Aspects of a system for holding workpieces in place during processing are described. In an example, the system includes a distribution manifold coupled to a vacuum source, and multiple linear valves coupled to the distribution manifold, where each linear valve has a manifold with multiple openings and is adjustable to select one or more of the multiple openings to have a path to the vacuum source through the distribution manifold for providing a vacuum to hold a workpiece in place. In another example, the system includes a vacuum holder having a first array of openings, a system of linear valves positioned below the vacuum holder and having a second array of openings that aligns with the first array of openings, and a vacuum source that provides vacuum for holding a workpiece on the vacuum holder. A method for holding workpieces in place during processing using these systems is also described.

A jig for supporting a display screen including a platform, a stop and a support is provided. The stop is located on the platform. The support is located at one side of the platform and includes an arcuate surface for supporting the display screen, wherein the display screen is placed on the stop before turning over and is supported by the arcuate surface after turning over. The jig adopts the arcuate surface to contact a surface of a supported object. When turning the supported object over, contact area between the supported object and the arcuate surface can be constantly changed, so that a force exerted on the supported object is even so as to avoid a cracking of the supported object.

An autonomous processing station, in particular for machining a plate-shaped workpiece, for example, including a roller conveyor and a suction table disposed beneath the roller conveyor for clamping the workpiece. The roller conveyor includes movable rollers, in a longitudinal center region of the roller conveyor, so as to be movable to the side beneath stationary rollers at ends of the roller conveyor, so that the workpiece can be lowered through the resulting opening onto the suction table.

The invention relates to an interchangeable milling adapter (20) for a work table (60), which comprises a receptacle (21) for a milling machine (70) and an angular adjustment (22). At the same time, an angular position (WP1, WP2) of the receptacle (21) in relation to the work table can be adjusted using the angular adjustment (22). Furthermore, a work table, a milling unit and their use for adjusting a milling machine are described.

A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

A modular fixture plate system includes fixture plates and docking stations for securing the fixture plates to a worksurface. Fixture plates include recessed corners for receiving keystones. A keystone may be used as a docking station in addition to or instead of a corresponding rail system. Fixture plates include magnets for providing a secure attachment to keystones, rails and other fixture plates to allow for rapid loading of parts and plates on any CMM or manufacturing system. Fixture plates are designed to be stacked multiple wide to fill the table and maximize coverage of a work surface. The keystone design allows a user to create L configurations or T configurations of plates from a single docking location.

The invention relates to an interchangeable milling adapter (20) for a work table (60), which comprises a receptacle (21) for a milling machine (70) and an angular adjustment (22). At the same time, an angular position (WP1, WP2) of the receptacle (21) in relation to the work table can be adjusted using the angular adjustment (22). Furthermore, a work table, a milling unit and their use for adjusting a milling machine are described.

An adjustable depth magnetic device comprises a switchable magnet, switchable magnet carrier, or switchable magnet integrated into a carrier, constrained by and locked into position by a receiver that is separate from or integrated into an object or fixture. The adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into an object for the purpose of constraining said object to a ferrous target; or the adjustable depth magnetic device may be affixed to or integrated into a fixture to facilitate manufacturing, production, and/or assembly operations.

A system for supporting workpieces during machining. The system comprises one or more adjustable workpiece support assemblies and a robotic unit. Each workpiece support assembly comprises a pedestal and a rotatable fixture element. The robotic assembly comprises means of mobilizing and immobilizing each support assembly, so that the fixture element may be secured in a particular orientation. The robotic unit moves along a frame, and manipulates and fixes the position of the fixture elements to match the contour of a workpiece. Vacuum forces may be applied through the workpiece support assemblies to secure the workpiece against the fixture elements.

The invention relates to a device for machining a flat workpiece, which comprises: a machine stand which comprises a support surface for a flat workpiece, wherein the support surface is formed by at least one counterholder, on the front face of which the workpiece can be placed, a hold-down unit, by means of which the workpiece is pressed against the support surface, and a processing head which can be moved relative to the support surface for the machining of the workpiece, wherein the at least one counterholder comprises a vibration damper which acts in a direction perpendicular to the support surface.