Abstract: A method of integrating separately fabricated parts into a metal casting involves additively manufacturing a sand core having voids, inserting separately fabricated parts into the sand core, placing the sand core into a sand mold, and pouring molten metal into the sand mold to surround the sand core. Upon removal or the sand core and sand mold from the resulting casting, the separately fabricated or separately cast parts remain integral to the resulting casting.

Abstract: A tool steel composition for a component of a die-casting apparatus or of an extrusion press, comprises, in weight percentage: from about 0.35% to about 0.40% carbon (C); from about 0.32% to about 0.50% silicon (Si); from about 4.50% to about 5.50% chromium (Cr); from about 3.75% to about 4.75% molybdenum (Mo); from about 0.80% to about 1.00% vanadium (V); and iron (Fe).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mechanical component by additive manufacturing which includes at least one layering sequence of depositing a powder material and locally melting and resolidifying the powder material. In each layering sequence, a solid layer of solidified material is formed, wherein the solid layers jointly form a solid body. An annealing sequence subsequent to at least one layering sequence includes, locally heating at least a region of the solid body in effecting a local heat input to the immediately beforehand manufactured solid layer which was formed by the immediately precedent layering sequence, with temperature being is maintained below a melting temperature of the material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: first and second spaced apart side walls extending along a pre-defined path and defining a build chamber therebetween; one or more build units mounted for movement along the pre-defined path, the one or more build units collectively including: a powder dispenser positioned above the build chamber; an applicator configured to scrape powder dispensed into the build chamber; and a directed energy source configured to fuse the scraped powder; a moveable build platform disposed between the first and second spaced-apart side walls; and an actuator assembly connected to the build platform, the actuator assembly being configured to rotate and move the build platform continuously along a build axis to provide a spiral movement and permit a part to be built continuously in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A method for inspection of 3D manufactured parts or structures or process control of a 3D manufacturing apparatus is provided. The method includes obtaining, in real-time during a 3D manufacturing build process in which at least one structure is built by the 3D manufacturing apparatus, a topographical scan of an area of a build platform on which the at least one structure is built. An evaluating step evaluates, by a processor, the topographical scan to determine a powder depth and/or a layer depth after powder redistribution. A determining step determines based on the evaluating, whether the powder depth or the layer depth is either inside or outside a predetermined range. A modifying step modifies, based on the determining, an operational characteristic of the 3D manufacturing apparatus. The topographical scan is obtained by a laser scan, a blue light scan, a confocal scan or a multifocal plane microscopy scan.

Abstract: A method to additively manufacture multi-material parts including directly depositing a part material through a print head having a number of degrees of freedom to a growing part, directly depositing a binder through the print head or a different print head having a number of degrees of freedom to the growing part simultaneously with or temporally shifted from the depositing of the part material. A method to additively manufacture multi-material parts including directly depositing to a growing part, a part material that is itself coated with a binder, through a print head having a number of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A surface-coated cutting tool includes a base material and a coating film formed on a surface of the base material. The coating film includes a first alternating layer and a second alternating layer formed on the first alternating layer. The first alternating layer includes first and second layers. The second alternating layer includes third and fourth layers. One or a plurality of the first layers and one or a plurality of the second layers are layered alternately, and one or a plurality of the third layers and one or a plurality of the fourth layers are layered alternately.

Abstract: A device for holding a workpiece that includes a first clamping element and at least one second clamping element, wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element each include on an end side extending in a radial plane a first engagement structure and at least one second engagement structure at different radial positions configured to engage at a first time an end side of a first workpiece having a first diameter and at a second time an end surface of a second workpiece of a second diameter different than the first diameter for holding the workpiece by moving the first clamping element and the second clamping element in the radial direction.

Abstract: Devices for broken drill bit removal are provided herein. The drill bit includes a center through hole situated longitudinally and interiorly in the drill bit. A wire rope first end is welded to a cutting tip of the drill bit and retained freely within the walls of the center through hole and said wire rope having a stop attached at a second end. Should the drill bit be compromised, leaving the portion of drill bit head lodged in the bore, the pieces of drill bit are still connected via said wire rope and the lodged portion can be easily and quickly removed by pulling and backing out the powered device that was driving the drill bit thus alleviating the necessity of EDMing the broken drill bit out of the bored component.

