| 摘要 |
Automated gripping devices and methods for using the gripping devices for handling a work piece in a machining process, for example, an electrical discharge machining (EDM) process, are provided. The gripping devices include at least one movable plate have a jaw that cooperates with a stationary jaw to hold a work piece. The movable plate is guided and supported by rods that pass through bearings in the movable plate and provide stiffness and positioning accuracy to the movable plate. The movable plate may be translated by a lead screw driven by a drive train, for example, a motor-driven belt drive train. The gripping devices may be used to manipulate and position a work piece in any machining process, but are uniquely capable of enhancing the handling of work pieces in the EDM machining process. Methods for handling work pieces are also disclosed.
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