Patent attributes
The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a tool room manufacturing facility for reducing lead time of manufacturing component tooling. Machine tools are grouped into work cells (also called machining lines) specific to a machining process. Each work cell can comprise: a) a number (typically more than two) of machine tools required for a specific machining operation; b) a line storage system for storing pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces; and c) a track mounted robot able to transfer the pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces between the line storage system and the machine tools. The system also comprises a centralized storage system for storing pre-manufactured standard components (work pieces), custom fixtures and pre-manufactured work pallets.