Abstract: A pilot pin assembly is slidably receivable within a tool bit of a drill press. The pilot pin assembly includes a first pin defining an interior cavity, and a second pin at least partially received within the interior cavity of the first pin. A spring is positioned within the interior cavity for biasing the second pin toward an extended position relative to the first pin.

Abstract: A tool includes a housing, a blade receptacle within the housing configured to receive a removable saw blade having a lock engaging region, and a blade release actuator adjacent to the blade receptacle, the blade release actuator being rotatable about an axis associated therewith and configured to selectively move a lock member into the lock engaging region. The blade release actuator comprises a ramp on which the lock member rests. Rotation of the blade release actuator rotates the ramp under the lock member from a blade locked position where the lock member is pushed by the ramp into the lock engaging region of the removable saw blade to a blade release position where the ramp is rotated to create a gap between the lock engaging region and the blade release actuator such that the saw blade is removable from the tool.

Abstract: A staggered-teeth diamond saw blade includes a circular steel base and a side wall provided at an outer edge of the steel base. Multiple first diamond cutter heads and multiple second diamond cutter heads are alternately arranged at the side wall through laser brazing; multiple diamond teeth protection cutter heads are uniformly distributed on an external surface of the steel base through high frequency induction brazing; a pre-plating layer is preformed at a welding surface where the side wall is welded with the first diamond cutter heads and the second diamond cutter heads; a pre-plating layer is preformed at a welding surface where the external surface of the steel base is welded with the diamond teeth protection cutter heads. The diamond cutter heads of the present invention are staggered to thicken the thickness thereof while cutting concrete pavement and other materials at high speed.

Abstract: A saw blade comprises a blade backer with a pair of side surfaces that extend substantially parallel to each other. An intermediate surface extends between the pair of side surfaces of the blade backer. A plurality of teeth extends from the intermediate surface. The plurality of teeth comprises an asymmetrically ground tooth tip having a first rake face angle and a symmetrically ground tooth tip having a different, second rake face angle.

Abstract: This application discloses a method of using a reciprocating saw blade having an elongated body with a front body portion and a rear body portion, each body portion having a front end, a rear end, an elongated cutting edge extending between the front end and the rear end and a back edge opposite the cutting edge. The saw blade may be coupled to the reciprocating saw by coupling a first tang that extends from the rear end of the rear body portion to the reciprocating saw. The saw blade may be removed from reciprocating saw, and a second tang, which extends from the rear end of the front body portion, may be exposed by breaking off an entirety of the rear body portion in a single integral piece from the front body portion. The front body portion, without the rear body portion, may be coupled to the reciprocating saw by coupling the exposed second tang to the reciprocating saw.

Abstract: A resistance soldering apparatus suited for soldering an electrical terminal to a glass surface and a method of using such an apparatus is described herein. The resistance soldering apparatus includes an electrode having a distal tip and an electrical terminal having a first major surface in which an indentation is defined and a second major surface opposite the first major surface on which a layer of a solder composition is disposed. The indentation is configured to receive the distal tip of the electrode. The distal tip of the electrode is placed within the indentation and an electrical current is passed through the electrode and the electrical terminal, The electrical current is sufficient to heat the electrode and melt the solder composition on the second major surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for short circuit welding is disclosed. They reduce the current prior to the short clearing by adjusting waveform parameters in response to past cycles. One or more parameter of the output is monitored and compared to one or more targets, and future waveform parameters are adjusted so that the monitored parameters are more likely to reach the one or more targets.

Abstract: Systems and methods to convert welding power to auxiliary power are disclosed. An example power conversion system includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert an input voltage from a welding power supply unit to a second output to power an auxiliary load, the power conversion circuitry comprising: an input power converter configured to receive the input voltage from the welding power supply unit; an input-to-output isolation circuit configured to maintain the auxiliary load at a different potential than the welding power supply unit; and an output power converter configured to output power having a target frequency and a target waveform to the auxiliary load; and a processor configured to control the output of the power conversion circuitry based on feedback associated with power requirements at the auxiliary load.

