Abstract: A system for machining work pieces includes an assembly stand (1) for holding a work piece (6) and carrying the work piece to successive machining stations, and includes an assembly device or machining station (101) that holds a machining tool and receives the work piece to carry out a machining operation. The assembly stand includes a work piece receiving apparatus (3) mounted on a pallet (2) that has sliding and fixing elements (11) mounted on its underside. Each element (11) includes a bell-shaped flexible suction cup member (13). When pressurized air is applied to the suction cup members, the assembly stand floats on a cushion of air so that it can be easily moved. When vacuum is applied to the suction cup members, the assembly stand is firmly fixed in position on a work table.

Abstract: Clamping cylinders (8) are built into a pallet (1) for clamping on a machine tool table (2). Tongues (14) are connected to the pistons (10) of the clamping cylinders (8), which tongues project over the bottom surface (6) of the pallet (1) and fit into normal T-slots (15) of a machine tool table (2). The tongues (14) are clamped in the clamping position by cup spring sets (11) in the T-slots (15). To release the pallets the clamping cylinders (8) are loaded with pressure fluid, which is supplied through a hydraulic coupling (18, 27), which is automatically coupled together when a moving rod (3b) engages the pallet (1). The novel system permits the use of pallets (1) for clamping of workpieces to be worked, without need for significant changes in the machine tool table (2) (FIG. 2).