Method and means for jigging workpiece for machining

摘要

A system is disclosed for machining parts particularly parts having high volume demand, above average accuracy and requiring strict cost control. The system uses a plurality of cubic fixture cages to be conveyed between multiple work stations. At each work station the cubic fixture cage is lifted from the conveyor and indexed with respect to the tools at the work station by lift means in the cell part whereby the initial control is located at the top of the fixture cage, an area free of chips and other debris. The cubic construction for the fixture cage provides a positive, uniform and repeatable tooling index based on the geometric center of the cube, thus permitting the fixture cage to be rotated about both its vertical and horizontal axes utilizing a single, universal tooling reference point.