Automated machine tool

Keywords: Automation, Machine tools

Applicant: Miyano Machinery USA Inc., USAPatent number: US6,081,986Publication date: 4 July 2000Title: Automated machine tool including a plurality of processing units

This invention presents an automated machine tool that comprises a frame having a first workpiece transfer station at a location on the frame, at least two self-contained processing units, and a structure for sequentially indexing the processing units to the first workpiece transfer station for transferring workpieces between each of the processing units. The self-contained processing units include a structure for holding the workpiece for processing, and a structure for performing a process on the workpiece.

In one form of the invention, the structure for performing the process includes at least one of a cutting tool holder, a cutting tool spindle, a turret slide assembly, die injection mechanism, a welding mechanism, an electrical machining mechanism, a wire- cutting assembly, and a laser machining mechanism. Similarly, the structure for holding a workpiece includes at least one of a head stock assembly, a die set, a tailstock assembly, and a table slide assembly.

Jon Rigelsford