| abstract |
A control system for controlling processing of workpieces such as jewelry has gantry and gimbal units having x, y, z translational and x, y, z rotational degrees of freedom, the units carrying a gripper for holding a piece of jewelry. Drive motors are associated with each translational and rotational degree of freedom and an actuator operates the gripper. A controller is linked to the gantry and gimbal unit motors, the gripper unit actuator, and actuators associated with a series of work stations for carrying out processing operations such as lapping and grinding. The controller controls movement of the gripper unit from a start position to pick up a workpiece and move it along a programmed path between the processing stations, and controls operation of actuators at each processing station to process workpieces according to stored program instructions. A user input device provides optional operator control of the movement and processing for system training purposes. |