Abstract: The invention concerns a method for handling at least one part in a station for fixing two parts one on the other, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: positioning the parts in a station using a support (4); starting the fixing operation; replacing the support with a gripping robot (6) when the fixing operation has progressed sufficiently to lock the relative positioning of the two parts; mounting new parts in the support when the replacement has been made; and after the parts have been fixed, removing the thus fixed parts from the station using the gripping robot.

Abstract: Described are optical apparatuses and methods for forming optical apparatuses. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of individually fabricated segments and a holder. Each of the plurality of individually fabricated segments include an inner annular surface and an outer contact surface opposite to the inner annular surface. Each of the inner annular reflecting surfaces define a longitudinal segment axis. The holder contacts each of the outer contact surfaces of the plurality of individually fabricated segments. Each of the longitudinal segment axes of the plurality of individually fabricated segments are linearly aligned.

Abstract: A clamp for sheets of material. The clamp includes a longitudinal main body with an external clamping side. The external clamping side comprises an external dragging surface for engaging a sheet of material. An internal clamping area inwardly extends from the external clamping side. The external dragging surface is at least partially movable into the internal clamping area so as to frictionally drag at least a portion of the sheet of material, engaged thereby, into the internal clamping area therewith. Clamping devices and bagging apparatus including such clamps are also disclosed. A method of clamping overlaying sheets of material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of retaining a substrate to a wafer chuck. The method features accelerating a portion of the substrate toward the wafer chuck, generating a velocity of travel of the substrate toward the wafer chuck, and reducing the velocity before the substrate reaches the wafer chuck. In this manner, the force of impact of the portion with the wafer chuck is greatly reduced, which is believed to reduce the probability that the structural integrity of the substrate, and layers on the substrate and/or the wafer chuck, are damaged.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid or the like casing by a machining process includes the steps of mating a casing with a support, the said support having a substantially continuous support surface engaging at least part of the inner or outer surface of the casing and machining a plurality of recessed pockets in the inner or outer surface of the casing opposite the surface engaged by the said support. The support reacts loads acting on the casing by a machining tool during machining, thereby minimizing distortion of the casing and tearing of the pockets being formed. During the mating process, the casing is deformed such that the support surface engages substantially the whole of the inner or outer surface of the casing.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a clamping device for a flexible substrate is provided. A carrier board having a first positing holes and a plurality of second position holes is provided, wherein the first and the second position holes correspond in position to a plurality of through holes on the flexible substrate. A portion of the carrier board material close to the second position holes is removed to form a hole body and a plurality of curved extending arms connected to the hole body and the carrier board. A first dowel pin and a plurality of second dowel pins are provided for inserting into the first positioning hole and the second positioning holes, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing that provides for adjustable support of work pieces such as printed circuit boards includes an edge rail system having first and second edge rails, with at least one of the edge rails being adjustable, allowing the width of the system to be adjusted to accommodate various widths of work pieces. It also includes a set of support strips for supporting a lower side of the work pieces and a means for dynamically adjusting spacing of support strips to adjust to the width of the edge rail system.

Abstract: An elastic material, in which at least the surface thereof is adhesive and conductive, is provided on a plate, and while a substrate constituting a component of an electronic part is held on the surface of the elastic material by the adhesiveness of the elastic material, an element such as a semiconductor chip is mounted at a fixed location on the substrate.

Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive removal of fixed window elements (1) from vehicles uses a cutting wire (15) that is threaded through the adhesive bonding a window element to a vehicle and that is placed in a loop around the perimeter of the window element. A first end (15A) of the cutting wire is attached to a first wire wind-up element (16) of a single tool (3) and a second end (15D) of the cutting wire is attached to a second wire wind-up element (17) of the single tool. The first and second ends of the wire are then pulled with the first and second wire wind-up element until the wire cuts through the adhesive around the entire perimeter of the side window element.

Abstract: An automated clamping system for securing a work piece to the table of a machine tool. The clamping system automatically retracts away from the work piece as the material manipulating device moves into the area of each clamp. This allows manipulation of the work piece without stopping to move the clamp to a new location so that the clamp does not interfere with the metal manipulating device. A typical embodiment is the use of the system on a milling machine. The clamping system could be used with milling machines (both manual and computer controlled), routers, water jet cutters, laser cutters, flame cutters, and many other types of cutting machines.