Abstract: An example welding-type system includes: a welding-type power source configured to provide welding-type current to a welding-type circuit, the welding-type circuit comprising a welding-type electrode and a first contact tip of a welding torch; an electrode preheating circuit configured to provide preheating current through a first portion of the welding-type electrode via a second contact tip of the welding torch; a switching circuit configured to control a current flow between the welding-type power source and the first contact tip; and a preheat control circuit configured to control the switching circuit to: selectively direct current from the welding-type power source to the second contact tip; and selectively divert current from the electrode preheating circuit to the first contact tip

Abstract: An apparatus for improving weld uniformity, controlling weld spatter and reducing weld joint bending stresses. The apparatus includes a first component having a welding contact point and a second component having a weld zone for engaging with the welding contact point of the first component. At least one weld upset distance stop is formed on the first or second component operative to control weld spatter and to reduce weld joint bending stresses.

Abstract: A tip changer for a spot welding machine includes a first rotation body that has an opening capable of accommodating a welding tip and is capable of rotating around the opening; a second rotation body that is disposed concentrically with the first rotation body and is rotated relative to the first rotation body; and a plurality of nail pieces that are disposed at equal angular intervals along an imaginary circle of the rotation bodies, are swingably connected to the first rotation body by a first connection mechanism, are swingably connected to the second rotation body by a second connection mechanism on a more radially inner side of the second rotation body than the first connection mechanism, and include contact portions on a more radially inner side of the second rotation body than a second connection mechanism.

Abstract: A tool includes a friction stir welding (FSW) tool, a first body, a second body, and a plurality of biasing elements. The FSW tool has a rotational axis. The first body is rotationally fixed relative to the FSW tool and the second body is rotational fixed relative to the FSW tool. The plurality of biasing elements is positioned longitudinally between at least a portion of the first body and at least a portion of the second body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element for an interlocking connection to at least one component. The at least one component is held between the connection element and a securing element, and the connection element and the securing element enter into a friction welded connection, having a head with a drive and a shaft, wherein the shaft has at least two cutting structures on its front side. The at least two cutting structures have cutting edges situated in a cutting plane, wherein the cutting plane borders the shaft, and the at least two cutting structures are also spaced apart in the circumferential direction and define a cutting diameter. The shaft also has a cross-section, which has a reduced extension between the cutting structures relative to the cutting diameter, wherein the area of the reduced extension extends in the axial direction at least with the length of the cutting diameter from the cutting structures in the direction of the head.

Abstract: A bearing component including a first metallic material and a second metallic material. The first metallic material provides a first carbon content and the second metallic material presents a second carbon content. The first metallic material and the second metallic material have been joined by a diffusion welding process. The diffusion welding process results in a transition zone with a varying carbon content between the first metallic material and the second metallic material. Varying carbon content in the transition zone is within an interval and the interval end points are defined by the carbon contents of the first metallic material and the second metallic material.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming white appearing metal oxide films by forming cracks within the metal oxide films. In some embodiments, the methods involve directing a laser beam at a metal oxide film causing portions of the metal oxide film to melt, cool, contract, and crack. The cracks have irregular surfaces that can diffusely reflect visible light incident a top surface of the metal oxide film, thereby imparting a white appearance to the metal oxide film. In some embodiments, the cracks are formed beneath a top surface of a metal oxide film, thereby leaving a continuous and uninterrupted metal oxide film top surface.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 ?m is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to machines for the separative machining of plate-shaped workpieces using a machining tool. The machines include two workpiece support surfaces for supporting the workpiece, between which a gap is formed, and at least one carriage that is movable in or along the gap, and is connected to at least one covering element. The covering element at least partially covers the gap and includes a chain with a plurality of chain links. The chain links can have a brush support on an upper side and are designed to pivot with respect to one another, wherein at least two mutually adjacent chain links have a pivot-limiting angle (?) with respect to the longitudinal axis of each of the chain links such that, with a rectilinear orientation to one another and without exposure to force, the chain links assume a non-planar profile.

