An invertible part loading system includes a pallet adapted for holding articles for machining, a frame adapted for receiving the pallet, and latching mechanisms adapted for holding the pallet within the frame. A support structure is adapted to support the frame above a machining tool. An axle rotatably couples the frame with the support structure for allowing the pallet to be inverted, enabling the articles to face the machining tool from above, which allows chips of material to fall away from the articles. The axle rotates about a pivot axis aligned centrally through the frame. The pallet is adapted for rapid transfer on and off the part loading system via a compatible loading and storage assembly to reduce machining down time between swapping pallets. A two-sided pallet may be adapted to enable switching between parts, or between two sides of the same part, by inverting the pallet via the axle.

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 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 frame assembly module for a CNC machine support structure, the module comprising a frame assembly module support structure, and a traversing element, coupled to the frame assembly module support structure, for traversing the frame assembly module support structure, the traversing element comprising a frame assembly fastening feature for attachment of a second frame assembly module to the traversing element, and a spindle fastening feature of attachment of a spindle to the traversing element, the frame assembly module support structure comprising a traversing element fastening feature for attachment of the frame assembly module support structure to a different traversing block. The module may comprise steel tubing.

An inclining and rotating table apparatus includes a position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a position of an inclination frame with respect to a driven shaft at least in a vertical direction and provided between the driven shaft and the inclination frame, in which the driven shaft is formed in a hollow shape such that at least a part of a rotation drive motor is disposed therein, and has an attachment portion to which the inclination frame is attached and which extends in a radial direction and allows attachment of the rotation drive motor to the inclination frame, and the rotation drive motor is supported on the driven shaft via the inclination frame.

An inclining and rotating table apparatus includes a position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a position of an inclination frame with respect to a driven shaft at least in a vertical direction and provided between the driven shaft and the inclination frame, in which the driven shaft is formed in a hollow shape such that at least a part of a rotation drive motor is disposed therein, and has an attachment portion to which the inclination frame is attached and which extends in a radial direction and allows attachment of the rotation drive motor to the inclination frame, and the rotation drive motor is supported on the driven shaft via the inclination frame.

A machine tool has a tool and a workpiece clamped into a workpiece holder on a workpiece table and a tool. The workpiece table is rotatable about a rotation axis in a position-controlled manner by a plurality of complete revolutions, and the tool is movable at least parallel to the rotation axis in a position-controlled manner. While the workpiece table is rotated, the tool is placed at least temporarily against the workpiece on a side substantially facing away from the workpiece table, machines the workpiece, and the tool is at a distance being at least equal to a predefined minimum distance from the rotation axis. The first workpiece holder is displaced in a direction that has a component towards or away from the rotation axis on the workpiece table in a position-controlled manner during the machining of the first workpiece by the first tool.

A spindle device includes: a spindle shaft; a first housing configured to house the spindle shaft to which a gas is supplied, the first housing having a bearing that rotatably supports the spindle shaft; a motor located at an end of the spindle shaft and configured to rotate the spindle shaft; a second housing configured to house the motor, the second housing being joined to the first housing; and a duct having one end located at the bottom of a space inside the second housing and another end projecting from the second housing.

A spindle device includes: a spindle shaft; a first housing configured to house the spindle shaft to which a gas is supplied, the first housing having a bearing that rotatably supports the spindle shaft; a motor located at an end of the spindle shaft and configured to rotate the spindle shaft; a second housing configured to house the motor, the second housing being joined to the first housing; and a duct having one end located at the bottom of a space inside the second housing and another end projecting from the second housing.

A machine includes a main shaft on the tip of which a tool is mounted, a main shaft head for supporting the main shaft, a main shaft head support for supporting the main shaft head so as to be able to rotate around a first axis line that extends perpendicular to the rotational axis line of the main shaft, a first rotary feed shaft device provided on the main shaft head support for rotary feeding of the main shaft head around the first axis line, a saddle that supports the main shaft head support, a second rotary feed shaft device provided on the saddle for rotary feeding of the main shaft head support around the second rotational axis line, and a restricting means for restricting the range of rotary feeding of the first rotary feed shaft device.