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Method and an apparatus for performing a program controlled process on a component

  • US RE45,391 E1
  • Filed: 06/18/2013
  • Issued: 02/24/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of performing a program-controlled process on a component comprising the following steps:

  • a) providing(i) a component,(ii) a first machine arranged to perform a process at a target location on the component,(iii) a second, program-controlled, machine for effecting relative movement, in three dimensions and about a plurality of different axes, of the component and the first machine, the second machine being able, upon instruction, to move an object within an acceptable margin of error to a target position,(iv) a metrology system for ascertaining the position of the component relative to the first machine,(v) component data concerning the shape of the component and including details of a plurality of locations on the component at which processes are to be performed by the first machine, and(vi) process data including details of movements to be made by the second machine to enable processes to be performed by the first machine on the component at said plurality of different locations on the component,b) issuing a command to perform a process on the component at a target location on the component,c) in dependence on the process data, causing the second machine to effect relative movement of the component and the first machine towards a target position, at which the first machine and component are so positioned relative to each other that the first machine is aligned to perform a process at the target location on the component,d) ascertaining with the metrology system and the component data the relative position of the target location on the component and the first machine,e) calculating the relative movement required, if any, to move the component and the first machine to the target position by means of a calculation using inputs concerning (i) the expected position of the first machine relative to the component and (ii) the actual relative position of the component and the first machine as ascertained in step d),f) repeating steps (c), (d) and (e) as part of a closed-loop process until the second machine has effected relative movement of the component and the first machine to the target position with a given degree of accuracy,g) effecting a process with the first machine on the component, andh) repeating steps b) to g) in respect of a plurality of locations on the component in accordance with the process data.

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