Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform, a stylus, and an ultrasonic energy generation system. The platform may be capable of holding a sheet of material. The stylus may be capable of impinging the sheet of material to incrementally form a shape for a part. The ultrasonic energy generation system may be capable of sending ultrasonic energy into at least a portion of the sheet of material in a location on the sheet of material where the stylus impinges the sheet of material.

Abstract: Machined structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a web portion that extends in a first direction that includes a non-planar portion, and a first flange portion coupled to the web portion that extends in the first direction. A second flange portion is coupled to the web portion that also extends in the first direction. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are spaced apart in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The web portion and the first and second flange portions are integrally formed as a unitary, monoblock component.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform, a stylus, and an ultrasonic energy generation system. The platform may be capable of holding a sheet of material. The stylus may be capable of impinging the sheet of material to incrementally form a shape for a part. The ultrasonic energy generation system may be capable of sending ultrasonic energy into at least a portion of the sheet of material in a location on the sheet of material where the stylus impinges the sheet of material.

Abstract: Machined structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a web portion that extends in a first direction that includes a non-planar portion, and a first flange portion coupled to the web portion that extends in the first direction. A second flange portion is coupled to the web portion that also extends in the first direction. The first flange portion and the second flange portion are spaced apart in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The web portion and the first and second flange portions are integrally formed as a unitary, monoblock component.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods of machining a workpiece. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a workpiece in a first position in a process station of a machine system, and forming at least one check feature on the workpiece. A position of the check feature is then sensed while the workpiece is positioned in the first position, and one or more machined features are formed on the workpiece relative to the check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the first position. The workpiece is then moved from the first position to a second position within the process station, and a position of the check feature is again sensed while the workpiece is positioned in the second position. One or more machined features are then formed on the workpiece relative to the check feature while the workpiece is positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A method of stir welding T-joints comprises assembling and stir welding first and second members. The first member comprises a sheet portion of material and also comprises restraining surfaces. The second member comprises a rib. The rib is stir welded to the sheet portion with the edge margin of the rib being positioned between the restraining surfaces of the first member. During stir welding, the restraining surfaces of the first member limit movement of the rib relative to the first member. A tooling portion is preferably formed as a contiguous portion of the material of one of the first and second members. The first and second members are secured to a stir welding apparatus via the tooling portion during the stir welding. The method yet further comprises a step of separating the tooling portion from the first and second members after forming the stir welded T-joint.

Abstract: A method of stir welding T-joints comprises assembling and stir welding first and second members. The first member comprises a sheet portion of material and also comprises restraining surfaces. The second member comprises a rib. The rib is stir welded to the sheet portion with the edge margin of the rib being positioned between the restraining surfaces of the first member. During stir welding, the restraining surfaces of the first member limit movement of the rib relative to the first member. A tooling portion is preferably formed as a contiguous portion of the material of one of the first and second members. The first and second members are secured to a stir welding apparatus via the tooling portion during the stir welding. The method yet further comprises a step of separating the tooling portion from the first and second members after forming the stir welded T-joint.