Abstract: In a numerical control device, a command read out unit sequentially reads out time or a position of an axis or a spindle which is a reference and a position of a different axis or spindle from the axis or the spindle which is the reference or an auxiliary function that are stored in a storage unit. A selection unit selects a processing unit that processes a command which is read out by the command read out unit on the basis of a definition set by a definition unit. The definition unit defines commands executed by each processing unit.

Abstract: A system is provided including a first elongated object proximate a first surface on a first side of a structure and a second elongated object proximate a second surface on a second side of the structure, the second surface and the second side opposite the structure relative to the first surface and the first side, the first object aligned with the second object at a first point on the first surface. The system also includes a first plurality of corner cubes affixed to the first object at first known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the first object abuts the first surface at the first point. The system also includes a second plurality of corner cubes affixed to the second object at second known distances from each other and from the first point, wherein the second object abuts second surface at second point opposite first point.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus includes a program analyzing unit configured to pre-fetch a tool replacement command and a post-replacement positioning command from a machining program and output these commands, a tool-replacement-command output unit configured to cause, based on the tool replacement command, a machine tool to execute a tool replacing operation, and a movement-command determining unit and an interpolating unit configured to start, when the post-replacement positioning command is an axis component command for positioning an axis related to the tool replacing operation, control of the axis based on the axis component command, after waiting for completion of the tool replacing operation, and start, when the post-replacement positioning command is an axis component command for positioning an axis unrelated to the tool replacing operation, control of the axis based on the axis component command, without waiting for the same.

Abstract: A numerical control device includes: a switching unit switching between a first processing mode in which a position command for an amplifier is generated by performing interpolation process and acceleration/deceleration process on a program command in a machining program, and a second processing mode in which a position command every intra-amplifier control cycle for the amplifier is generated by performing acceleration/deceleration process on a command generated every intra-amplifier control cycle, which is a control cycle in the amplifier; a normal analysis unit extracting movement data on a machine tool by analyzing the program command when operating in the first processing mode; an interpolation processing unit obtaining first interpolated data by performing the interpolation process on the movement data when operating in the first processing mode; and a fast analysis unit extracting interpolated movement data as second interpolated data by analyzing the program command when operating in the second proces

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for generating control data, wherein a first tooth flank geometry is determined which corresponds to a geometry of a first tooth flank of the herringbone gearing, a second tooth flank geometry is determined which corresponds to a geometry of a second tooth flank of the herringbone gearing, a transition section geometry is determined which corresponds to a geometry of a transition section between the first tooth flank and the second tooth flank, an overall tooth flank geometry is determined which comprises the first tooth flank geometry, the transition section geometry and the second tooth flank geometry, and the control data is generated based on the overall tooth flank geometry and machining paths are indicated, each extending transversely to the profile direction of the tooth flanks and along the first tooth flank geometry, the transition section geometry and the second tooth flank geometry.

Abstract: A method for preparing tool paths for use in a computer numerically controlled machine whereby the appearance of undesirable horizontal tool marks are minimized, comprised of identifying a surface texture and resolving the surface texture into at least one contour and identifying an underlying relief. A tool path is then prepared which is suitable for use in a computer numerically controlled machine wherein the tool path moves in accordance with the at least one contour of the identified surface texture while simultaneously carving the underlying relief.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, by simulating portioning the workpieces in accordance with the one or more desired shapes of the final piece(s) as a directly controlled physical characteristic (parameter/specification) as well as one or more resulting indirectly controlled physical characteristics (parameters/specifications). The desired shape(s) of the final piece(s) are defined by a plurality of manipulatable reference coordinates. A workpiece is scanned to obtain scanning information, then portioning of the workpiece is simulated in accordance with the desired shape(s) of the final piece(s) defined by the directly controlled reference coordinates, thereby to determine the one or more indirectly controlled physical characteristics of the one or more final pieces to be portioned from the workpiece.

Abstract: The tool trajectory display device (10) includes: a start point coordinate storing unit (13) that stores a plurality of coordinate positions of a drive shaft as start point coordinate positions; a movement amount determining unit (14) that determines a movement amount of the drive shaft from a first start point coordinate position to a second start point coordinate position; a trajectory calculation unit (15) that calculates a first actual trajectory of a tool tip point of the machine tool from the actual position based on the first start point coordinate position after adding the movement amount and the repetition portion, and that calculates a second actual trajectory of the tool tip point from the actual position based on the second start point coordinate position and the repetition portion; and a display unit (16) that superimposedly displays the first and the second actual trajectories.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and the like that are capable of calculating a correction value for a rotational axis and make it possible to correct an error in position or position and posture of a tool, which results from a geometric error, correct an error in posture of the tool, and also enhance the accuracy in machining by preventing a translational axis from operating in an infinitesimal manner due to a correction command. In a machine tool having two or more translational axes and one or more rotational axes, a correction value for each of the translational axes is calculated using a command position of each of the rotational axes, a coordinate value of a correction reference point as one point designated in advance in a command position space of each of the translational axes, and a geometric parameter representing the geometrical error.

Abstract: A control device of a machine with a plurality of position-controlled axes controls the position-controlled axes in accordance with a part program while processing a system program. Through the control of the position-controlled axes, an end effector is moved along a track defined by the part program via at least one intermediate element relative to a base body of the machine under position control. While processing the system program, the control device checks before control of the position-controlled axes with a parameterizable model of the machine, whether the end effector can move along the track without collisions. Before checking the part program, the control device receives initial measured values characteristic of an actual configuration of the machine, determines parameters of the model based on the initial measured values and parameterizes the model in accordance with the determined parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for automated repair of a machine component is provided. According to the proposed method, a first geometry of the component, including a damaged portion of the component, is digitalized. A trough is then machined over the damaged portion of the component. The machining is numerically controlled using digitalized geometrical data of the first geometry of the component. A second geometry of the component is then digitalized subsequent to the machining, the second geometry including the trough. Subsequently, a material is deposited over the trough. The deposition of the material is numerically controlled digitalized geometrical data of the second geometry of the component.

Abstract: A robotic end effector system and method having a plurality of end effectors which are selectively suitable for particular applications on a workpiece. The end effectors include a resident controller adapted to execute tasks specific to the end effector and are rapidly attachable and removable from the robot for easy change over to different workpieces.

Abstract: A chuck or spindle mountable wireless vision system and method for use in harsh environments. The vision system includes a sealed housing. The sealed housing includes a tool holder interface to couple to the chuck or spindle of a machine. An optical system to acquire an image is positioned within the sealed housing, the optical system including a processor, memory, and machine vision software to perform at least a portion of image processing. A wireless communication module is operatively coupled to the optical system to wirelessly communicate image data. And, a power source, the power source operatively coupled to the optical system and the wireless communication module.

Abstract: Gauge system, including methods and apparatus, for positioning workpieces according to entered and/or calculated target dimensions and processing the workpieces with a tool to generate products having the target dimensions.

Abstract: A method for positioning a tool (3) mounted on a spindle (2) of a numerical control machine tool in the visual field (20) of a visual system (7) for measuring the tool, includes a step of moving (35) the rotating spindle along an axis (Z) from a reference position (Z0) towards a target position (Zobj) defined in the visual field, and a step of acquiring images of the visual field. The stop of the spindle movement along the axis is controlled as soon as an acquired image (IM1) reveals (36) that a determined portion (13) of the tool, for instance a tip, has entered the visual field. When the stop is controlled (37), an instant position (Z1) of the spindle is acquired (38) and a distance (POS) between the tip of the tool and the target position is measured (39). On the basis of such instant position and distance, a final position (Z2) is calculated (40), and the spindle is brought (42) to such final position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a device for titling, which can achieve automatic correction when deviation occurs between a real titling position of a product to be titled and a preset titling position, so as to avoid an ID shift phenomenon, and thus ensure accuracy of titling positions and improve titling efficiency. The titling method provided in the present disclosure comprises: determining a real titling position of a product to be titled; comparing the real titling position with a preset titling position; and titling the product to be titled in accordance with the comparison result.

Abstract: Optimized positioning paths for multi-axis CNC machining can be generated based on the machine tool kinematics, machine axes travel limits, machine axis velocity and acceleration limits, and machine positioning methodologies. Machine axes travel limits and machine positioning methodologies are incorporated in order to ensure that the developed positioning paths do not violate machine axes travel limitations. Multi-axis positioning paths are developed to avoid collisions with dynamically changing in-process stock and other surroundings, including fixtures and both moving and non-moving components of the machine. Positioning tool path customizations give the user the flexibility to apply safety based constraints to the automatically generated tool paths. The disclosed automatic positioning path planning and optimization methods are used to develop a process for part manufacturing using CNC machining in order to reduce the manufacturing cycle time.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methodology providing a processor-controlled end effector that is selectively moveable according to end effector coordinates. A camera is positioned to detect objects according to camera coordinates that overlap the end effector coordinates. Logic executes computer instructions stored in memory to obtain a plurality of paired values of end effector coordinates and camera coordinates for each of a plurality of fiducial features, and to derive a transformation function from the plurality of paired values mapping the camera coordinates to the end effector coordinates.

Abstract: In connection with a machining program used in machining a workpiece by means of a machine tool controlled by a numerical controller, interpolation data, a command position point sequence, and a servo position point sequence for each processing period are determined by simulation by designating speed data for giving a machining speed and precision data for giving a machining precision. A predicted machining time for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined interpolation data, and a predicted machining error for workpiece machining is determined based on the determined command and servo position point sequences. Further, the precision data and the speed data are determined for the shortest predicted machining time within a preset machining error tolerance, based on a plurality of predicted machining times and a plurality of predicted machining errors.

Abstract: A robotic processing system includes a microprocessor-controlled workpiece processor having a mobile processing element to be positioned independently in three orthogonal dimensions with respect to each of a plurality of target locations on a workpiece, with each particular target location of the plurality of target locations including an element to be processed, the mobile processing element processing the element at each particular target location by first moving to an initial location that is offset from the particular target location in a single dimension and then second moving along the single dimension towards the element at the particular target location until a contact signal is detected; and a control, coupled to the workpiece and to the mobile processing element, communicating the contact signal to the workpiece processor when the processing element makes physical contact with the element at the particular target location.

Abstract: A thermal displacement correction method for a machine tool includes: estimating a thermal displacement of a support and a thermal displacement of the movable body independently of each other; acquiring a displacement of an attachment position of a scale that detects a position of the movable body; a movable body actual position acquiring step of acquiring an actual position of the movable body relative to the support after thermal deformation of the movable body; computing a degree of inclination of the movable body at the actual position; acquiring a resultant displacement that is a resultant of the thermal displacement of the support and the thermal displacement of the movable body; computing a correction value based on the resultant displacement; correcting a command position of the movable body based on the correction value.

Abstract: A numerical controller calculates the distance (rotation radius) between the rotation center axis of a rotary axis and a control target point using the machine conditions (including the axis structure and tool length) of a machine tool having a rotary axis and the coordinate values of the respective axes of the machine tool. Then, the preset positioning completion widths of the respective axes are compensated by the calculated rotation radius and a positioning completion check of the rotary axis is carried out using the compensated positioning completion widths.

Abstract: A positive & negative jerk interval parameter setting section divides an acceleration & deceleration interval of an acceleration command curve into an acceleration increasing interval, a constant acceleration interval, and an acceleration decreasing interval, and sets the length of time of each interval independently of each other. A positive & negative jerk interval trigonometric command generating section employs an acceleration command curve generated based on a trigonometric function of a ½ cycle, thereby generating a position command or a speed command.

Abstract: Technology for milling selected portions of a workpiece by a cutting tool of a numerical control machine is described. The described technology can receive a main toolpath, the main toolpath comprising one or more cuts; compute one or more transition toolpaths, each transition toolpath defining a transition area intersecting one or more of the cuts of the main toolpath; trim one or more cuts of the main toolpath near two or more points of intersection between the main toolpath and the transition toolpaths; connect the trimmed portions of the main toolpath with one or more connecting moves such that each connecting move is mostly inside one or more of the transition areas; and mill the selected portions of the workpiece by moving the cutting tool in accordance with the cuts, transition toolpaths, trimmed cuts, and connecting moves.

Abstract: A numerical controller controls a five-axis machine which machines a workpiece mounted on a table by means of at least three linear axes and two rotation axes. The numerical controller calculates a tool direction relative to the workpiece as a tool direction vector, roll-pitch-yaw angles, or Euler angles, based on respective positions of the two rotation axes, and displays the tool direction relative to the workpiece on a display, based on the result of the calculation.

Abstract: When a numerical controller executes a tool-center-point control in which a path of a tool center point with respect to a workpiece is instructed, and the workpiece is machined along the instructed path based on a speed instruction, the numerical controller sets the speed instruction so that the speed instruction is a synthesis speed with respect to a synthesis distance of a relative moving distance between the workpiece and a tool center point and a tool-direction changing distance due to a relative change in a tool direction with respect to the workpiece by a rotary axis. The numerical controller interpolates a position of a linear axis and a position of a rotary axis by the tool-center-point control according to the synthesis speed and drives the linear axis and the rotary axis to the position of the linear axis and the position of the rotary axis created by the interpolation.

Abstract: A controller including a detecting member detecting a machining position where a pivoting axis is reversed in machining by the machine tool based on the control data, an allowable position error setting member setting an allowable position error between a commanded machining position and an actual machining position, an allowable acceleration deciding member deciding the allowable acceleration about the pivoting axis based on a distance from the machining position of the reversed axis to a center of the pivoting axis and based on the allowable position error being set, and a controlling member controlling a velocity about the driving axis based on the allowable acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a real-time kernel of open CNC systems and a real-time control method of tool-paths. The real-time kernel translates a real-time control of the tool-paths into sending synchronous pulses into the servo drivers in accordance with the control rhythms ?ti (i=1, . . . , n) in the follow-table and achieves the openness of real-time control method and real-time control process. The real-time kernel has the most simple and reliable multi-axis synchronization capability with high-speed and high-precision, and leads to major changes in the field of digital control method. The real-time kernel no need to configure a real-time operating system and a fieldbus, its core function is only to write the control rhythm into the T-division timer, and to send linkage commands into the servo drivers designated by the state-word, therefore its function and architecture are extremely simple and high reliability.

Abstract: A level difference or a uncut portion is prevented from being left between adjoining worked regions without forming any useless worked region. A lathe sectional shape forming unit (222) produces a sheet model of a lathe sectional shape in an X-Z plane on the basis of the solid model of a lathe shape formed by a lathe shape forming unit (220). A first/second step working sectional shape forming unit (227) produces sheet models of the worked sectional shapes of the first step and the second step on the basis of the sheet model of the lathe sectional shape, a step dividing position and an overlap amount. A first step disused shape deleting unit (229) and a second step disused shape deleting unit (230) delete the shape needing no work, from the sheet models of the worked sectional shapes of the first step and the second step.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning geometric model, which comprises: a machine tool; a control unit, electrically coupled to the machine tool; a storage unit, electrically coupled to the control unit; a positioning module, electrically coupled to the storage unit; a virtual target geometry module, electrically coupled to the positioning module; and a virtual machine tool module, electrically and respectively coupled to the virtual target geometry module and the positioning module.

Abstract: A numerical control device analyzes a machining program containing one or more unit machining programs and displays a process shape figure (141a, 144a) obtained by executing the unit machining program. The device includes a machining-program analyzing unit that analyzes the unit machining program and acquires process shape information having parameters containing tool information for obtaining the figure (141a, 144a) for the unit machining program, a process-shape-figure creating unit that acquires process shape data corresponding to the tool information and creates a process shape figure obtained by changing the process shape data based on the parameters, and a display processing unit that displays the machining program and the figure (141a, 144a) on a display unit. The display processing unit displays the figure (141a, 144a) that is aligned with a display position of the unit machining program on the display unit.

Abstract: A Web-based system and method uses a model of the manufacturing setup and knowledge of a designed part with arbitrary geometry to produce process plans in two successive stages. First, the part geometry is analyzed. A query of determining the maximal volume machinable from an oriented machining tool is transformed into determining the visibility of the part surface from the perspective of a hypothetical camera placed at the tip of the oriented machining tool. Second, a collection of the maximal machinable volumes over the set of all tool orientations is collected. Combinations of the maximal machinable volumes covering the entire difference between the raw stock and the desired part are evaluated for providing feedback on manufacturability and process plans. In a further embodiment, manufacturability is analyzed for tools and machines with arbitrary geometric complexity using high dimensional configuration space analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating keys are provided. In some embodiments, a system for creating keys is provided, the system comprising: a kiosk comprising: a key scanner capturing geometric information of a key; and a hardware processor that: receives security information; automatically determines a key type and bit heights of the key and causes these, along with first identifying information based on the first security information, to be stored at a remote storage device; receives second security information corresponding to second identifying information; verifies the second security information and, in response, identifies stored geometric information about one or more keys that can be made, wherein the stored geometric information includes geometric information corresponding to the second security information; and a key shaping device that creates a third key using the second geometric information.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a generalized kinematics library which may be used to control the motion of a machine tool system and to process data for other applications, such as simulation graphics. Methods are disclosed to interpolate the movement of various axes of a machine tool system through a machine singularity point.

Abstract: A method for verifying completion of a task is provided. In various embodiments, the method includes obtaining location coordinates of at least one location sensor within a work cell. The at least one sensor is affixed to a tool used to operate on a feature of a structure to be assembled, fabricated or inspected. The method additionally includes, generating a virtual object locus based on the location coordinates of the at least one location sensor. The virtual object locus corresponds to a computerized schematic of the structure to be assembled and represents of all possible locations of an object end of the tool within the work cell. The method further includes, identifying one of a plurality of candidate features as the most likely to be the feature operated on by the tool. The identification is based on a probability calculation for each of the candidate features that each respective candidate feature is the feature operated on by the tool.

Abstract: A goal-oriented numerical control automatic tuning system is used for a numerical controller of a machine tool to automatically tune the machine tool. The system includes a goal-oriented input module for receiving external goal values; a machining test path selecting module for receiving an external machining path; and an automatic machine-tuning equation module including a control equation with a predetermined equation coefficient for receiving the goal values and the machining path from the goal-oriented input module and the machining test path selecting module, respectively, such that an appropriate control parameter can be obtained by calculating the control equation based on the goal values and the machining path, and then this control parameter passed to a numerical controller in order to control actuation of the machine tool.

Abstract: In a machine comprising a spindle configured for performing a machine process in positional relation to a table, a method of operating the machine comprises fixing a probe to the spindle and fixing an object to the table. A first orientation position of the object relative to the spindle is determined while the table is positioned in a first table orientation. The table is re-oriented to a second table orientation, and a second orientation position of the object relative to the spindle is determined. A position of a table reference point along a first direction relative to the spindle is determined by averaging the first orientation position and the second orientation position, and a position of the spindle relative to the table is adjusted based on the position of a table reference point along the first direction.

Abstract: An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.

Abstract: A system for remotely positioning an end effector includes an input device and at least one sensor configured to generate at least one signal reflective of a force applied to the input device. A processor receives the at least one signal and is configured to execute logic stored in a memory that causes the processor to compare the at least one signal to a predetermined limit and generate a control signal to the end effector if the at least one signal exceeds the predetermined limit. A method for remotely positioning an end effector includes moving an input device, sensing a force applied to the input device, comparing the force applied to the input device to a predetermined limit, and generating a control signal to the end effector if the force applied to the input device exceeds the predetermined limit.

Abstract: A tool trajectory display device capable of displaying an inversion position of a servo axis on a tool trajectory. The display device has a position information obtaining part and velocity information obtaining part which obtain position information and velocity information of at least one servo axis, respectively, from numerical controller; a tool coordinate calculating part which calculates a coordinate value of a tool center point based on the position information and information of a mechanical constitution of the machine tool; an inversion position calculating part which calculates an inversion position where a polarity of a velocity of the servo axis is changed, based on the velocity information and the calculated coordinate value; and a displaying part which displays a trajectory of the tool center point based on the calculated coordinate, and displays the inversion position of the servo axis on the trajectory.

Abstract: A position detection system for a detection object and a position detection method for a detection object that enable calibration without removing a detection object after the detection object is introduced into a detection space are provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a power tool identifies motion of an implement in a power tool. The method includes obtaining a plurality of samples of an electrical signal that passes through the implement, identifying a parameter for the plurality of samples corresponding to a variation in values of predetermined groups of samples in the plurality of samples, updating a status for the implement with a first status indicating that the implement is not moving with reference to the identified parameter being less than a predetermined threshold, and updating a status for the implement with a second status indicating that the implement is moving with reference to the identified parameter being greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, by simulating portioning the workpieces in accordance with one or more directly controlled characteristics (parameters/specifications) and/or indirectly controlled characteristics (parameters/specifications). The workpiece is scanned to obtain scanning information, then simulating portioning of the workpiece is carried out in accordance with the one or more directly controlled characteristics (parameters/specifications), thereby to determine the one or more indirectly controlled characteristics of the one or more final pieces to be portioned from the workpiece. The simulated portioning of the workpiece is performed for multiple combinations of one or more directly controlled characteristics until an acceptable set of one or more directly controlled characteristics and/or one or more indirectly controlled characteristics are determined.

Abstract: A system and method for machining a work-piece in restrictive access operating position is disclosed. The system includes a robot arm adapted to access the bottom face of the work-piece; a computation means adapted to compute a central line on the bottom face while ascertaining an area of overlap that is accessible from all sides of the work-piece; and a robot controller adapted to sequentially maneuver the robot arm from one side of the work-piece to other side of the work-piece on the bottom face. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating keys are provided. In some embodiments, a systems for creating keys are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives security information from a user; and receives geometric information about a first key associated with the security information from a storage device; and a key shaping device that creates a second key using the geometric information.

Abstract: A horizontal axis drive mechanism includes a first linear motor including a first fixed section and a first movable section fixing a load section and moving the load section in the horizontal direction, a support body supporting the first fixed section, a first linear guide arranged between the support body and the first fixed section and moving the first fixed section, a rotation conversion type counter including a rotating body rotatably supported by the support body and a converting means converting movement of the first fixed section in the horizontal direction into rotation of the rotating body, and a control section controlling the position of the first movable section in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing key information are provided. In some embodiments, systems for managing key information are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives security information from a user; receives an image of a first key; determines geometric information about the first key based on the image; causes the geometric information about the first key to be stored in a storage device in association with at least a portion of the security information from the user; and causes the geometric information about the first key to be retrieved from the storage device upon validating at least the portion of the security information for use in creating a second key.

Abstract: Locations in a pattern of a part are evaluated to determine if the locations are interior or exterior to a feature of the pattern. The pattern is used to cut the feature from a material by a laser cutting machine. A location in the feature is rendered into an array stored in a memory so that a value stored at an address in the array corresponding to coordinates of the location is either odd or even as determined by a counting process of the rendering. Then, the location is identified as being interior if the value is odd, and as being exterior if the value is even. The rendering can use modified forms of either rasterization or ray casting.

Abstract: A system for controlling a numerical control machine tool with movable component parts carrying tools (5) and/or mechanical component parts to be checked includes a control unit (7) and a sensor device (9) having an associated interface unit (15). A digital channel (20), through which there are transmitted measuring signals from the interface unit to the control unit, is used, at different moments and as an alternative to the measuring process, for transmitting confirmation pulse signals (ACK) consequent to request/instruction messages that the control unit sends to the interface unit. A method for controlling the machine tool includes the sending of request/instruction messages (M) from the control unit to the interface unit, for example for checking the efficiency and the operativeness of the measuring chain, and the reception of confirmation pulse signals through the transmission channel which is a component part of the measuring chain.

Abstract: A drilling machine drills at a multiplicity of target locations on a component. Two robots, calibrated with calibration data, move the component in a 6-D coordinate system. A metrology system ascertains the position of the component relative to the drilling machine. The movement of the robots is effected by commands generated by off-line programming. The component is moved relative to the drilling machine to a target position, ready for drilling, by a closed-loop process in which the differences in position between the expected position (the target position) and the actual position (as viewed by the metrology system) are corrected.