Adjustable fixture for a multi-spindle machine

A method for processing workpieces from parts, the method comprising:

• positioning a plurality of tools associated with a multi-spindle machine with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture, wherein the multi-spindle machine comprises a plurality of spindles configured to move together along a plurality of axes and to each receive a respective tool of the plurality of tools, and wherein the multi-spindle machine further comprises a motor system configured to rotate the plurality of spindles with the plurality of tools during an operation, and wherein the fixture comprises a plurality of platforms, wherein each platform of the plurality of platforms is individually moveable with respect to others of the plurality of platforms along a number of axes, wherein each platform of the plurality of platforms is configured to hold a respective workpiece of the plurality of workpieces during a number of operations performed by the multi-spindle machine;
• wherein an adjustment system is configured to move each platform of the plurality of platforms along the number of axes independently from the others of the plurality of platforms, wherein the adjustment system comprises a plurality of adjustment units connected to the plurality of platforms, wherein the plurality of adjustment units, acting in concert, is configured to move a platform of the plurality of platforms along the number of axes;
• wherein a base is provided;
• wherein a plurality of guides are provided in the base;
• and wherein a plurality of engagement features are configured to engage the plurality of guides in the base, wherein the plurality of engagement features is located on the plurality of platforms;
• wherein the adjustment system comprises, for each of the platforms, (I) a respective first adjustment unit comprising (a) a respective first threaded shaft inserted inside a respective one of the platforms and (b) a respective first motor as well as (2) a respective second adjustment unit comprising (c) a respective second threaded shaft inserted inside the respective one of the platforms and (d) a respective second motor, wherein the respective first threaded shaft and the respective second threaded shaft have longitudinal axes that are orthogonal to each other for each platform of the plurality of platforms;
• and
• machining first sides of the plurality of workpieces on the plurality of platforms;
• turning over the plurality of workpieces after machining the first sides such that second sides of the plurality of workpieces are positioned with respect to the plurality of tools;
• machining a respective portion of each of the second sides of each workpiece of the plurality of workpieces;
• identifying a number of adjustments for the plurality of workpieces after machining the respective portions of the second sides of the plurality of workpieces;
• moving one or more platforms of the plurality of platforms using the adjustment system after identifying the number of adjustments for the plurality of workpieces, wherein the moving is performed along one or more of the number of axes independently from one or more other platforms of the plurality of platforms, and wherein the moving is further performed by driving the respective first threaded shaft, by driving the respective second threaded shaft, or a combination thereof;
• and
• finishing machining the second sides of the plurality of workpieces after moving the one or more platforms of the plurality of platforms.