Abstract: A process for machining a blank from all directions with a machine tool, such as a milling machine, involves the machining from all directions being based on a three-dimensional template. In a first step, the three-dimensional form and, if need be, also the surface finish of the three-dimensional template may be automatically measured, and the associated data may be saved. In a second step, a blank may be held by at least one clamping adapter and a first region is brought into its final, ready to use partial form by the machine tool or the milling machine using said data for numerical control. In a third step, the partially machined blank may be held by at least one clamping adapter in the first, finally machined region and the remaining region may be brought into its final, ready to use overall form by the same machine tool or milling machine.

Abstract: A tool head, which is adapted to receive a cutting insert for chip removal machining, includes a basic holder which has a lower support part and an upper clamping portion defining therebetween an insert-receiving pocket. A slot extends through the basic holder at a location spaced from the pocket, wherein the clamping portion is joined to a remaining portion of the basic holder by a hinge portion about which the clamping portion is elastically displaceable toward the cutting insert. A recess extends through the basic holder parallel to the slot and in communication therewith, the recess receiving a nut roll. A clamping screw extends through the slot and into threaded engagement with the nut roll, wherein the clamping screw includes a conical head arranged to enter the slot for expanding the slot and elastically displacing the clamping portion about the hinge and toward the cutting insert.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for engraving images on a passport, credit card, identification card, or the like, and has an adaptor for use in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a personal computer, a controller, a vibration-preventing unit, an X axis pulse motor driver, a Y axis pulse motor driver, an X axis pulse motor, a tilt motor driver, a Z axis head motor having a minute ? Y axis driver, a stylus and a vacuum pump. Photographs of faces, addresses, names, autographs, the images for engraving information identifying one's identity, the images from a digital camera, scanner or other information taken from a computer through a network can be automatically and correctly engraved on identification cards such as passports, drivers' licenses, employee certificates or credit cards.

Abstract: An apparatus for engraving images has an engraving table driving apparatus for making a sliding table, on which table a card on which an image is to be engraved is fixedly mounted, reciprocate from side to side; and engraving machine for performing engraving on the card by making a cutter head, disposed oppositely facing the card on the sliding table, move vertically; a base, integrally mounted with the engraving machine, which reciprocates back and forth; a belt placed in such a manner as to be movable back and forth on the top surface of the base; and a lever, rotatably mounted in a vertical direction on the base, by means of which the belt is mounted in a fastened state in the end section of the base. The operation for feeding the card to the starting point and returning them can be accomplished rapidly, and therefore the time required to engrave the card can be shortened considerably.

Abstract: A pit defining a machining cavity is positioned downstream of a loading conveyor. A workpiece such as a foam block to be machined into a lost foam pattern for use in full-mold casting is fixedly mounted on an invertable workpiece mount base that is positioned above the machining cavity. The machining cavity houses a cutting unit for cutting, from below, the foam block supported on the workpiece mount base. Chips produced when the foam block is cut by the cutting unit are discharged by a chip discharger disposed beneath the machining cavity. The machining cavity can be substantially closed by the workpiece mount base or the foam block mounted thereon. There may be employed upstream and downstream machining stations each having the machining cavity, the workpiece mount base, and the cutting unit. The workpiece mount base in the upstream machining station is vertically movable, and the upstream and downstream machining stations are interconnected by transfer units.