Methods for controlling dimensional variations in workpieces subjected to machining operations
First Claim
1. A method of machining a workpiece, comprising:
- positioning a workpiece in a first position in a process station of a machine system;
forming at least one check feature on a selected portion of the workpiece;
sensing a position of the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position;
forming one or more machined features on the workpiece relative to the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position;
moving the workpiece from the first position to a second position within the process station;
sensing a position of the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position; and
forming one or more machined features on the workpiece relative to the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position.
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Abstract
The present invention comprises methods of machining a workpiece. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a workpiece in a first position in a process station of a machine system, and forming at least one check feature on the workpiece. A position of the check feature is then sensed while the workpiece is positioned in the first position, and one or more machined features are formed on the workpiece relative to the check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position. The workpiece is then moved from the first position to a second position within the process station, and a position of the check feature is again sensed while the workpiece is positioned in the second position. One or more machined features are then formed on the workpiece relative to the check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of machining a workpiece, comprising:
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positioning a workpiece in a first position in a process station of a machine system; forming at least one check feature on a selected portion of the workpiece; sensing a position of the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position; forming one or more machined features on the workpiece relative to the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position; moving the workpiece from the first position to a second position within the process station; sensing a position of the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position; and forming one or more machined features on the workpiece relative to the at least one check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of controlling a dimensional feature in a machining operation, comprising:
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positioning a workpiece in a first position in a process station of a machine system, the workpiece including at least a first and a second exposed surface; imparting a first check feature on the first surface and a second check feature on the second surface of the workpiece; while the workpiece is positioned in the first position, sensing a position of the first check feature and the second check feature and forming a first set of machined features in the workpiece relative to the sensed positions; moving the workpiece from the first position to a second position within the process station; and while the workpiece is positioned in the second position, sensing a position of the first check feature and the second check feature and forming a second set of machined features in the workpiece relative to the sensed positions. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of controlling dimensional variations in a workpiece, comprising:
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positioning a workpiece in a first location in a process station of a machine system and forming check features on selected portions of the workpiece; determining first respective locations of the check features and storing the determined locations in a memory portion of the machine system; forming a first portion of the machined features in the workpiece relative to the determined locations; moving the workpiece from the first location to a second location within the process station; determining second respective locations of the check features when the workpiece is in the second location and subtracting the first respective positions from the second respective locations to generate at least one offset value; and applying the at least one offset value while forming a second portion of the machined features in the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification