Abstract: A method system of reducing operator-induced error in measurements comprises a measurement tool, such as a diameter gage, that is configured to communicate electrical signals representative of measurements to a computing device, which is configured to receive the signals and to determine a value for the measurement without the operator having to interact with the tool to zero the gage, acquire the data or transmit the data.

Abstract: An unlaid slabbing apparatus capable of profiling a roll of tissue material by determining the diameter, circumference, and weight of the roll. The slabbing apparatus calculates the amount of material to be removed based on operator input and predetermined parameters of weight, diameter, and density.

Abstract: The process utilizes a shaft (2) supporting the stator (1) and/or the rotor, respectively, and capable of rotating around its axis, a first (3) and a second (3?) working station allocated on an opposite position on the sides of the stator and/or the rotor, respectively, next to the outlet area of the lateral mouth of a cavity. Said stations have carrying devices (4, 4?) for the leading wire (f), clamps (5, 5?) capable of grasping and moving the tip of the wire (f), and sensors (6, 6?) for detecting the arrival of the extremity of the wire (f).

Abstract: Method for the face-side chamfering of gear teeth of a workpiece (20) in a CNC-controlled multiaxis machine including inserting a tool (100) in the multiaxis machine, wherein the tool (100) has at least one cutting tooth (111) having a first rake face and a second rake face, driving the tool (100) in a first rotational direction, executing first CNC-controlled relative movements while the tool (100) rotates in the first rotational direction to chamfer a first face-side edge (24) of a first tooth of the gear teeth using the first rake face of the tool (100), and executing second CNC-controlled relative movements while the tool (100) rotates in the first rotational direction, to chamfer a second face-side edge (25) of the first tooth or another tooth of the gear teeth using the second rake face of the tool (100), and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A machining device, in particular a grinding device, for the machining of slots in a component, in particular radially lying slots in a stationary blade carrier, with a base carrier, a clamping device, which is attached to the base carrier pivotably about a pivot axis and is designed to fix the base carrier on the component to be machined, a guiding rail, which is guided on the base carrier displaceably in a straight line in a guiding plane lying perpendicularly in relation to the pivot axis, and a tool holder head, which is held on the guiding rail pivotably about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and carries fastening means for the attachment of a machining tool is provided.

Abstract: A method for compensating a measurement error related to a measurement of a desired measuring point at an object to be measured with a coordinate measuring machine is disclosed. Some embodiments include a touch probe. Some embodiments include a method that includes providing a three dimensional reference body of known shape and dimension at a known position in the measuring volume of the coordinate measuring machine, defining multiple reference points to be measured at the reference body, touching the reference body with the touch probe in defined touching directions according to the multiple reference points and thereby determining positions for the multiple reference points, and deriving a lobing error information for the touch probe based on the known shape and dimensions of the reference body and the determined positions of the reference points, the lobing error information providing error values related to respective touching directions for the touch probe.

Abstract: Automatic production system and production process for the automatic manufacturing of conductive backsheets with an integrated encapsulating and dielectric layer, for photovoltaic panels of the back-contact type. The system includes operating stations in sequence and is made up of at least one main line combined with a secondary line having a flow converging to a station of calibrated superimposition with fixing. The main line, on trays on a continuous conveying system, arranges and prepares the back supporting and conductive layer, whereas the secondary line forms the encapsulating and dielectric multi-layer element holed in correspondence of the electrical contacts comprising an automatic picking device which takes, roto-translates and holds said multi-layer element during processing and releases it only after the calibrated superimposition with fixing.

Abstract: An electrical device including a housing having an inner surface, a lamination assembly and at least one pin extending from an inner surface of the housing. The lamination assembly has at least one slot therein. The lamination assembly is clocked to a position so that the at least one pin coacts with the at least one slot to rotationally orient the lamination assembly. The at least one pin additionally acts to constrain the lamination assembly from axial removal from the housing thereby rotationally and axially limiting movement of the lamination assembly to a predetermined range of movement within the housing.

Abstract: Position adjustments of a chamfering cutter and a deburring cutter in a chamfering device with respect to a workpiece can be easily carried out. The chamfering device has a chamfering cutter, a deburring cutter which has a diameter different from that of the chamfering cutter; a cutter swing block, a cutter longitudinal feed block, and a base block, which rotatably support the chamfering cutter and the deburring cutter and are capable of subjecting the chamfering cutter and the deburring cuter to position adjustment with respect to the workpiece. The longitudinal feed block can perform single-axis feeding with respect to the workpiece. The chamfering cutter and the deburring cutter are disposed so that the cutting change amount of the chamfering cutter and that of the deburring cutter will be approximately equal to each other throughout the diameter range of the workpiece to be processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sanding a number of surface features on a surface of an object. A first type of operation may be performed on the number of surface features on the surface of the object using a first end effector. Feedback laser data may be generated about the number of surface features after the first type of operation has been performed using a laser device. A second type of operation may be performed on the number of surface features using a second end effector and the feedback laser data to rework the number of surface features until the number of surface features has been reworked to within selected tolerances.

Abstract: A method for machining at least one aircraft gas turbine engine rotor blade wear indicator is provided. The method includes machining the wear indicator using a laser so as to melt part of the blade, and collecting the molten material of the blade. The method further includes fitting a plug into the bathtub squealer. The plug includes at least one cavity for receiving the molten blade material.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device which prepared a cylinder bore of a combustion engine in one working stroke such that the cylinder bore can subsequently be thermally coated.

Abstract: In a method for the finishing of a crankshaft bearing bore in a cylinder crankcase of an internal combustion engine, starting from a prepared crankshaft bearing bore, a finished crankshaft bearing bore is produced with a prescribable desired size, a prescribable desired structure of the bore inner surface and a prescribable desired position of the bore axis. The prepared crankshaft bearing bore is first finished with at least one finishing tool with a geometrically defined cutting edge and then the honing of the crankshaft bearing bore is carried out. In a final finishing operation with a geometrically defined cutting edge immediately preceding the honing, an allowance of at least 0.4 mm is removed, and the honing tool is introduced into the bore coaxially in relation to the desired position of the bore axis and moved within the bore, an allowance of at least 0.08 mm being removed during the honing.

Abstract: A processing machine that combines the functions of mounting press and grinding for metallographic analysis and includes a main frame at least one shaft and a drive device horizontally mounted on the main frame. A mounting press unit and a grind unit are mounted on the main frame. The grind unit including a base secured on the main frame and linearly corresponds to the mounting press unit and the corresponding line parallel to the at least one shaft. The grind unit includes a headstock slidably mounted on the at least one shaft the and reciprocally moved on the at least one shaft to selectively align with the base of the grind unit and the mounting press unit when the drive device is operated. A control unit disposed in the grind unit for controlling the mounting press unit and the grind unit.

Abstract: A machining method and apparatus for machining a part comprises a machining head and motorized axes comprising a rotary axis for displacing the machining head in a working space. Apparatus comprises a mechanism for positioning a part and holding it in position the working space. The machining head comprises a support for supporting a material shaping tool and a supply device for supplying material.

Abstract: Machine tool, comprising a workpiece carrier assembly (11) including a workpiece carrier (12), said workpiece carrier assembly (11) being supported on a workpiece carrier support (1) for horizontal movement in a first direction in parallel with a horizontal Z axis; a first tool carrier (21), supported on a tool carrier support (2) for horizontal movement in a second direction, said first tool carrier (21) being displaceable in said second direction between an operative position in which said first tool carrier (21) is facing said workpiece carrier assembly (11), and an inoperative position in which said first tool carrier (21) is not facing the workpiece carrier assembly (11). The invention also relates to a method of machining a connecting rod using the machine tool.

Abstract: A capsule type reconfigurable multifunctional machining apparatus is disclosed. A capsule type reconfigurable multifunctional machining apparatus includes a rotating frame in which a plurality of processing modules may be installed to face an object to be machined disposed in a capsule type body and whose machining position and pose are controlled by rotation, a top frame for rotatably supporting the rotating frame, a bottom frame that is combined with the top frame under the top frame to support the top frame and in which vibration proof members are installed in positions where the bottom frame contacts the top frame, and a stage unit fixedly inserted into the internal center of the top frame to settle the object to be machined so that the height of the settled object to be machined may be controlled and in which an X-Y stage or a rotary stage may be selectively mounted.

