Multi-positioner machining system

Abstract

A machining system that has (i) plural machining cells spaced along a path, each having a single-point-tool and a rapid-positioning assembly for positioning the tool for multiple insertions into a workpiece as well as rapid tool exchange at speed rates that approach or exceed one G; (ii) table means for presenting a table surface in a selected plane for each cell; (iii) workpiece means for each table surface having keying surfaces for lockingly mating with a reference point of such table surface; (iv) transfer means for rapidly replacing a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece on a table surface, the just-machined workpiece being transferred to the next table surface while the substituted workpiece is undergoing machining; and (v) programmed electrical control means for activating the positioning assemblies and transfer means. A method of machining, comprising: (a) locking a workpiece on a fixture having dimensional keys and releasably securing such fixture on an adjustable worktable in a predetermined first position facilitated by said keys; (b) adjacent each worktable, rapidly positioning a rotary single-point-tool for linear feed into a first of said workpiece surfaces while in a first position, said positioning being carried out at accelerations/decelerations of at least about one G; (c) feeding the rotating tool into the workpiece to carry out machining at speeds of 1-1300 inches per minute for drilling and boring, and at least about 5000 sfm for milling; (d) after withdrawing the tool from the workpiece, repositioning the single-point-tool for another linear feed into other workpiece surfaces or transfer to another tool.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.