Method of operating a machine-tool

摘要

The method described uses a machine tool (10) which is equipped with a rotating spindle (26) to which is connected a grip mechanism (31) for holding the workpiece (23). The machine tool has a cradle arrangement (12) located below the spindle which can move and be fixed in position about an axis which is at 90 degrees to the spindle axis. During operation of the machining process, the cradle holds the workpiece in a clamped first position. The grip mechanism on the spindle then removes the workpiece from the cradle and holds it free of the cradle. The empty cradle is then moved to a second position and the workpiece is rotated by the spindle. The workpiece is then reinserted into the cradle and clamped again for further machining.