, for the commencement of its operating sequence;

• entering into programmable control means details of the workpiece whereby location of each workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is monitored by said control means;
• selecting and transporting each of said workpieces from said workpiece storage means to at least one of said machine tools in accordance with its operating sequence;
• supplying a plurality of tools to a common tool store;
• entering into said control means the location and type designation of said plurality of tools at said common tool store for supplying tools to more than one of said machine tools;
• and selecting and transporting tools from said common tool store to selected machine tools for the performance of said machining operations;
• the operating sequences for all of said workpieces and the selecting and transporting of said tools from said common tool store for selected machining operations being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations by a plurality of machine tools capable of performing different machining operations, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising locating each workpiece in workpiece storage means, so that it is selectively accessible, for the commencement of its operating sequence;

• entering into control means details of each workpiece whereby the location of said workpiece at various stages of its operating sequence is automatically monitored by said control means;
• selecting and transporting each of said workpieces from said workpiece storage means to at least one of said machine tools in accordance with its operating sequence;
• supplying a plurality of tools to tool storage means;
• and selecting and transporting tools from said tool storage means to selected machine tools for the performance of said machining operations;
• the machining operations to be performed on said workpieces by a plurality of said machine tools and the selection and withdrawal of selected tools from said tool storage means, for delivery to selected of said machine tools by transport means, being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining by means of a plurality of machine tools, a source of workpieces arranged to store said workpieces so that each workpiece is selectively accessible, a central tool store for storing and supplying tools to more than one of said machine tools, and common transport means for transporting workpieces between said source and said machine tools;

• a plurality of batches of different workpieces requiring different machining operations under the control of programmable control means, each batch comprising workpieces of a similar form, comprising:
• locating each workpiece at said source so that it is selectively accessible;
• transporting selected tools from said central tool store to selected machine tools for use in machining operations thereby;
• detecting when a machine tool has completed a machining operation on a workpiece and is ready to receive a further workpiece;
• operating said common transport means to select and deliver a further workpiece to said machine tool from said source of workpieces;
• operating said machine tool to perform the appropriate machining operation on said further workpiece;
• detecting when said machining operation on said further workpiece has been completed;
• operating said common transport means to remove said further workpiece from said machine tool;
• and
• proceeding in similar manner to machine still further workpieces by said machine tool and the other of said machine tools;
• the transport of tools from said central tool store and the operation of said machine tools and said transport means being under the control of said control means.

A method of machining, by means of a plurality of machine tools, a plurality of batches of workpieces, each batch consisting of a plurality of workpieces of similar form and requiring similar machining operations, the workpieces of different batches being of different form and requiring different machining operations;

• said method comprising storing said workpieces of different forms in storage means so that each workpiece is selectively accessible;
• selecting each workpiece from said storage means;
• transporting each said selected workpiece by transport means between said storage means and at least one selected machine tool;
• selecting the program required for a selected workpiece delivered to a selected machine tool;
• and performing the programmed machining operation on said selected workpiece while located at said selected machine tool;
• said selecting of workpieces and transporting of said selected workpieces being under the control of control means;
• at least a portion of said workpieces being subjected to different sequences of storing, transporting and machining steps to minimize the time required for machining all of said workpieces.

A process for producing engineering components from workpieces by the removal of material therefrom by means of a plurality of data-controlled machine tools, each of which has automatic means for locating and securing therein a workpiece, said machine tools being capable of performing different machining operations on the workpieces;

• said process comprising delivering each workpiece to storage means and storing each of said delivered workpieces so that it is selectively accessible;
• selecting each workpiece from said storage means;
• presenting each of said selected workpieces to at least one selected of said machine tools;
• automatically locating and securing each of said selected workpieces at a predetermined location and attitude in said at least one selected of said machine tools;
• and subsequently performing programmed machining operations on each of said selected workpieces in the respective of said at least one selected of said machine tools while said selected workpieces are located and secured therein.

A method of machining, by means of a plurality of machine tools, a plurality of batches of different forms of workpieces requiring different machining operations, each batch comprising a plurality of workpieces of similar form;

• comprising:
• storing each workpiece in storage means so that it is selectively accessible;
• detecting when a machine tool has completed a machining operation on a particular workpiece and is ready to receive another workpiece;
• transporting said particular workpiece from said machine tool;
• selecting a further workpiece from said storage means and transporting said selected further workpiece from said storage means to said machine tool;
• and
• machining further workpieces by following similar detecting and transporting steps in relation to appropriate workpieces and appropriate machine tools;
• said transporting operations being under the control of central control means and said machine tools each being operated by programmable means for performing an appropriate machining operation on each workpiece transported thereto.