Abstract: When a first sub-controller (14) and a second sub-controller (15) complete preparation for control, a preparation completion signal is sent to a main controller (13). When receiving the preparation completion signal from each of the first and the second sub-controllers (14)(15), the main controller (13) sends a BusyON signal to the first sub-controller (14) and the second sub-controller (15), and then drives a laser source (16) to generate laser light L. Then the main controller (13) sends a BusyOFF signal to the first and the second sub-controllers (14)(15). When the first sub-controller (14) receives the BusyON signal and then receives the BusyOFF signal, the first sub-controller drives a laser-light irradiation unit (17). When the second sub-controller (15) receives the BusyON signal and then receives the BusyOFF signal, the second sub-controller drives a moving mechanism (12).

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes: a laser beam irradiation section that emits a laser beam; a spectroscopic apparatus that receives plasma emission from a molten pool formed by laser beam irradiation, and acquires optical spectral information; and an estimation section that estimates material components of a weld zone on the basis of the optical spectral information, and estimates a property of the weld zone on the basis of the material components.

Abstract: Objects to be welded are joined together by laser welding to form adjacent nuggets. When a distance between central axes of the adjacent nuggets is p and a diameter of the adjacent nuggets in the objects to be welded is d, the adjacent nuggets are formed so as to satisfy an equation 1.0<p/d?1.6.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal object by selective melting of a metal powder is provided. The method includes forming the metal object layer by layer in a metal powder bed on a retractable build platform. During the forming, a metal sleeve is provided spaced apart from and substantially paralleling an outer surface of the metal object, the metal sleeve being separated from the metal object by a gap filled with non-melted metal powder. The metal sleeve reduces thermal distortions in the object. An additive manufacturing system that includes a metallic sleeve that surrounds the metal object as it is formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the method according to the disclosure for the unloading of a workpiece part from a workpiece, in parallel with processing time, by means of an unloading element, e.g. a vacuum sucker, the workpiece part is cut from an especially plate-form workpiece by means of a laser beam. The movement of the laser beam relative to the workpiece at least along a first movement axis (X) is divided into a movement of the workpiece and a movement of the laser beam. Before executing a final cut, which separates the workpiece part from the workpiece, the workpiece is decelerated until standstill and the final cut is then executed for example, by moving the laser beam. The workpiece part is being unloaded by an unloading element that operates at least partially during cutting of the workpiece. The unloading element operates according to one of three operating options.

Abstract: A method for accurately producing the drilled hole in a wall of a component fabricated by investment casting process, such as for use in a blade or steam turbine includes the following steps. The 3D data of actual component is obtained from the measurements or from the numerical simulation. The actual model and the ideal model are aligned and compared, a series of cutting planes are given to establish a series of 2D cross-sections of the actual and ideal models after registration. Each cross-section is dispersed into discrete points, the distance between each corresponding points are calculated and formed into 2D displacement. The accurate parametric model consisting of the depth, hole center, and the nominal vector is obtained on the basis of considering the deviations in geometrical and positional values. The drilled hole is then produced according to the corrected parametric drilled-hole geometrical and positional value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fastening insulation to a metal panel are disclosed. One apparatus includes a frame; a capacitor discharge welder; a panel support bar, preferably being non-marring of a metal panel; a hopper for receiving weld pins and the weld pins; PLC controls; and a grounding clamp. Another apparatus includes a weld table, a weld pin hopper, a weld head, a welder power supply, a carriage for the weld head, a motor for moving the weld head on the carriage and a motor for moving the carriage the length of the weld table.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an airfoil. The method includes fixing the airfoil in a workpiece space, detecting a position of the airfoil in the workpiece space using a force-sensing element, and removing material from the airfoil to reduce a dimension of the airfoil. In various embodiments, detecting the position of the airfoil includes moving the force-sensing element across a surface of the airfoil. For example, the surface of the airfoil may be a first surface, wherein removing material from the airfoil to reduce the dimension of the airfoil comprises removing material from a second surface of the airfoil opposite the first surface. Removing material from the second surface of the airfoil may be performed without moving the force-sensing element across the second surface of the airfoil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for degassing and charging phase-change thermal devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a flask, a first shut-off valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the flask, and a first valve fluidly coupled to the first shut-off valve by a fluid line. The system further includes a second valve fluidly coupled to the first valve, wherein the second valve is operable to be fluidly coupled to the phase-change thermal device, a second shut-off valve fluidly coupled to the second valve, a third valve fluidly coupled to the first valve, a vacuum pump fluidly coupled to the third valve, and a fluid injection device fluidly coupled to the fluid line between the first valve and the first shut-off valve. The fluid injection device draws the working fluid from the flask and injects a desired amount into the phase-change thermal device.