Abstract: An installation device for installing a windshield in a vehicle. The device includes a pivot assembly including a pair of suction cups that attach to the door glass of a vehicle door, and a depending member that extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent a windshield opening. A support assembly includes a pair of suction cups that attach to a windshield, and a support rod that is axially and rotatably moveable with respect to the suction cups. The support rod includes an end that pivots on the depending member of the pivot assembly. The device moveably supports the windshield such that a single technician can install the windshield on a vehicle.

Abstract: Intended is to provide a method for positioning a work (15), which is adapted for a knock hole of a small diameter and which can absorb a pitch error between a main positioning hole (16) and an auxiliary positioning hole (17) of the work (15). An insert shaft (21) of main positioning means 820) is inserted into the main positioning hole (16). Auxiliary positioning means (30) includes a base lower block (36) having a parallel slide holding surface (36e), a sliding flange (34b) having a sliding surface (34c), and an insert shaft (31) disposed above the sliding flange (34b). The sliding flange (34b) of the auxiliary positioning means (30) is guided and moved by the slide holding surface (36e), and is inserted, while absorbing the pitch error, into the auxiliary positioning hole (17), thereby to position the work (15).

Abstract: A machine and a method for assembling a vehicle body is disclosed as including a locating pin (26) formed with a seating flange portion (35) having a work seating surface (35a) and a clamp arm (39) contained in the locating pin to be operable in a clamping or unclamping movement responsive to an extrusion and retraction of a clamp cylinder (34). A detection pin (47) is mounted for an extruding and extracting movement from the work seating surface (35a), with the detection pin (47), a shaft (44) ad a proximity switch (48) forming a work seating detection mechanism (49). A mutual engagement between the locating pin (26) and a locating bore (R) allows a panel W3 to be positioned, simultaneously detecting the presence of seating of the panel W3 responsive to a movement of the detection pin (47).

Abstract: A device for producing plates made of metal, plastic or a metallo-plastic composite material, including thermofusible, thermoplastic and thermosettable materials, by machining with a machining tool in a fast prototyping process, includes a plate mold integrated in the prototyping machine. The mold is adapted to receive a material matching the shape of the mold, and to subject the plate to a heating/cooling cycle using a heating/cooling device integrated in the mold body, and additionally includes a vat (2), a base plate (3), a heating circuit (4) and a fluid circulation circuit (5).

Abstract: A process to invert a structure, for example a vehicle body after an equipment mounting phase, namely of mobility means, on the underside of said structure, process wherein the structure is made to swivel around an instantaneous axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure, such axis of rotation being located in the vicinity of a first end of the structure, maneuvering means being positioned at the other end of the structure to control this swiveling.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing components is provided. The method includes coupling a drive assembly to a positioning assembly, coupling a plurality of components to be manufactured to a plurality of fixtures, securing the plurality of fixtures to the drive assembly wherein each fixture is configured to receive a component to be manufactured, and repositioning the plurality of components simultaneously using the positioning assembly to facilitate manufacturing of the plurality of components, wherein the components are configured to be oscillated in a first plane of rotation via the drive assembly and rotated through a second plane of rotation via the plurality of fixtures.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material.

