US 7,565,223 B2 · Methods and systems for handling a work piece for a machining process

Abstract

Automated handling systems and methods for using the handling systems for handling a work piece in a machining process, for example, an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, are provided. The handling systems include a robotic manipulator adapted to grasp a work piece and locate the work piece in a machining operation, such as, an EDM machining operation. The robotic manipulator includes tooling having gripping devices adapted to grasp and position the work piece so that the work piece can be transferred and positioned, for example, precisely positioned, whereby accurate machining of the work piece can be practiced with little or no custom tooling. Methods for handling a work piece are also disclosed.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method for handling a work piece for an EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) machining process, the method comprising:

providing the work piece in a first position;
grasping the work piece with a first automated gripping device mounted to a robotic manipulator;
transferring the work piece with the robotic manipulator from the first position to a second position in a vessel where the work piece can be accessed by an EDM machine tool;
introducing a dielectric fluid to the vessel;
and
grasping the work piece in the second position with a second automated gripping device wherein the work piece is positioned for machining by the EDM machine tool.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and systems for handling a work piece for a machining process

Life of this patent

Methods and systems for handling a work piece for a machining process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14