TOOLING SYSTEM

• US 20090250857A1
• Filed: 12/22/2005
• Published: 10/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Surface Generation Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Surface Generation Ltd.
• Inventors: Halford, Ben John
• Granted Patent: US 7,797,975 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 269/55
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 37/02 Die constructions enabling assembly of the die parts in different ways B21D37/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/035 with an array of longitudinally movable rods defining a reconfigurable support surface
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 2230/002 Using the spindle for performing a non machining or non measuring operation, e.g. cleaning, actuating a mechanism

Abstract

An element (10) for use in a tooling system which comprises a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another is characterised in that the element comprises tagging means (8) providing the element with a unique identifier. The tagging means preferably comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

Claims

1. An element for use in a tooling system which comprises a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another, wherein the element includes tagging means providing the element with a unique identifier, the tagging means having information identifying the orientation and location of the individual element within the array.

2. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means is offset from the center of the element.

3. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means is provided on a surface of the element.

4. An element according to any one of claim 1, wherein the element includes a machinable portion, the tagging means having information identifying a geometry of the element.

5. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means includes information identifying a height of the individual element within the array.

6. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

7. An element according to claim 6, wherein the element defines a pocket configured to receive the RFID tag.

8. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means has been inserted into the element during the manufacturing process.

9. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means includes a barcode imprinted upon a surface of the element.

10. An element according to claim 1, wherein at least one face of the element is coated with an identifying visually readable identifier.

11. An element according to claim 10, wherein the identifying visually readable identifier includes at least one of color coding and other identifying markings.

12. An element according to claim 1, wherein the tagging means is located on the element such that it scannable by an automatic reader, linked to a control system of the tooling system, at least one of during assembly of the array and when the element is located within the assembled array.

13. An element according claim 4, wherein the element terminates at an end remote from the machinable portion in a tapered portion.

14. An element according to claim 13, wherein the tapered portion is located adjacent to a threaded portion, which threaded portion is adapted to co-operate with a threaded hole in a cross rail of the array.

15. An element according to claim 1, further comprising internal heating elements, together with means for connecting the heating element to a source of electrical power.

16. An element according to claim 4, further comprising a through hole which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element, which through hole, at its end remote from the machinable portion, is one of configured to be connected to a source of positive or negative pressure and houses an ejector.

17. An element according to claim 1, further comprising a network of internal cooling or heating channels, which are adapted to be connected to a source of coolant fluid.

18. An element according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a sprue bush and one or more sensors.

19. An element according to claim 1, wherein the element has been manufactured by a casting process in which the element with all the required component parts is formed in a single process.

20. An element according to claim 1, further comprising a telescopic support.

21. A tooling system which comprises a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another, wherein at least one of the elements in the array includes an element as claimed in claim 1.

22. A tooling system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the array further includes cross rails and means for preventing ingress of debris into the areas of the system where the cross rails are located.

23. A tooling system as claimed in claim 21, where in the elements include a threaded portion, which further includes means for cleaning the threaded portion as the element is adjusted.

24. A tooling system as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a central control system which is used in conjunction with the tagging means to record the life history of the pin.

25. A tooling system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the central control system is located within the tooling system.

26. A tooling system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the central control system is located remote from the tooling system.

27. A tooling system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the information on the life history is used to optimise pin distribution in order to maximise pin utilisation.

28. A tooling system as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a reader for reading the tagging means which is located on the means for adjusting the relative longitudinal positions of the elements, or at a separate scanning station.