Abstract: An end-effector is provided for use on a micro/nano manipulation device. The end-effector is comprised of: a micropump fluidly coupled to a microtube; a piezoelectric sensing structure disposed in the microtube; and a processing circuit electrically coupled to the sensing structure for determining the force of the fluid flowing through the microtube. The end-effector is a closed loop control-enabled micro/nano manipulation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over an article (12) in a vacuum coating system includes a holder (10) for the article (12), which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (23) on a carrier. The apparatus further includes a turnover device (2, 4, 28) turning over the holder (10) by rotation about the axis of rotation (23) by utilizing a force generator. The turnover device (2, 4, 28) generates a force which turns over the holder (10) without mechanical coupling and without movable mechanical components between the turnover device (2, 4, 28) and the holder (10). A method of turning over an article (12) and for using the device or the method for turning over, in particular a plastic ophthalmic lens (12), is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for inverting a vehicle assembly including a first frame element configured to engage at least a portion of a first side of the vehicle assembly extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle assembly. The apparatus also includes a second frame element configured to engage at least a portion of a second side of the vehicle assembly extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle assembly and being substantially opposite the first side. The apparatus also includes first and second turning apparatus configured to selectively engage the first and second frame elements at respective opposing first and second ends thereof. The first and second turning apparatus are configured to rotate the vehicle apparatus and the first and second frame elements about an axis. An inverted vehicle assembly enters a turning station on the first frame element, leaves the turning station on the second frame element, and the first frame element remains at the turning station.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a spherical cavitation. Depending upon the chamber's composition and wall thickness, chambers fabricated with the disclosed techniques can be used with either low or high pressure systems. During chamber fabrication, initially two spherical half portions are fabricated and then the two half portions are joined together to form the desired cavitation chamber. During the fabrication of each chamber half, the interior spherical surface is completed first and then the outer spherical surface. Prior to joining the two spherical cavitation chamber halves, the surfaces to be mated are finished, preferably to a surface flatness of at least 0.01 inches. Electron beam welding is used to join the chamber halves together. Preferably the electron beam welding operation is performed under vacuum conditions. During electron beam welding, the two chamber halves are aligned and held together while the electron beam forms a weld along the chamber seam.

Abstract: Isothermal work piece holding system uses vibration-damping, low thermal conductivity, low TCE polymer-composite holding body(ies) to damp machine tool vibration and chatter while accurately, rigidly maintaining the work piece in position by vacuum and/or mechanical clamps during machining. Cooling fluid channels having high thermal conductivity plates in contact with the work piece transfer thermal energy to/from it to maintain it isothermal during machining, inspection and assembly, eliminating dimensional changes and increasing process repeatability. Minimizing chatter reduces cycle time and improves surface finish which eliminates manual re-work. The system employs vacuum and coolant fluid pumps, heater/cooler(s), temperature sensor(s) and controller(s) to achieve highly accurate dimensional tolerances machining of parts which reduces error stack-up and assembly costs. Isothermal fixtures are disclosed for assembling parts and automated rivet settings in precise locations with reduced use of shims.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for electronic device manufacturing. The invention includes removing a first substrate carrier and a second substrate carrier from a moving conveyor using an end effector assembly and concurrently transferring the first and second substrate carriers from the moving conveyor to a support location via the end effector assembly. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a chain driven reciprocating hammer is disclosed. The chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a chain system for lifting a ram to a drop point. The chain system includes a plurality of sprockets and a chain with at least one mesh link to mesh with the ram. Additionally, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes an adjustable tandem release sprocket mechanism. Also, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a center and clamping mechanism configured to secure a work input.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a configurable positioning apparatus and machining system for processing a workpiece retained by the positioning apparatus. The positioning apparatus has different configurations for retaining different types of workpieces, such as panels, fuselages, airfoil skins, and engine housings. The positioning apparatus includes a first support rail and a second support rail spaced apart from the first support rail. The first and second support rails support a plurality of stackable headers that cooperate to position the workpiece. The headers have adjustable heights along their lengths in order to accommodate the shape of the workpiece.

Abstract: An improved high pressure apparatus can include a plurality of complementary die segments. The die segments can have inner surfaces which are shaped to form a die chamber upon assembly of the die segments. A pair of anvils can be oriented such that an anvil is at each end of the die chamber. To prevent the die segments from being forced apart during movement of the anvils, force members can be connected to the die segments. The force members can apply discrete forces to the die segments sufficient to retain the die segments in substantially fixed positions relative to each other during application of force by the pair of anvils. Using such a high pressure apparatus can achieve pressures as high as 10 GPa with improved useful die life and larger reaction volumes.

Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.

