Method and apparatus for multi-step workpiece manufacturing

A method of manufacturing a workpiece, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing at least two manufacturing means for applying manufacturing steps to the workpiece, each one of which including:
• a press machine having a ram;
• a table means for carrying a plurality of manufacturing press dies corresponding to different manufacturing steps to be applied to the workpiece, the table means being capable of moving the manufacturing press dies intermittently under the ram of the press machine such that any one of the manufacturing press dies can be placed under the ram of the press machine selectively;
• (b) providing means for transferring the workpiece among the manufacturing means, capable of transferring the workpiece in and out of one manufacturing press die of one manufacturing means placed under the ram of the press machine;
• (c) controlling the manufacturing means and the transferring means such that while one manufacturing step is being applied by one manufacturing means and then the workpiece is being transferred by the transferring means from that one manufacturing means to another manufacturing means for applying a next manufacturing step to the workpiece, the table means of the another manufacturing means is intermittently moved to prepare for the next manufacturing step by placing an appropriate one of the manufacturing press dies under the ram of the press machine of the another manufacturing means.