Abstract: The method that exchanges pallets (118) between a table (116) and a pallet loading station (14) of a machine tool is configured so that the lower edge (122) of a pallet (A) installed on the table (116) is grasped by the leading edge portion (17) of a first arm (16a) of the exchanging arm (16) and the one side (122) of a pallet (B), which is disposed on the pallet loading station (14), that will become the lower edge when the pallet is installed on the table (116) is grasped by the leading edge portion (17) of a second arm (16b) of the exchanging arm (16), and the exchanging arm (16) is rotated 180° around an inclined axis (O) that extends 45° upward from a horizontal axis in a vertical plane that contains the axis of rotation (Os) of the main axis (108).

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool (1) having a multiplicity of stationary tool spindles (3) that are optionally displaceable from a retracted rest position into an extended working position and are positioned at various positions in a frame-like stand (2) which defines and comprises a machining space, and having a workpiece manipulator (4) by way of which a workpiece support (5) is movable multi-axially in translation and preferably also in rotation. In order to create advantageous loading conditions, it is proposed that a loading door (8) is associated with at least one of the leg walls (7) defining the machining space (6), and that a. workpiece support holder (10), which is equipped with a coupling (11) for the workpiece support (5), is arranged on at least one, preferably on both, loading door leaf fronts (9).

Abstract: A piping system includes a flare machining mechanism and a screw machining mechanism that machines the ends of pipes by cold-pressed formation. The flare machining mechanism flares the ends of pipes outward and the screw machining mechanism machines the outside of the pipe end into a convex screw and the inside of the pipe end into a concave screw are provided on the same rotor mechanism and the same chuck. The piping system is configured to execute flare machining and screw machining of the end of the pipe by exchanging the flare machining head and the screw machining head.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for manufacturing a pressure vessel component. The pressure vessel component may be made from a metal that is cast to produce a gross pressure vessel component. Casting the metal may comprise sintering the metal followed by a hot isostatic press (HIP) process. In other embodiments, casting the metal may comprise pouring molten metal into a mold. Portions of the gross pressure vessel component may have an increased thickness located at predetermined positions on the gross pressure vessel component. These portions may include bosses or other designed features intended for the finalized pressure vessel component. The gross pressure vessel may be indexed to select the portions, and these selected portions may then be machined to produce the final pressure vessel component.

Abstract: The invention discloses a machine tool for machining workpieces comprising a frame by means of which a working space is delimited and by which accommodating compartments are formed in which a first machining module and a workpiece carrier are retained, wherein predominantly the workpiece carrier is movable along at least one guide, especially an X and/or Y and/or Z guide, for machining the workpieces. The first machining module of the machine tool includes at least five tool spindles which, or rather the tools of which, simultaneously can be engaged in a respective one of the workpieces.

Abstract: A regenerating method of a cutting blade to be repaired includes a chamfering step of chamfering the leading edge part and the side edge parts of a cutting blade, a build-up welding step of welding a build-up on the chamfered leading edge part and side edge parts, and a processing step of regenerating and processing build-up welding portions of the cutting blade into a specified shape of leading edge part and side edge parts, and of the side build-up welding portions formed on the side edge part, dimension L1 of a lateral build-up weld zone is 1 to 3 times of dimension L2 of an outer build-up weld zone.

Abstract: A datum is created in an axle housing. A finished brake flange is welded to the axle housing with reference to the datum to make an axle sub-assembly. The axle sub-assembly is fixed to a first part of a machine. A finished spindle is supplied to a second part of the machine. The spindle is welded to the axle sub-assembly with reference to the datum. A dial indexing table is rotated to a first position. An axle is placed on the dial indexing table with its longitudinal axis oriented vertically. The dial indexing table is rotated to a second position, wherein the axle aligned with a CNC machine. A machining operation is performed on the axle with the CNC machine. The dial indexing table is rotated to a third position. The axle is removed from the dial indexing table. An axle and an apparatus for manufacturing an axle are described.

Abstract: A milling machine for a dental item comprises a six (6) axis motion system. A workpiece is fixed in space. Each of a pair of opposed tool spindles operates in 3 DOF, with an x-axis (laterally, left or right) being along an axis of each working tool, a rotational (theta (?)) axis (rotationally in or out), and a z-axis (up or down). On each respective side of the block, the x-axis rides on a ?-axis, and the ?-axis rides on the z-axis. Each z-axis supports a first carriage adapted to move up or down along the z-axis, and the first carriage supports a motor having a shaft. The shaft's rotational axis is the ?-axis. A second carriage is mounted on the shaft for rotation about the ?-axis. A spindle assembly is mounted on the second carriage for lateral (left or right) movement along the x-axis carried by the ?-axis.

Abstract: A method and a device for machining the tooth edges (23, 25) developed between each end face (22, 24) and the tooth flanks (26, 27) of end-cut work wheels (2). The axis of rotation (20) of the spindle that carries the machining tool (21) is displaced around an orthogonal swivel axis (16) relative to the tool axis of rotation so that the cutting directions are opposite to each other with respect to the work wheel (2) in the machining of the lower tooth edges (23) and the upper tooth edges (25).

Abstract: A machine tool with lathe tool and milling cutter includes a machine support, a worktable, a moving device, a lathe feeding mechanism and a milling feeding mechanism. The worktable is positioned on the machine support. The moving device is slidably assembled to the machine support along a first direction and located above the worktable. The lathe feeding mechanism and the milling feeding mechanism are slidably assembled to the moving device along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The lathe feeding mechanism includes a feeding assembly and a lathe tool connected to the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly is configured for driving the lathe tool to move along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction reciprocally, the milling feeding mechanism includes a milling cutter and is configured for driving the milling cutter to move along the third direction.

Abstract: A machine tool with lathe tool and scraping cutter includes a machine support, a worktable, a moving device, a lathe feeding mechanism and a scraping feeding mechanism. The worktable is positioned on the machine support. The moving device is slidably assembled to the machine support along a first direction and located above the worktable. The lathe feeding mechanism and the scraping feeding mechanism are slidably assembled to the moving device along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the lathe feeding mechanism includes a feeding assembly and a lathe tool connected to the feeding assembly, the feeding assembly is configured for driving the lathe tool to move along a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second direction reciprocally, the scraping feeding mechanism includes a scraping cutter and is configured for driving the scraping cutter to move along the third direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle, and more particularly, to a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle in which machining, examination, and welding can be made in the nozzle by one device. To this end, there is provided a machining, examination, and welding integral device for a nozzle including: a pair of caps provided to be separated from each other; a welding unit provided between the pair of caps to weld a junction part of the nozzle and a pipe; a examination unit coupled to one side of the welding unit to check whether the junction part is defective; and a machining unit coupled to the top of the welding unit to remove the surface of a welded portion of the junction part and/or process the welded portion of the junction part.

Abstract: Machine tool for the production of profiles, such as gearing systems on a workpiece, by means of a rotoncally driven machining tool by generating grinding, profile grinding, generating milling and/or profile milling, having at least one workpiece receiving device, a workpiece machining device and an optional machining tool profiling device. According to the invention, the workpiece machining device is borne by a machine base that has a tangential carriage, a radial carriage, a lifting carriage and a rotational carriage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in production of bevel gears. The device comprises a turning machine (22), with a working spindle (22.1) and a counter-holder (23), arranged co-axially to a rotational axis (B1) of the working spindle (22.1) for the coaxial tensioning of a workpiece blank (K1). A multi-functional tool holder (24) is provided, which may be displaced relative to the workpiece blank (K1) held in the turning machine (22) and comprises a tool base (25) mounted to rotate about an axis (B2). The tool base (25) is provided for fixing one or more tools. A tool housing (26) with milling head (27) is provided, the tool housing (26) being displaceable relative to the workpiece blank (K1) held in the turning machine (22) and the milling head (27) is mounted to rotate about a milling head axis (B3).

