Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for the simultaneous machining of a stack of plate-like workpieces wherein the individual workpieces of the stack are initially assembled into a stack which is held in a manner which will not interfere with the subsequent machining operations by use of rivets or the like. The plate-like workpieces are mounted in the stack upon a support plate, and the machining operations are preferably so conducted as to penetrate through the lower most member of the stack and into the upper portion of the support plate. The machine tool is preferably one in which a series of stations for drilling, riveting, machining and then drilling out the rivets is provided. The tool may include means for automatically and precisely moving the stack between the several work stations. The method involves the preliminary assembly of the stack of plate-like workpieces upon the support plate and the initial clamping in that assembly until the elements of the stack are initially drilled and riveted to secure the elements of the stack in position relative to each other for the subsequent machining operations.

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First Claim