Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system which includes a stack yard, a machine tool and a stacker crane. In the stack yard, a pallet group, formed by stacking a number of pellets, is stored. The pallet group is transferred to a machine tool cell by the stacker crane. Each pallet has a memory, and data of the pallet itself and the member loaded on the pallet are memorized by the pallet. There are various kinds of members such as work-piece, tool and chuck jaw. These members are stored on exclusive pallets made for each kind of the member. Of the members, each tool and chuck jaw has its own memory and memorizes its own data. The data of all the memory can be read and written; therefore, the position of the pallet, tool and chuck jaw can be controlled at all times.

Abstract: A numerical control machine tool is adapted to operate in accordance with a machining program stored in a memory. The numerical control machine tool is provided with a program amendment command means capable of outputting a program amendment command. When the program amendment command is issued, the operation speeds of the machine tool set in the machining program in the memory are rewritten and amended to the speeds optimum for the instant machining demand. Once this amendment is made, the repetition of the machining cycle for consecutive works can be made at the optimum speeds without requiring speed adjustment for each machining cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a numerically controlled machine tool comprising the steps of classifying cutting tools and machining order for the respective machining patterns determined in response to the final machining contour of a workpiece machined by a numerically controlled machine tool like a machining center, for example in case of the final machining contour with a counter bore and a tap, the cutting tools and machining order of centering--drilling--end milling for a counter bore and centering--drilling--tapping for a tap, by the unit of machining patterns; storing the classification in the numerically controlled machine tool; reading, during machining of the workpiece, a unit of machining patterns corresponding to the machining contour of the workpiece on a display unit; machining the workpiece with numerical information as to each machining patterns entered in the numerically controlled machine tool; and displaying the machining process conditions on the display unit.