Abstract: A capsule type reconfigurable multifunctional machining apparatus is disclosed. A capsule type reconfigurable multifunctional machining apparatus includes a rotating frame in which a plurality of processing modules may be installed to face an object to be machined disposed in a capsule type body and whose machining position and pose are controlled by rotation, a top frame for rotatably supporting the rotating frame, a bottom frame that is combined with the top frame under the top frame to support the top frame and in which vibration proof members are installed in positions where the bottom frame contacts the top frame, and a stage unit fixedly inserted into the internal center of the top frame to settle the object to be machined so that the height of the settled object to be machined may be controlled and in which an X-Y stage or a rotary stage may be selectively mounted.

Abstract: A broaching apparatus (200, 400) includes; a broach (300, 600) having a cross-section corresponding to a geometry of slot (115) between adjacent steeples (110) of a turbine rotor (100), and a mechanism (210, 220, 230, 410, 420, 430) which moves the broach (300,600) through the slot (115) in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the slot (115).

Abstract: A radiopaque marker can be attached to a medical device, such as an intravascular device. The radiopaque marker can be pre-formed, or formed from a spool of material. The radiopaque marker can be placed in, on, or at a spot for receiving the radiopaque marker. The radiopaque marker can then be attached to the medical device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nested profile combination, including: planishing process, forming process, punching process, cross section shaping process, nesting process, and fastening process. A system for manufacturing the nested profile combination, includes: a profile planisher; a first rolling die set; a punching device; a second rolling die set; a cutting device; a nesting device; and a third rolling die set. The first rolling die set including a plurality of first rolling sets. The punching device includes a punching bed and a punching machine. The second rolling die set including a plurality of second rolling sets. The cutting device includes a cutter. The third rolling die set includes a third rolling set.

Abstract: A flange for a corrosion resistant and nevertheless low cost flange for pressure measurement cells, or pressure transfer means, is composed essentially of a metal foundation of a standard material and is protected on the side facing a process medium by a there applied layer of a highly alloyed, special material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of profiling a running surface of a laid rail by means of a processing vehicle, in particular in the region of a switch, comprising placing a first copying probe element displaceable transversely to the rail in contact with the running edge or the inner side edge and machining the rail.

Abstract: A method for cutting teeth in workpieces, wherein, in a roughing operation, a substantially uncut blank receives rough teeth using a cutting tool having cutting teeth. Operation teeth are produced, the tooth width of which is defined by the spacing between the flanks of the teeth and is greater than the target dimension. In a subsequent deburring operation, a chamfer is incorporated into the end face edge of the tooth flanks, accompanied by the removal of an end face burr. Lastly, in a smoothing operation, the tooth width of the teeth is brought to the target dimension by machining the tooth flanks.

Abstract: A processing machine that combines the functions of mounting press and grinding for metallographic analysis and includes a main frame at least one shaft and a drive device horizontally mounted on the main frame. A mounting press unit and a grind unit are mounted on the main frame. The grind unit including a base secured on the main frame and linearly corresponds to the mounting press unit and the corresponding line parallel to the at least one shaft. The grind unit includes a headstock slidably mounted on the at least one shaft the and reciprocally moved on the at least one shaft to selectively align with the base of the grind unit and the mounting press unit when the drive device is operated. A control unit disposed in the grind unit for controlling the mounting press unit and the grind unit.

Abstract: Saw system, including methods and apparatus, for cutting pieces of stock to be installed end-to-end to form miter joints. In some embodiments, the saw system may include a computer that determines an appropriate saw pivot angle for cutting a proximal end of a second piece of stock, based on a corner angle entered for cutting a distal end of a first piece of stock. In some embodiments, the saw system may compensate for an offset pivot axis of a saw device based on entered lengths of cut first and second pieces generated respectively with the saw device pivoted to the left and to the right.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for finishworking of a forming tool for an auto body sheet metal part in which, in a first working step for identifying a surface region of a tool surface to be remachined, a sheet metal part which has been coated with a marking paint can be formed in a pressing process by means of the tool and, using the color impression of the sheet metal part on the tool surface, the surface region which is to be remachined is acquired, and then in a second working step the surface region to be remachined can be remachined by a corresponding surface treatment. According to the invention, the device has a machining apparatus which electronically acquires the tool surface with the color impression and, depending on the intensity of the color impression, determines the location and/or dimension of the surface area to be remachined and remachines it accordingly.

