Importance

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Abstract

A machining system and method of machining are provided for machining large, heavy workpieces, such as large aircraft components, that are oriented vertically affixed on a vertical, on-edge pallet. The machining system includes an upstanding workpiece support to which the transportable pallet is clamped. The pallet is large enough to support the large workpiece but is still relatively thin and light so that it can be easily transported to the machining station where the more massive workpiece support is located. The pallet lacks the necessary stiffness for accurate machining of the part thereon. The much thicker upstanding support is utilized to provide the pallet and affixed part the necessary stiffness when the pallet is clamped thereto, by a magnetic clamping arrangement. The magnetic clamping provides quick assembly and disassembly of the pallet with the support stand thereby decreasing cycle time and increasing production rates. Also, the magnetic clamping makes the pallet strong and rigid like the support stand during the machining operation. The magnets are arranged on the support stand so as to spread out and evenly balance the magnetic attraction force across the backside of the pallet. Registering members on the stand and pallet locate magnetizable areas on the pallet so that they are aligned with corresponding magnets on the stand. A controller fires the magnets in a predetermined sequence to draw the pallet against the magnets for clamping it thereto. The magnets are preferably of the electropermanent type so that they take a charge and do not need continuous power to keep generating the magnetic attraction force so as to keep the pallet clamped thereto during power interruptions.

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First Claim