Abstract: A device ("RPLD") for providing automated alignment of a workpiece centerline with a machine tool centerline. RPLD 10 is designed for rigid attachment to various standard spindle designs, such as spindle 12. RPLD 10 includes a fixture 50, adapted to engage RPLD 10, for fixedly receiving workpiece 120. RPLD 10 incorporates a tilting plate 15 which allows for tilting of the fixture around three separate axis. Further, RPLD 10 incorporates cross-slide 30 for providing translational movement in a plane perpendicular to the machine tools centerline. A processing unit 60 receives data from a plurality of conventional transducers and, based on this data, activates the servo driven tilting plate and cross-slide so as to position the centerline of a workpiece to be both parallel and coincident with the centerline of a machine tool.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for molding a mixture of refractory particles, and especially abrasive refractory particles, and an organic resinous binder into an integral body. The mixture is preheated, preferably by microwave energy, in the absence of pressure on the mixture to a temperature elevated with respect to room temperature to insure the binder is fluid but below a temperature at which degradation or decomposition of the binder takes place. The mixture is then compacted by pressure, preferably at the preheating temperature, until a density is reached substantially equal to that desired in the finally molded integral body while still maintaining the binder in a fluid state. The resinous binder is then converted to a solid state to bind the particles one to another while still maintaining the compaction pressure on the mixture.