Abstract: A method for locating a work piece for multiple treatment operations includes identifying six-point datum positions upon a work piece, defining six-point datum contacts on a work piece holder and securing said six-point datum positions upon said work piece into contact with said six-point datum contacts on said work piece holder. A work piece datum transfer apparatus includes a work piece shuttle having a six-point datum nest defining its position in three dimensions corresponding to a work piece six-point datum nest and means for locking said work piece shuttle into contact with said work piece shuttle to transfer said datum nest from said work piece to said shuttle.