Automated method and apparatus for fabricating sheet metal parts and the like using multiple manufacturing stations
US4998206A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for fabricating sheet metal parts using workpiece manipulators to transfer a workpiece from one work station to another and position the workpiece for each operation to be performed. The invention eliminates the need of individual operators and can be managed under microprocessor control using known positions along selected X and Y axes about which programming is performed. A unified design and manufacturing system includes a computer-aided design (CAD) system and a microprocessor-controlled fabrication system consisting of a plurality of manufacturing stations which perform manufacturing and transporting operations upon a workpiece. Design information for a part is entered through the CAD system and includes a reference point. The design information is combined with manufacturing process planning information to produce a part definition data file which is used by the microprocessor-controlled fabrication system to perform machine operations upon a workpiece to produce the part according to the design information. In the microprocessor-controlled fabrication system, the reference point, as entered in the CAD system, is associated with a specific point upon th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.