Abstract: A process for assembling a coil clad hose includes suspending a spring wire helix between carriages mounted on a rail, rotating one of the ends of the helix to expand the helix, inserting a hose through the expanded helix, contracting the helix onto the hose, installing an end fitting onto each end of the hose, fixing one end of the helix together with the ferrule and the hose at one end of the hose, adjusting a pitch of the helix along the hose to another end of the hose, and fixing the helix and the hose together with the ferrule at the another end of the hose. The apparatus includes a rail, a pair of carriages movably supported on the rail, each of the carriages having a through bore holding a tang clamp bushing therein, and a pair of cable clamp fixtures mounted one at each end of the rail.

Abstract: Assembly equipment comprises a base, a first holding hand provided in a first robot arm set on the base, a second holding hand provided in a second robot arm set on the base, and a control device configured to control the first and second robot arms and the first and second holding hands. The first holding hand comprises an attachment connected to the first robot arm and having a rotation shaft, and an aligning holding mechanism provided in a rotation mechanism having a rotation shaft located to intersect the rotation shaft of the attachment or located in a skewed positional relationship with the rotation shaft of the attachment. A cooperative working area of the first and second holding hands is provided in an overlapping area where working areas of the first and second holding hands overlap with each other.

Abstract: A pneumatic drilling device comprising: an impact manifold or cylinder in fluid communication with a rotary air manifold or gear box; and a single air inlet. The single air inlet may be in fluid communication with the impact manifold or cylinder.

Abstract: The machine tool comprises a fixed bearing structure, a movable bearing structure supported by the fixed bearing structure and displaceable with respect thereto along a horizontal direction, a tool-carrying carriage mounted vertically translatable in the movable bearing structure between an upper end position and a lower end position, situated at respective heights or levels separated by a predetermined vertical distance, and a motor adapted to cause a horizontal displacement of the movable bearing structure with respect to the fixed bearing structure and/or a vertical displacement of the tool-carrying carriage with respect to the movable bearing structure. The fixed bearing structure is configured such that the movable bearing structure is supported and driven in its displacement at a height or level intermediate between the heights or levels of the end positions of the tool-carrying carriage.

Abstract: A debris removal apparatus for a milling machine. In one embodiment, the debris removal apparatus includes a hollow, cylindrical suction member that attaches to a tool shaft which holds an end mill to rotate with the tool shaft. The debris removal apparatus further includes a nonrotating canister that applies a suction force to the suction member. The suction member is dimensioned to fit within a hole being cut by the end mill as the end mill is fed into the hole, and to extract debris created by the end mill via the suction force.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for automatically stopping powered machinery, which employs a number of vision sensors. In one embodiment, the system includes vision sensors arranged such that they image different zones defined relative to the cutting tool. The images captured by the vision sensors are processed by the system in real time. If the user's body (e.g., hands) is deemed to be in an unsafe area relative to the cutting tool, the system is configured to automatically stop the cutting tool.

Abstract: An example tool includes a body configured to be secured to a substrate, and a template on or in the body. The template defines at least one of a nominal or a maximum material-removal region. An example assembly includes a substrate defining an aperture, and the tool, including the body secured to the substrate. The nominal material-removal region or the maximum material-removal region are substantially aligned with a respective nominal periphery or a maximum periphery of the aperture. An example technique for machining the substrate includes securing the body of the tool to the substrate. The technique includes substantially aligning the nominal or the maximum material-removal region defined by the template with the respective nominal or the respective maximum periphery of the aperture. The technique includes removing material from the substrate only from a region defined by the nominal or maximum material-removal region.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating support surfaces of a wafer chuck entails lightly passing a treatment tool having a nominally flat contacting surface over the regions of the chuck where contaminants are to be removed. The treatment tool and the chuck surface may have about the same hardness. The treatment tool may be constrained so that it may conform to the surface being processed. When the treatment tool is contacted to a flat surface, the area of contact may be in the form of a circle, ring or annulus. At application pressures, the treatment tool will abrade the chuck, which here is to be avoided, or at least minimized. Thus, the instant inventors have discovered that the same treatment tool that is used to engineer the elevation profile of the resurface, and its roughness, at lower application pressures can be used to remove grinding debris and other contaminants from the surface.

