An apparatus and method for supporting an object. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a support structure, a positioning system, and a retention system. The positioning system may be associated with the support structure and configured to position the support structure with respect to a number of linear axes. The retention system may be associated with the support structure. The retention system may be configured to retain a portion of an object and move the portion of the object towards a platform such that the portion of the object substantially conforms to a shape of the platform.

A locating fixture includes an adjustable locating member for supporting and restraining a part. The adjustable locating member allows for rotational and translational adjustment for aligning to a particular part configuration. The adjustable locating member utilizes a plurality of indicia and a position indicator to assist in the alignment of the adjustable locating member to a desired position, which is then restrained at a desired position by a restraining element.

A method for adjusting a workpiece-supporting module includes: setting initial support position information of a workpiece, the initial support position information including positions of support devices and a spacing value for separating the support devices; according to the initial support position information, applying a finite element method to analyze a CAD file of the workpiece to obtain workpiece deformation information; according to the workpiece deformation information and target workpiece deformation information, realizing support position information corresponding to each support device, the support position information including X-axis coordinates and Y-axis coordinates; according to the support position information and a conversion program, obtaining a Z-axis coordinate and a normal vector of each support devices; and, according to the support position information, the Z-axis coordinate and the normal vector, adjusting the position and the angle of each support device. In addition, a variable system for adjusting the same workpiece-supporting module is also proposed.

The machine tool (1) having a work head (9) adapted to support a tool (21), a workpiece holder (30) having a two substantially parallel beams (31) arranged at a distance adjustable orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the beams, a carriage (35) on each beam (31) movable along the longitudinal extension of the beam (31), on each carriage (35) a suction cup (39) for blocking the workpieces (P) to be machined. The position of each suction cup (39) with respect to the carriage (35) onto which the cup is mounted is adjustable by rotating around an axis (D-D) which is substantially orthogonal to a blocking surface, for blocking the workpieces, defined by the suction cups (39). To each suction cup (39) an actuator (46, 48) is associated, controlling the rotation of the suction cup (39) with respect to the carriage (35) onto which the cup is mounted.

A workpiece basket system includes at least one replaceable workpiece carrier insert and one frame with a holding device for the at least one workpiece carrier insert, which may be inserted or is inserted into the frame, so that when the at least one workpiece carrier insert is inserted, the frame and the at least one workpiece carrier insert together form a workpiece basket. The frame is designed in such a way that multiple frames are stackable one on top of the other, and the holding device is designed in such a way that it holds the workpiece carrier insert in a detachable manner.

The machining station can include a table; at least three robots each having a multi-axis mover secured to the table, and a gripper opposite the table, the robots being interspaced from one another on the table; and a controller. The controller controls the robots to hold a workpiece in a coordinated manner. The computer numerical command (CNC) machine-tool system machines the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the robots. The workpiece can be moved into and out from the machining station with a trolley which slidingly engages a trolley path formed within the table.

A locating fixture includes an adjustable locating member for supporting and restraining a part. The adjustable locating member allows for rotational and translational adjustment for aligning to a particular part configuration. The adjustable locating member utilizes a plurality of indicia and a position indicator to assist in the alignment of the adjustable locating member to a desired position, which is then restrained at a desired position by a restraining element.

A workpiece basket system includes at least one replaceable workpiece carrier insert and one frame with a holding device for the at least one workpiece carrier insert, which may be inserted or is inserted into the frame, so that when the at least one workpiece carrier insert is inserted, the frame and the at least one workpiece carrier insert together form a workpiece basket. The frame is designed in such a way that multiple frames are stackable one on top of the other, and the holding device is designed in such a way that it holds the workpiece carrier insert in a detachable manner.

The invention relates to a clamping element, in particular a vacuum cup, which is used, for example, for holding a plate-shaped workpiece. The clamping element comprises a unit which is configured to detect individualised control signals transmitted via the power supply and to control the drive unit.

The machining station can include a table; at least three robots each having a multi-axis mover secured to the table, and a gripper opposite the table, the robots being interspaced from one another on the table; and a controller. The controller controls the robots to hold a workpiece in a coordinated manner. The computer numerical command (CNC) machine-tool system machines the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the robots. The workpiece can be moved into and out from the machining station with a trolley which slidingly engages a trolley path formed within the table.