Abstract: A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining an exterior surface of a metal alloy casing of a portable electronic device to form a combination of a flat edge surface, a curved edge surface and a flat bottom surface is disclosed. The flat edge surface is abraded by contacting a first flat section of a rotating cutting tool along a first circuit of a pre-determined continuous spiral path. The curved edge surface is abraded by contacting a convex section of the rotating cutting tool along additional circuits of the first pre-determined continuous spiral path. The pitch of vertical movement of the cutting tool is adjusted for each circuit of the continuous spiral path based on a resulting curvature of the metal alloy casing. The bottom surface is abraded by contacting a flat section of the cutting tool along a second pre-determined alternating direction linear path.

Abstract: Methods and structures for manufacturing and assembling matching parts in a manufacturing line are described. In some embodiments, the parts are portions of a consumer product, such as an electronic device. The matching parts are manufactured and assembled in a way such that the interface between the matching parts is substantially seamless. In some embodiments, the interface has a feature with curved portions. Methods involve measuring the dimensions of a primary part and custom machining a secondary part to seamlessly fit with the primary part. In this way, the secondary part is made to uniquely fit the primary part. The primary and secondary parts can be marked to identify them as matching parts in a manufacturing environment where numerous pairs of parts are made.

Abstract: Methods and structures for manufacturing and assembling matching parts in a manufacturing line are described. In some embodiments, the parts are portions of a consumer product, such as an electronic device. The matching parts are manufactured and assembled in a way such that the interface between the matching parts is substantially seamless. In some embodiments, the interface has a feature with curved portions. Methods involve measuring the dimensions of a primary part and custom machining a secondary part to seamlessly fit with the primary part. In this way, the secondary part is made to uniquely fit the primary part. The primary and secondary parts can be marked to identify them as matching parts in a manufacturing environment where numerous pairs of parts are made.

Abstract: A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining an exterior surface of a metal alloy casing of a portable electronic device to form a combination of a flat edge surface, a curved edge surface and a flat bottom surface is disclosed. The flat edge surface is abraded by contacting a first flat section of a rotating cutting tool along a first circuit of a pre-determined continuous spiral path. The curved edge surface is abraded by contacting a convex section of the rotating cutting tool along additional circuits of the first pre-determined continuous spiral path. The pitch of vertical movement of the cutting tool is adjusted for each circuit of the continuous spiral path based on a resulting curvature of the metal alloy casing. The bottom surface is abraded by contacting a flat section of the cutting tool along a second pre-determined alternating direction linear path.