An enclosure for machine tools, such as a CNC machine, is provided. The transformable enclosure may include a series of modules or panels movable between a series of open and closed positions to allow an operator increased control over the production of a particular part and allowing parts of various shapes and dimensions to be machined without the need to switch between multiple machines.

A basic loading and unloading system comprising a laser, shuttle, and controller, a module being added to the system in a manner whereby neither the laser, shuttle or controller needs to be physically modified.

A fabrication system may generally comprise an x-y positioning assembly, a clamping head to receive an end effector, wherein the clamping head is coupled to the x-y positioning assembly, a z positioning assembly, a platform including a surface that is rigid and substantially planar, wherein the platform is coupled to the z positioning assembly, and a controller operably coupled to the x-y positioning assembly, end effector, z positioning assembly, and platform. Methods of using the fabrication system are also described.

A machine tool includes at least first and second machining units being disposed adjacent each other in a first axial direction, movable independently of each other in second and third axial directions and disposed on a common machine bed. Stand units on both sides of the machining units are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction. In order to provide high production flexibility and easy and cost-effective production and use, the machining units are guided by upper and lower guides and are movable independently of each other in the first, second and third axial direction, and/or the machine tool has a working width permitting at least one third machining unit to be provided and removed again in the first axial direction adjacent the first and/or the second machining unit. All of the machining units are structurally identical and/or have the same travel paths.

A machine tool includes at least first and second machining units being disposed adjacent each other in a first axial direction, movable independently of each other in second and third axial directions and disposed on a common machine bed. Stand units on both sides of the machining units are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction. In order to provide high production flexibility and easy and cost-effective production and use, the machining units are guided by upper and lower guides and are movable independently of each other in the first, second and third axial direction, and/or the machine tool has a working width permitting at least one third machining unit to be provided and removed again in the first axial direction adjacent the first and/or the second machining unit. All of the machining units are structurally identical and/or have the same travel paths.

A manufacturing center configured for use with a plurality of tools and a plurality of nests. The manufacturing center includes a base configured for coupling with one of the plurality of nests. The base includes a base electrical connector. The manufacturing center also includes an arm configured for coupling with one of the plurality of tools. The arm has an end movable with respect to the base, and the end includes an arm electrical connector. A controller is operable to control movement of the arm and is in communication with the base electrical connector and the arm electrical connector. The controller is operable to identify which one of the plurality of tools is coupled with the arm and which one of the plurality of nests is coupled with the base at least in part by way of communication with the arm electrical connector and the base electrical connector.

A manufacturing center configured for use with a plurality of tools and a plurality of nests. The manufacturing center includes a base configured for coupling with one of the plurality of nests. The base includes a base electrical connector. The manufacturing center also includes an arm configured for coupling with one of the plurality of tools. The arm has an end movable with respect to the base, and the end includes an arm electrical connector. A controller is operable to control movement of the arm and is in communication with the base electrical connector and the arm electrical connector. The controller is operable to identify which one of the plurality of tools is coupled with the arm and which one of the plurality of nests is coupled with the base at least in part by way of communication with the arm electrical connector and the base electrical connector.

A machining system with a configuration in which working machines, including a machine tool such as a lathe, are configured to be disposed in a line and multiple working machines perform operations on one work in order such that practical utility of the machining system is enhanced. The machining system includes a base; and multiple working machine modules which are mounted on the base and are arranged in an arrangement direction, and has a configuration in which each of the multiple working machine modules is capable of being drawn out from the base along a track extending in an intersecting direction intersecting with the arrangement direction.

In an embodiment, a machine tool includes two fixed modules and two movable modules each of which having a main spindle, a headstock, and a tool post being integrally formed, and a bed on which these are installed. The movable modules are provided on the bed to be movable in the Y-axis direction, the fixed modules are fixed on the bed on the opposite sides of the these movable modules, and a recess is provided next to the fixed module, the recess being formed by cutting out the bed. The movable modules are movable such that the axis lines of the main spindles of the movable modules are aligned with the axis line of the main spindle of the fixed module or the fixed module. The movable module is movable to the opposite position of the recess.

There is provided a transmission device comprising a rigid casing configured to be mounted perpendicularly on a pair of parallel rotatable driving and driven shafts. Annular driving and driven gears are provided in the casing. The annular driving gear is adapted for rotating simultaneously with the driving shaft, and is also adapted for forwarding rotational motion of the inner section to a transmission device. The annular driven gear is adapted for engaging and rotating simultaneously with the driving shaft and sliding over the same, and for forwarding to the inner section rotational motion received from the transmission device. The transmission device is rotatively connected to the annular driving and driven gears for transmitting rotational movement of the driving shaft to the driven shaft. There is also provided a portable boring-welding apparatus using this transmission device and a method for rotating a driven shaft using a parallel driving shaft.