Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a tool room manufacturing facility for reducing lead time of manufacturing component tooling. Machine tools are grouped into work cells (also called machining lines) specific to a machining process. Each work cell can comprise: a) a number (typically more than two) of machine tools required for a specific machining operation; b) a line storage system for storing pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces; and c) a track mounted robot able to transfer the pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces between the line storage system and the machine tools. The system also comprises a centralized storage system for storing pre-manufactured standard components (work pieces), custom fixtures and pre-manufactured work pallets.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a process of tool manufacturing with a reduced lead time. The manufacturing of the component tooling can be applied (but not be limited) to: mold tooling, injection mold tooling, diecast tooling, press tooling, etc. Several techniques or elements are methodically combined with the focus to reduce overall manufacturing time for tooling components comprising (but not be limited to) the following: a) standard parts are designed, pre-manufactured and stocked in a pre-hardened condition; b) custom 3D CAD libraries are created which represent the standard parts and only allow a tool designer to select standard parts which are held as a pre-manufactured stock; c) manufacturing fixtures are utilized which allow consistent and rapid setup of the pre-manufactured standard components for customized machining operations specific to a tool design.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a process of tool manufacturing with a reduced lead time. The manufacturing of the component tooling can be applied (but not be limited) to: mold tooling, injection mold tooling, diecast tooling, press tooling, etc. Several techniques or elements are methodically combined with the focus to reduce overall manufacturing time for tooling components comprising (but not be limited to) the following: a) standard parts are designed, pre-manufactured and stocked in a pre-hardened condition; b) custom 3D CAD libraries are created which represent the standard parts and only allow a tool designer to select standard parts which are held as a pre-manufactured stock; c) manufacturing fixtures are utilized which allow consistent and rapid setup of the pre-manufactured standard components for customized machining operations specific to a tool design.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a tool room manufacturing facility for reducing lead time of manufacturing component tooling. Machine tools are grouped into work cells (also called machining lines) specific to a machining process. Each work cell can comprise: a) a number (typically more than two) of machine tools required for a specific machining operation; b) a line storage system for storing pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces; and c) a track mounted robot able to transfer the pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces between the line storage system and the machine tools. The system also comprises a centralized storage system for storing pre-manufactured standard components (work pieces), custom fixtures and pre-manufactured work pallets.