Abstract: During the manufacture an aircraft, a tool-carrying rail is removably attached to a rail-side surface of the aircraft with a vacuum cup. The tool-carrying rail includes a longitudinal axis to mount a tool. The vacuum cup is stiffened along a first axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool-carrying rail and the vacuum cup is stiffened along a second axis parallel to the rail-side surface of the aircraft. To removably attach the tool-carrying rail, a perimeter of the vacuum cup is removably sealed to the rail-side surface of the aircraft against vacuum loss and a point on the rail is rigidly positioned with respect to a point on the rail-side surface of the aircraft. In addition, a vacuum source is coupled to a spatial volume occupying all of a space between the vacuum cup and the rail-side surface of the aircraft and the tool is slidably positioned along the longitudinal axis of the tool-carrying rail.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece (2), comprising a turntable (1) for receiving the workpiece (2), a base plate (3) with a turntable bearing, and a foundation (12) on which the base plate (3) rests. The turntable (1) comprises a vertical shaft (W) which is situated beneath the turntable (1) and is held by means of the turntable bearing in the base plate (3). The turntable baring comprises an axial bearing (9) at a bottom face end (13) of the shaft (W) which is spaced from the turntable (1). The shaft (W) is rotatably held on the axial bearing in such a way that the weight (G) of the workpiece (2), when received by the turntable (1), is introduced into the foundation (12) through the turntable (1), the shaft (W) and the axial bearing (9).

Abstract: A core adapter formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve. A plurality of apertures extend through the sleeve, parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis. A plurality of radial apertures are formed in the sleeve for each longitudinal aperture. Each radial aperture is perpendicular to sleeve's axis and intersects a longitudinal aperture. Studs are provided in each radial aperture, initially recessed beneath the sleeve's outer surface. The sleeve's outside diameter is sized for insertion into a 6-inch inside diameter core. The sleeve's inside diameter is the same size as a 3-inch inside diameter core. The adapter is inserted into a 6-inch core until it is flush with the end of the core. Wedge-tipped bars are driven into each of the adapter's longitudinally aligned rows of studs, and against the bottom of each stud, thereby driving the studs perpendicularly away from the sleeve's axis into the core.

Abstract: A new arrangement for machining parts is disclosed. The parts to be machined are mounted on fixture plates on a fixture. Using a stationary hydraulic line, hydraulic equipment is then pressurized by a pump within the fixture. The pump is mechanically powered by a separate (and disconnectable) power source. A rotatable coupling is attached to the pump. It receives a spindle from a CNC machine, enabling the machine to activate the pump by rotating the spindle while the spindle is received in the coupling. The coupling has axially extending prongs that form slots that accommodates the spindle. The prongs have ends that taper inwardly toward the slots. The spindle is also used to actuate a pressure release valve. The fixture also has at least four angled work faces and an access face that separates two of those faces. In operation, parts are first mounted on the fixture plates. The fixture is then moved to a work area, where the spindle actuates the pump, pressuring clamps that lock the parts in position.

Abstract: A fixturing apparatus for locating and supporting a panel, such as an automotive body panel is provided. The fixturing apparatus includes a support structure having at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. The panel includes at least three extending channels sufficiently configured to receive a respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors to locate and support the panel. At least one clamping arm is operable to selectively retain one of the at least three extending channels with respect to the respective one of the at least three generally spherically shaped contactors. A method of fixturing a panel employing the above described fixturing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing cracks on a gas turbine engine component includes mounting a first pivotable tool to a base, mounting a second pivotable tool to the first pivotable tool, and mounting a fixture holding the gas turbine engine component to the second pivotable tool. The first pivotable tool and the second pivotable tool are adjusted to position the gas turbine engine component in a desired orientation. A linear tool is then moved along an axis to machine at least one crack from a surface of the gas turbine engine component.

Abstract: A spun metal form used to manufacture a dual alloy turbine wheel. The spun metal form prevents braze alloy contamination of the hub/casting interface by relocating the braze joint away from the interface. The spun metal form allows for the re-working of components after failed vacuum brazing and increases the time to failure of dual alloy turbine wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for workpiece assembly is disclosed. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus includes a carousel which rotates between a plurality of assembly stations for assembly. Workpieces are loaded onto or unloaded from the carousel at a load/unload station and the carousel rotates to position workpieces proximate to the plurality of assembly stations. As illustrated workpieces are loaded into a plurality of assembly nests on the carousel. The plurality of assembly nests include alignment fingers rotatable with the plurality of assembly nests or carousel to align components, for example to align discs of a hydrodynamic spindle assembly for merge operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.

