Abstract: A system for performing a polishing operation on a component is disclosed, the system comprising a robot, a fixture, a mount system for attaching the fixture to a robotic arm and a drive system mounted on the fixture for driving a polishing tool such that the location of the point of contact of the polishing tool with respect to the component is maintained constant during the polishing operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interchangeable fixture is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of making components of the fixture, selecting a reference component, the reference component having a constant geometric dimensional relationship with a system for controlling movements of a tool having a tool center point, making an intermediate assembly comprising the components of the fixture and the reference component, creating a first locating feature on the intermediate assembly and creating a second locating feature on a tool support relative to the tool center point, and assembling the tool support and the intermediate assembly such that the first locating feature and the second locating feature engage correspondingly.

Abstract: A system for performing a polishing operation on a component is disclosed, the system comprising a robot, a fixture, a mount system for attaching the fixture to a robotic arm and a drive system mounted on the fixture for driving a polishing tool such that the location of the point of contact of the polishing tool with respect to the component is maintained constant during the polishing operation.

Abstract: A method of using a machining assembly to machine a plurality of different turbine components that include a dovetail having a contoured profile. The method includes removably coupling a first set of retainers into the machining assembly, the first set of retainers include an upper portion having a profile that substantially mirrors a portion of the first dovetail, and a lower portion having a profile that substantially mirrors an opposite side of the first dovetail, coupling a first turbine component between the upper and lower portions such that the first turbine component is secured by the first set of retainers, coupling the machining assembly into a milling machine, and machining at least one seal groove into the dovetail of the first turbine component.

Abstract: A metal machining apparatus for removal of metal from a workpiece, that employs a laser-targeted coolant nozzle to apply coolant fluid to a machining tool, such as a grinding wheel, to remove metal from a workpiece. The laser-targeted coolant nozzle has a coolant nozzle body having a flow passage for the coolant fluid, and a laser bore through which a visible laser can be inserted. The visible laser cooperates with a positioning feature on the nozzle body for visually positioning the coolant nozzle relative to the grinding wheel. When the laser is removed and replaced with a seal plug, the stream of cooling fluid passing through the flow passage can be directed accurately at the grinding wheel for improved workpiece grinding.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A metal machining apparatus for removal of metal from a workpiece, that employs a laser-targeted coolant nozzle to apply coolant fluid to a machining tool, such as a grinding wheel, to remove metal from a workpiece. The laser-targeted coolant nozzle has a coolant nozzle body having a flow passage for the coolant fluid, and a laser bore through which a visible laser can be inserted. The visible laser cooperates with a positioning feature on the nozzle body for visually positioning the coolant nozzle relative to the grinding wheel. When the laser is removed and replaced with a seal plug, the stream of cooling fluid passing through the flow passage can be directed accurately at the grinding wheel for improved workpiece grinding.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of retaining a gas turbine engine blade in a fixed predetermined position includes the following steps: inserting an airfoil portion of the gas turbine engine blade within a device so as to be loosely held therein; orienting the gas turbine engine blade so as to have a predetermined relationship with the device; providing an initial clamping force on the device so as to retain the gas turbine engine blade in the predetermined position; and, actuating a mechanism associated with the device to provide a fixed clamping force on the airfoil portion so that the gas turbine engine blade is retained in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of retaining a gas turbine engine blade in a fixed predetermined position includes the following steps: inserting an airfoil portion of the gas turbine engine blade within a device so as to be loosely held therein; orienting the gas turbine engine blade so as to have a predetermined relationship with the device; providing an initial clamping force on the device so as to retain the gas turbine engine blade in the predetermined position; and, actuating a mechanism associated with the device to provide a fixed clamping force on the airfoil portion so that the gas turbine engine blade is retained in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece or a family of workpieces. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine. The modular tooling apparatus permits machining a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail, by inserting the insert member from the family of inserts to properly position and orient the corresponding workpiece member, without needing to change, disconnect, or move the base tooling.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine.

Abstract: A modular tooling apparatus for performing a metalworking operation on a workpiece, having a base comprising an attachment surface having a locating feature, a removable insert separably secured to the attachment surface, having a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof, and an extraction/locking device movable between a first position wherein the insert is secured to the attachment surface, whereby the locating feature of the insert associates with the locating feature of the attachment surface, and a second position wherein the insert is at least partially extracted from the attachment surface. The extraction/locking device alternately secures an insert to the base and assists in extracting the insert from the base. The device provides for ease of removal of an insert when the upper portion does not provide convenient surfaces for a technician to grab.