Abstract: In a method for the finishing of a crankshaft bearing bore in a cylinder crankcase of an internal combustion engine, starting from a prepared crankshaft bearing bore, a finished crankshaft bearing bore is produced with a prescribable desired size, a prescribable desired structure of the bore inner surface and a prescribable desired position of the bore axis. The prepared crankshaft bearing bore is first finished with at least one finishing tool with a geometrically defined cutting edge and then the honing of the crankshaft bearing bore is carried out. In a final finishing operation with a geometrically defined cutting edge immediately preceding the honing, an allowance of at least 0.4 mm is removed, and the honing tool is introduced into the bore coaxially in relation to the desired position of the bore axis and moved within the bore, an allowance of at least 0.08 mm being removed during the honing.

Abstract: A device which processes a cylinder bore of a combustion engine in one working stroke prepares the cylinder bore for a subsequent thermal coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for servicing a dynamoelectric machine component. The apparatus includes a tool delivery mechanism adapted for delivering a tool to a desired location in the dynamoelectric machine, and a tool support fixture adapted to be secured onto the body of the dynamoelectric machine, where the tool support fixture can be used for supporting and adjusting the tool delivery mechanism. A sleeve mechanism is attached to the tool support fixture, and the sleeve mechanism is disposed around a portion of the tool delivery mechanism. The apparatus is adapted to service the component of the dynamoelectric machine in-situ.

Abstract: The spindle drive unit of a combined machine tool drives the spindle. The tip end of the spindle is provided with a boring tool and a tool head having a rough grinding stone and a finishing grinding stone. The spindle drive unit has a first support unit and a second support unit capable of receiving the spindle therethrough and supporting it rotatably, a linear motor and a column slide mechanism for moving the first and second support unit in the axis direction of the spindle, and a spindle motor for rotating the spindle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of rapid model vehicle construction. The invention substitutes large and unitary model vehicle sections for the greater number of individual model vehicle components used in known model vehicle construction techniques. Further, substantially the entire exterior of a model vehicle is created from the collective non-machined or substantially non-machined exterior portions of interlocked model vehicle sections.

Abstract: A machine for making gears. The machine comprising at least one piece-holder table, which is mounted to rotate about a given first longitudinal axis thereof, and supports a piece being machined; and at least an operating head, which is provided with at least one tool for machining the piece. The machine is characterized in that the piece-holder table and the operating head are provided with relative motion with respect to each other in a first direction. Moreover, the operating head and the piece-holder table can be selectively stopped along their respective path according to the machining process to be carried out on the piece.

Abstract: Tool arrangement for the production of helical teeth in gear wheels, wherein a roughing hob (20), at least one deburring cutter (16, 18) and a finishing hob (12) can be fastened on a common mandrel (14) in a predetermined rotational position relative to one another, and the teeth of the finishing hob, which are situated along a helical line, each have a different cross section such that the engagement angle of the right or left flanks decreases continuously starting from a maximum value of the first tooth up to the last tooth, and the maximum engagement angle of the right flanks of the first or last tooth coincides with the minimum engagement angle of the left flanks, and vice versa.

Abstract: A method is provided for milling a thermal barrier coated metal part. This method includes selectively removing a portion of a ceramic coating using a mechanical cutting tool, thereby forming a counterbore, and machining the metal part through the counterbore. A drilling head for drilling thermal barrier coated metal parts is also provided. The drilling head comprises a mechanical cutting tool, which is operable to mill through ceramic, and an electrode for electrical discharge machining. The electrode may be used to mill the metal part, and may be interchangeable with the mechanical cutting tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for green machining bevel gears, including a CNC machining station for gear cutting a wheel blank (K2). The machining station includes a tool spindle which is used to receive a gear cutting tool and a work piece spindle which is used to receive the gear blank (K2). The machining station also relates to a machining station which operates in a vertical manner. The device also comprises a vertical processing station having a tool holder and a work piece spindle which is used to receive a work piece blank (K1). The machining station mechanically forms a functional unit together with the pre-machining station, wherein the work piece blank (K1) undergoes green machining in the pre-machining station, and is transferred as a gear blank (K2) to the first machining station after the first green machining where it is cut into a gear. The machining station and the pre-machining station are linked together in terms of data and control.