Abstract: A cutting machine for trimming window coverings and window covering components is disclosed that includes a stand, a cutting mechanism adjacent the stand and a work piece positioning mechanism which enables the cutting machine trim valance components. The cutting mechanism has one or more blades configured to move along a cutting path to cut a work piece. The work piece positioning mechanism is moveable from a first position to a second position and is sized and configured to hold at least one valance component or other work piece at an acute angle relative to the cutting path when the work piece positioning mechanism is in the second position.

Abstract: A light tunnel structure includes a plurality of reflecting plates and an impervious layer. The reflecting plates are connected to each other to form a light tunnel. An end surface of each reflecting plate and an end surface of the adjacent reflecting plate of the two adjacent reflecting plates form an joint. The impervious layer is disposed at the joints formed by the adjacent reflecting plates. A method for manufacturing a light tunnel structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A semi-automatic method for reconditioning an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The female connector is mounted to a fixture and subsequently appropriately aligned. Weld metal is automatically applied to the worn portion of the female connector while attached to the aligned fixture. The excess weld metal is then automatically machined away so that the connector falls within the required dimensions. A measurement of the weld area can again be taken to ensure that the specified dimensions have been achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a fitting tool for a liquid absorber which is included in a liquid ejecting apparatus having a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid from nozzle openings formed in a nozzle forming surface and fits the liquid absorber for absorbing the liquid in a cap which is capable of being abutted to the liquid ejecting head so as to cover the nozzle openings, the fitting tool including: a holding portion which holds the liquid absorber; and a locking portion which has elasticity and is locked to a portion of the cap when the holding portion is inserted into the cap.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for automatically positioning a first cylindrical member for crimping to a second cylindrical member has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a nest to accommodate at least a portion of the first cylindrical member and/or at least a portion of the second cylindrical member. The second plate has a nest to accommodate at least a portion of the first cylindrical member and/or at least a portion of the second cylindrical member. The first plate is constructed and arranged to be separated from the second plate in a first position. In a second position the first plate is immediately adjacent to the second plate. When in the second position, the first plate and the second plate are situated such that the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member would be in proper placement for joining.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) driven by horizontal longitudinal X, horizontal sideways Y and vertical Z power operated actuators (50. 58. 72) and having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84 ), the horizontal power operated actuators (50,58) are back driven. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power operated actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.

Abstract: An instrumented fastener (e.g., a “tack” fastener) includes one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) configured to produce a light beacon that includes encoded information regarding the instrumented fastener (e.g., part number), wherein the direction of the light beacon can be used to align external and/or internal assembly systems to the instrumented fasteners. The light beacon may be activated automatically, or via an instruction received from an external system. Once aligned, the assembly system may, for example, proceed with installing permanent fasteners between neighboring tack fasteners.

Abstract: An end effector squeezes parts such as rivets to upset the rivets in place within a workpiece. The end effector includes a C-shape frame slidably mounted on a support, such as a robotic arm. The frame includes opposing jaws respectively carrying tools for engaging opposite ends of the rivet, and forming a button on one end of the rivet. A single actuator moves one of the tools into engagement with a factory head on the rivet, and then displaces the frame relative to the first tool in order to bring the second tool into engagement with and deform the other end of the rivet.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manufacturing a sputtering target. The system is preferably automated. Sub systems of the manufacturing system include a robotic part handling sub system, a weighing sub system adapted to measure the weight of a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, and a machining sub system adapted to finish machine a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target. The system can further include a cleaning sub system adapted to clean a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, an inspection sub system adapted to measure dimensions of a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, and a feedback control sub system adapted to provide control signals to one or more of the robotic handling sub system, the weighing sub system, the cleaning sub system, and the inspection sub system to control processing performed by one or more of the sub systems.

Abstract: Techniques of performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming an indexing hole in the workpiece. A coordinating pin may be installed into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. A sensor may be positioned proximate the coordinating pin. The quantum of indexing information may be sensed with a sensor. A manufacturing operation may be performed on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.