Method and system for machining muntin sections and seating bars

A system for machining muntin sections and seating bars comprising:

• (a) a combined muntin section notching and seating bar piercing unit containing means for forming at least one notch in the muntin section and at least one aperture in the seating bar;
• (b) means for controlling the notching and seating unity;
• (c) at least one muntin section crimping unit, the crimping unit including means for forming at least one retaining dimple in at least one muntin section proximate the notch;
• and
• (d) means for controlling the crimping unit.

A method of machining muntin sections and seating bars comprising the steps of:

• (a) feeding a plurality of muntin sections to a notching device;
• (b) cutting the muntin sections to form at least one notch therein;
• (c) feeding a plurality of seating bars to a piercing device;
• (d) piercing the seating bars to form at least one aperture therein;
• (e) transferring at least one notched muntin section to a crimping unit;
• (f) crimping the notched muntin section such that at least one outwardly projecting retaining dimple is formed in the side of the muntin section medially of the notch;
• (g) transferring the notched and crimped muntin section to an assembly station;
• (h) transferring at least one other notched muntin section to the assembly station;
• (i) transferring the seating bar to the assembly station.