Method for manufacturing precisely shaped parts

Abstract

A method for forming a precisely shaped part includes providing a blank having at least two spaced apart locators, providing a fixture having a U-shaped base with two spaced apart end walls, one supporting a clamping mechanism and the other supporting an abutment, securing the blank into the fixture such that the clamping mechanism mates with one of the locators and forces another of the locators into contact with the abutment, and subsequently machining the blank. The locators on the blank are shaped to mate with corresponding features on the fixture, such that the fixture uses the locators to secure the blank. The locators are disposed in a plane from which critical design features are referenced. Once the blank is clamped into the fixture details can be accurately machined into the blank forming a precisely shaped part.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.