A manufacturing system for processing workpieces includes a manufacturing cell, a plurality of pallets supporting workpieces, and at least one robotic device configured to operate on the workpieces. The manufacturing system also includes first and second processing stations configured to support any one of the pallets in fixed position relative to the robotic device. The manufacturing system additionally includes at least one transport device configured to transport any one of the pallets to and from each of the first and the second processing stations. In addition, the manufacturing system includes a controller configured to coordinate the operation of the manufacturing cell in a manner allowing the robotic device to continuously operate on a workpiece supported by a pallet at the first processing station, while another pallet is transported to or from the second processing station.

Systems and methods are provided for gripping of a workpiece with a layer jamming structure having rigid datum structures. A system includes a layer jamming structure configurable in an inactivated conformable state, with a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers. The rigid structures engage the layer jamming structure. A pressure system includes a pump coupled with the internal cavity to change a pressure therein to transform the layer jamming structure from the inactivated conformable state to an activated rigid state disposed around the workpiece. The rigid structures help conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece during transformation to the activated rigid state and to present datum fixturing surfaces in the activated rigid state.

A fixture and a method of operating the fixture are disclosed for repositioning a workpiece disposed on the fixture to correct an offset between the centerline of the workpiece and an indexing position on the fixture. The fixture includes one or more linear actuators that linearly move vacuum grippers on their outboard ends into contact with surfaces of the workpiece. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum grippers, which enables the vacuum grippers to grip the surfaces of the workpiece. The linear actuators are driven to reposition the workpiece on the fixture to reduce the offset between the two below a threshold value. When in position, the fixture secures the workpiece in place for subsequent machining operations that may be performed on the workpiece.

The invention relates to a round dental blank holder (10), in particular with a holding undercut. The holder (10) consists of two parts (12, 14), which in particular are semi-circular and can be connected to each other or mounted on each other, which are intended to surround a round dental blank (16), thereby fixing it, and/or to mount it without play, in particular to fix it in a non-positive and/or form-fitting manner.

An auxiliary sheet, an auxiliary sheet manufacturing method, and a suction-attachment method with which it is possible to stabilize the attachment of an object being attached by suction. An auxiliary sheet according to an embodiment is provided with: a plurality of first regions having elasticity and including a plurality of pores arranged continuously to allow for passage of air; and one or a plurality of second regions having elasticity and in which the amount of passage of air is less than in the plurality of first regions. The plurality of first regions and the one or a plurality of second regions are disposed alternately, with those of the first regions and the second regions that are adjacent to each other being in contact with each other.

A suction device for retaining and/or transporting objects, comprising a main supporting body (2) and at least one operating plate (3) provided with suction holes (7) connected to and suction means, in which the operating plate (3) is removably associated with the main supporting body (2) and has a second connecting face (5) coupled to a first connecting face (4) of the main supporting body (2), and in which the device also comprises one or more magnets (13) and one or more ferromagnetic bodies (14), each ferromagnetic body (14) being magnetically coupled to one or more magnets (13) when the operating plate (3) is associated with the main supporting body (2) for keeping the operating plate (3) fastened to the main supporting body (2), each magnet (13) and the ferromagnetic body (14) magnetically coupled to it being constrained respectively one to the operating plate (3), the other to the main supporting body (2).

The drilling machine includes a spindle, a spindle motor, a frame including, a linear motion guide support plate, a motor support portion, and a ram support plate disposed at a front end of the linear motion guide support plate, and having a height lower than the motor support portion, a linear motion guide disposed on the reference surface, a slider having a nut mounting hole to reciprocate along the linear motion guide, and having a height substantially the same as the motor support portion, a ram penetrating the first ram guide hole, a feed screw including a screw shaft having a rear end supported by the motor support portion and a front end that is a free end, and a nut fastened to the nut mounting hole; and a feed motor connected to the screw shaft.

The drilling machine includes a spindle, a spindle motor, a frame including, a linear motion guide support plate, a motor support portion, and a ram support plate disposed at a front end of the linear motion guide support plate, and having a height lower than the motor support portion, a linear motion guide disposed on the reference surface, a slider having a nut mounting hole to reciprocate along the linear motion guide, and having a height substantially the same as the motor support portion, a ram penetrating the first ram guide hole, a feed screw including a screw shaft having a rear end supported by the motor support portion and a front end that is a free end, and a nut fastened to the nut mounting hole; and a feed motor connected to the screw shaft.

A multi-station self-positioning floating clamping and workpiece automatic flip intelligent fixture system includes a linear motion device, a workpiece automatic flip device and a self-positioning floating clamping device. A bottom portion of the workpiece automatic flip device is connected to the linear motion device, which drives the workpiece automatic flip device to move horizontally; the self-positioning floating clamping device clamps the workpiece, the workpiece automatic flip device is arranged opposite to the self-positioning floating clamping device, and the workpiece automatic flip device clamps the workpiece and drives the workpiece to turn over; and the workpiece automatic flip device includes a rotary cylinder, which is connected to a hydraulic cylinder, a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a mechanical claw opening-and-closing finger through a hinge mechanism, and the hydraulic cylinder reciprocates to drive the mechanical claw opening-and-closing finger to open and close to clamp or release the workpiece.

A device for stabilizing a workpiece, in particular a thin-walled workpiece mounted in a machine tool, comprises at least one base; and a plurality of stabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements protrude away from one surface of the base, wherein the stabilizing element comprises a cylinder and a rod arranged therein and the rod can be driven hydraulically to move in the axial direction of the stabilizing element such that the rod of at least two of the stabilizing elements can be brought into contact with one surface of the workpiece.