Abstract: Provided is an electric tool in which the risk of short-circuiting between conductive members of multiple installed switching elements has been reduced by providing partitioning plates between the switching elements. An electric tool, which has a motor, an inverter circuit with multiple switching elements for performing switching operations and controlling the driving of the motor, a control unit for controlling switching element on-off operations, and a circuit board on which the switching elements are loaded, is configured so that the circuit board is housed inside a container-shaped case (40) and the circuit board is secured with a partitioning member (50) that is interposed between the multiple switching elements and has partitioning plates (51, 52a, 52b) obtained from an insulating material.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a wafer having a modified layer near the front side or a groove on the front side, the groove having a depth not less than a finished thickness of the wafer, a grinding unit for grinding the back side of the wafer to divide the wafer into a plurality of chips, a die strength measuring unit for measuring the die strength of any one of the chips, and a control unit for controlling each component according to a measured value of die strength. The control unit determines that grinding is not to be performed on the remaining wafers stored in the cassette when the measured value is less than a threshold value, and determines that grinding is to be performed on the remaining wafers when the measured value is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

Abstract: A method of controlling processing of a substrate includes generating, based on a signal from an in-situ monitoring system, first and second sequences of characterizing values indicative of a physical property of a reference zone and a control zone, respectively, on a substrate. A reference zone rate and a control zone rate are determined from the first and sequence of characterizing values, respectively. An error value is determined by comparing characterizing values for the reference zone and control zone. An output parameter value for the control zone us generated based on at least the error value and a dynamic nominal control zone value using a proportional-integral-derivative control algorithm, and the dynamic nominal control zone value is generated in a second control loop based on at least the reference zone rate and the control zone rate. The control zone of the substrate is processed according to the output parameter value.

Abstract: A frame fixing jig for mounting on a chuck table has a chuck portion for holding a workpiece in an annular frame, and a body portion for supporting the chuck portion. A frame support member (FSM) supports the annular frame, and a ring presses the frame against the FSM. The FSM has a through hole. The ring has an annular base portion and an engaging portion. The engaging portion can be inserted through the through hole, thereby engaging the FSM. The engaging portion includes a rotating shaft extending through the annular base portion, a knob fixed to the upper end of the shaft, and a plate fixed to the lower end. The surface around the lower end of the through hole or the upper surface of the plate is formed with an inclined surface for lowering the rotating shaft by rotating the plate inserted through the through hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attachment removing device for a diamond tool used in a machining process such as cutting, grinding, polishing, drilling, or the like, for removing an attachment attached to the diamond tool. The attachment removing device for a diamond tool for removing an attachment attached to the diamond tool includes a cylindrical member; and a plurality of bristles each having one end connected to the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a chuck table that holds a workpiece by a holding face, a processing unit that processes the workpiece with a grinding whetstone or a polishing pad, a movement unit for moving the chuck table and the processing unit parallel to the holding face, a processing feeding unit for moving the chuck table and the processing unit in a direction orthogonal to the holding face, an inspection unit to inspect a process mark of the workpiece during processing, a dressing unit to dress the grinding whetstone or the polishing pad of the processing unit, and a control unit. When a process mark of a size exceeding a threshold value is detected on the process face of the workpiece, the control unit stops processing of the workpiece, and after the grinding whetstone or the polishing pad is dressed, restarts processing.

Abstract: A waterjet cutting method is provided which includes directing a waterjet onto a surface of a workpiece that is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, the interaction of the waterjet with the exposed surface defining a cutting location, and simultaneously directing a gas stream onto the exposed surface of the workpiece at or adjacent the cutting location to maintain a cutting environment at the cutting location that is, apart from the waterjet, substantially devoid of fluid or particulate matter. The method may further include moving a source of the waterjet relative to the workpiece to cut the workpiece along a desired path while continuously directing the gas stream onto the exposed surface of the workpiece at or adjacent the cutting location.