Modular metalworking tooling apparatus
First Claim
1. A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece, comprising:
- (a) a base comprising an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising a locating feature, and (b) an insert associated with the attachment surface, the insert comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein the locating feature on the insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface, to define a location of the workpiece support feature relative to the base.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece or a family of workpieces. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine. The modular tooling apparatus permits machining a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail, by inserting the insert member from the family of inserts to properly position and orient the corresponding workpiece member, without needing to change, disconnect, or move the base tooling.
17 Citations
44 Claims
-
1. A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece, comprising:
-
(a) a base comprising an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising a locating feature, and (b) an insert associated with the attachment surface, the insert comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein the locating feature on the insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface, to define a location of the workpiece support feature relative to the base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece, comprising:
-
(a) a base comprising at least a first attachment surface and a second attachment surface, each attachment surface comprising a locating feature; and
(b) at least a first set of inserts comprising at least first and second inserts, corresponding to and associating with the first and second attachment surfaces, respectively, each of the inserts comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein each insert locating feature is configured to associate with the corresponding locating feature of the attachment surface to define a location of each workpiece support feature relative to the base. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
-
-
33. A method for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece using a modular tooling apparatus, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing a modular tooling apparatus comprising a common base, the common base comprising at least one attachment surface comprising a locating feature, and a first insert comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
(b) positioning the common base to a table of a metalworking machine;
(c) associating and securing the first insert to the attachment surface, wherein the locating feature on the first insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface to define a location of the workpiece support feature of the first insert relative to the common base;
(d) aligning the common base with the metalworking machine;
(e) securing semi-permanently the aligned common base to the table;
(f) providing a first workpiece;
(g) positioning and securing the first workpiece onto the workpiece support feature of the first insert, wherein the first workpiece assumes a characteristic position and orientation relative to the metalworking machine for machining of the workpiece;
(h) machining the first workpiece with the metalworking machine; and
(i) removing the machined first workpiece from the first insert. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
-
-
40. A method for performing a metalworking operation on a family of workpieces using a modular tooling apparatus, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing a modular tooling apparatus comprising a common base, the common base comprising at least one attachment surface comprising a locating feature, and a first insert comprising a first member of a first family of insert members that are related but different in detail, the first insert comprising a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
(b) positioning the common base to a table of a metalworking machine;
(c) associating and securing the first insert to the attachment surface, wherein the locating feature on the first insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface to define a location of the workpiece support feature of the first insert relative to the common base;
(d) aligning the common base with a metalworking machine;
(e) securing semi-permanently the aligned common base to the table;
(f) providing a first workpiece selected from a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail;
(g) positioning and securing the first workpiece onto the workpiece support feature of the first insert, wherein the first workpiece assumes a characteristic position and orientation relative to the metalworking machine for machining of the workpiece;
(h) machining the first workpiece with the metalworking machine;
(i) removing the machined first workpiece from the first insert;
(j) removing the first insert from the attachment surface of the common base;
(k) providing a second insert comprising a second member of the first family of insert members, the second insert comprising a locating feature, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof, and providing a second workpiece selected from the family of workpiece members;
(l) associating and securing the second insert to the attachment surface, wherein its locating feature is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface to define a location of the workpiece support feature of the second insert relative to the common base;
(m) positioning and securing the second workpiece onto the workpiece support feature of the second insert, wherein the second workpiece assumes a characteristic position and orientation relative to the metalworking machine for machining of the workpiece;
(n) machining the second workpiece with the metalworking machine; and
(o) removing the machined second workpiece from the second insert. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44)
-
Specification