A machine tool includes at least first and second machining units being disposed adjacent each other in a first axial direction, movable independently of each other in second and third axial directions and disposed on a common machine bed. Stand units on both sides of the machining units are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction. In order to provide high production flexibility and easy and cost-effective production and use, the machining units are guided by upper and lower guides and are movable independently of each other in the first, second and third axial direction, and/or the machine tool has a working width permitting at least one third machining unit to be provided and removed again in the first axial direction adjacent the first and/or the second machining unit. All of the machining units are structurally identical and/or have the same travel paths.

A method and apparatus for processing workpieces to form parts. Tools associated with a multi-spindle machine may be positioned with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture comprising a plurality of platforms and an adjustment system. Each platform may be individually moveable with respect to others in the plurality of platforms about a number of axes. The plurality of platforms may be configured to hold the plurality of workpieces in which each platform may be configured to hold a workpiece in the plurality of workpieces during operations performed by the multi-spindle machine. The adjustment system may be configured to move each of the plurality of platforms about the number of axes independently from the others in the plurality of platforms. The operations may be performed on the plurality of workpieces using the multi-spindle machine and the fixture to form a plurality of parts.

A method and apparatus for processing workpieces to form parts. Tools associated with a multi-spindle machine may be positioned with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture comprising a plurality of platforms and an adjustment system. Each platform may be individually moveable with respect to others in the plurality of platforms about a number of axes. The plurality of platforms may be configured to hold the plurality of workpieces in which each platform may be configured to hold a workpiece in the plurality of workpieces during operations performed by the multi-spindle machine. The adjustment system may be configured to move each of the plurality of platforms about the number of axes independently from the others in the plurality of platforms. The operations may be performed on the plurality of workpieces using the multi-spindle machine and the fixture to form a plurality of parts.

One first drive unit that advances or recedes in the X-direction and that exerts a drive force in the X-direction to a movable table is arranged to exert a drive force to a center position in the Y-direction of one end part in the X-direction of the movable table. Two second drive units that advance or recede in the Y-direction that is perpendicular to the X-direction, and that exert the drive forces in the Y-direction to the movable table are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the movable table as the center of symmetry. Plural plane guide bearings are arranged at positions such that the total sum of the moment forces of the respective plane guide bearings is zero on the center axis line in the X-direction of the movable table.

One first drive unit that advances or recedes in the X-direction and that exerts a drive force in the X-direction to a movable table is arranged to exert a drive force to a center position in the Y-direction of one end part in the X-direction of the movable table. Two second drive units that advance or recede in the Y-direction that is perpendicular to the X-direction, and that exert the drive forces in the Y-direction to the movable table are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the movable table as the center of symmetry. Plural plane guide bearings are arranged at positions such that the total sum of the moment forces of the respective plane guide bearings is zero on the center axis line in the X-direction of the movable table.

A machine tool for machining workpieces, wherein the machine tool has at least one first spindle assembly with at least one working spindle on which a machining tool for workpiece machining is arrangeable, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece holding device for holding workpieces for the purpose of workpiece machining by way of the machining tool, wherein the machine tool has a guide arrangement for the relative positioning of the workpiece holding device holding the workpieces and the first spindle assembly for workpiece machining, wherein the guide arrangement comprises a workpiece-holder guide for guiding the workpiece holding device so as to position a workpiece holder holding the workpieces relative to the first spindle assembly.

An adaptable assembly line work-piece processor for use at a work station includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor further includes, but is not limited to, a reconfigurable interface assembly attached to the work-piece supporter. The adaptable assembly line work-piece processor still further includes, but is not limited to, a work-piece manipulator attached to the reconfigurable interface assembly. The work-piece supporter, the reconfigurable interface assembly, and the work-piece manipulator are configured to cooperate to sequentially support and manipulate a plurality of differently configured work-pieces.

A positioning system includes a slide support, on which is mounted a positioning slide, which can be driven to perform a positioning movement in a positioning plane with the aid of drive gears of the slide support, wherein the positioning plane is defined by a Cartesian x-y coordinate system. The drive gears are represented by at least one x-drive gear, which can cause a positioning movement in the x-axis direction, and at least one y-drive gear, which can cause a positioning movement in the y-axis direction. The drive gears are in engagement with a driven toothing structure of the positioning slide, which includes a plurality of driven teeth distributed in a punctiform arrangement in a regular two-dimensional tooth matrix. Although the drive gears are short, the positioning system facilitates a traverse of the positioning slide within a large positioning area.

A reconfigurable interface assembly includes, but is not limited to, a first sub-assembly that is adapted for attachment to a work-piece supporter. The first sub-assembly includes a first brake. The reconfigurable interface assembly further includes a second sub-assembly attached to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is adapted for attachment to a work-piece manipulator. The second sub-assembly includes a second brake. The first sub-assembly is configured to move the second sub-assembly in a first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly and the first brake is configured to inhibit movement of the second sub-assembly in the first direction with respect to the first sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly is configured to move the first sub-assembly in a second direction with respect to the second sub-assembly and the second brake is configured to inhibit movement of the first sub-assembly in the second direction with respect to the first sub-assembly.

Disclosed is a five axis machining apparatus. The five axis machining apparatus comprises a base member, a support member, a stationary base, a first moving plate, a second moving plate, a third moving plate, a fourth moving frame, a fifth moving frame and a controller (not shown). The five axis machining apparatus is designed to hold together A, C and X axes thereby resulting in a reduced size without compromising on rigidity that is required for processing metallic job components. The five axis machining apparatus allows independent as well as simultaneous control of X, Y, Z, A and C axes.