A combined transfer and storage device for machining comprises a storage level, a transfer device, at least one machining interface, and a feeding interface. The storage level comprises two or more storages that are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and having storage spaces for workpiece carriers, which are arranged one above the other for holding blanks or machined workpieces. The transfer device extends in the longitudinal direction. The machining interface is used for directly or mediately coupling with a machine tool. The feeding interface is accessible for a driverless transport vehicle. The transfer device accomplishes a workpiece transfer between the feeding interface, the storage level and the at least one machining interface. A manufacturing line is provided with a combined transfer and storage device and with at least one manufacturing system having at least one machine tool and a handling cell that is arranged between a machining interface of the combined transfer and storage device and the machine tool.

In one embodiment, a manufacturing system includes multiple manipulation modules each including means for mechanically and electrically connecting the module to another component in the system and an end effector including means for mechanically and electrically connecting the end effector to another component in the system, wherein the modules and end effector can be mechanically and electrically connected in multiple ways to alter the configuration of the system and the manufacturing tasks that the system can perform.

Machine tool and a base for a machine tool comprising a machine bed to support a first work module having a first end effector held thereon, and a second work module having a second end effector held thereon on a base surface in an area between two mutually opposed sides which delimit the machine bed, the sides extending between an underside of the machine bed and an upper side of the machine bed, when viewed in the vertical direction; a first bearing element which is fixed relative to the machine bed for holding the first work module; and a second bearing element which is fixed relative to the machine bed for holding the second work module; wherein the first bearing element and the second bearing element are arranged one above the other, when viewed in the vertical direction.

A mobile manufacturing module comprising a platform configured to receive and support one or more interchangeable manufacturing elements and engageable with a removable positioning device that when engaged is configured to enable movement of the platform relative to a work piece, and one or more supports connected to the platform that are configured to contact a floor in order to support the platform when the removable positioning device is disengaged.

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.

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.

A system and method for a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing provides a base by which additional modules are mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing is configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system.

A system and method for a self-contained modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. In an embodiment, the modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing provides a base by which additional modules are mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of control the robotic arm. The modular device also includes one or more other modules that are configured to accomplish a particular task or function. Such modules are sometimes called end-effectors and work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing is configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system.

A universal plate system for mounting tool heads and/or components on manufacturing machines includes a fixed plate assembly on the x-carriage of the manufacturing machine. A mobile plate assembly is configured to removably attach to the fixed plate assembly, to provide mechanical support and electrical connectivity to a tool head assembly mounted to the mobile plate assembly. The mobile plate assembly can be easily detached from the fixed plate assembly and replaced with a different mobile plate assembly having a different tool head assembly mounted thereon. Mating of the mobile plate assembly to the fixed plate assembly provides the mechanical and electrical connection between the manufacturing machine and the newly mounted tool head assembly, thus permitting quick changes of the tool head assembly to be made.

A motor spindle is provided for a machine tool comprising a spindle housing for stationary mounting on the machine, a spindle assembly, removable from the spindle housing, with a rotor that is supported in an integrated bearing unit so as to be rotatable relative to the spindle housing, and a clamping mechanism for a tool, the clamping mechanism being actuatable via a clamping piston that is movable in an annular cylinder in the spindle housing, wherein the spindle assembly is designed with internal cooling that is suppliable with a cooling fluid via a coolant supply, wherein the coolant supply has a rotary feedthrough with an interface between a stationary component and a rotating component of the coolant supply, and wherein the bearing unit is also removable when the spindle assembly is removed from the spindle housing.