Abstract:
A method for producing a key ( 50 ), wherein a data set ( 40 ) of a key is obtained by recording the surface of the key ( 10 ) and subsequently performing a data optimization ( 55 ), or from data of a data collection ( 46 ), in order to produce the key ( 50 ) from a semi-finished product clamped in a machine by a computer-controlled production method ( 9 ), wherein at least two different locking features are introduced into the semi-finished product.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a key. 
         [0002]    In order to manufacture or duplicate a key, preferably fitting a lock cylinder of a master key system, all lock-relevant characteristics of the key must match the master key, or the lock. These characteristics are essentially: The width, thickness, length, back rounding and tip shape of the key blade, the profile in the longitudinal direction of the blade, the thickness and breadth of the stop, the tumblers in the form of jagged cuts in the key breast and in the key back, tumblers in the form of notches or tracks on the two broad sides, the back and the breast of the key blade. To manufacture a key in accordance with a master key, or to fit a lock, key services need to perform many operations, and require a large number of individual machines and tools for this. According to the prior art, the following steps for manufacturing a conventional key are necessary: 
         [0003]    First, the required longitudinal profile is milled with a moulder in a key blank. Thereafter, the milled blank is unclamped, fixed in a vise and the length of the blade adjusted with a saw. Now the tip must be manually filed, or be processed with a grinding/milling machine. The thus prepared blank is clamped with the blade in a teeth milling machine and accurately aligned. In this milling machine, the teeth are then milled into the breast of the blank. For this purpose, suitable clamping jaws must be selected in order to fix the blank firmly enough in the machine. To mill teeth in the back, the key must be unclamped, rotated 180 degrees, re-clamped and aligned exactly. Now the teeth can only be milled in the back. Afterwards, the semi-finished key is unclamped from the teeth milling machine. In order to mill notches into the key, the key service requires a notch milling machine. A milling cutter suitable for the notches must be clamped, and the machine must be calibrated. The blade of the key, with the first broad side facing up, is clamped in the notch milling machine and precisely aligned. Since the key already has teeth, various, special clamping jaws are required to tighten the blade of the key well. Nevertheless, it often happens that the blade of the key slips during processing of the machine, and so the duplicate becomes unusable. By clamping the blade, only the upper broad side of the key is free for processing. After the milling of the notches in this broad side, the key must be unclamped, turned 180 degrees, and be clamped and aligned again. There is then the milling of the second broad side. Now the key is unclamped again, rotated 90 degrees, clamped to the blade, to provide the back with notches. This process for the notches of the breast may need to be repeated. Now the stop must still be manually adapted to the key in its thickness and width, or in a manual milling machine. For this purpose, it is again necessary to fix the already processed blade of the key well, which is complicated, because the key usually has no planar, parallel surfaces with which to fix it reliably. Finally, the key is clamped in an engraving machine to engrave the same inscription as the master key. 
         [0004]    A disadvantage of this prior art is that the various individual processing machines, and the respective clamping devices are designed to clamp the key to its blade and align exactly to a stop. The predominant part of the blade is concealed in the clamping device and cannot be reached by the milling tools, which makes frequent shifting necessary. In addition, the processed blade usually has insufficiently planar surfaces on which the keys can be fixed with sufficient firmness. The consequence is that the key often slips during milling, and so this key will not fit because the milled tumblers have incorrect dimensions, or are incorrectly positioned. In addition, the risk is very high that the key is not made true to size, because the orientation of the key before the respective work steps is not performed perfectly accurately. Another problem is that there is no common reference edge for gripping the key for the individual steps, because each machine has different clamping jaws. So it often happens that the millings are not properly mounted relative to each other. The skilled worker must expend much time for the manufacturing, because he must actively participate in the manufacturing process the entire time in order to shift and mill the key. This leads to a very high price of the key. If more than one key are manufactured at the same time, all of the above named steps are necessary again for each duplicate. If a new key family comes onto the market, the locking characteristics have an up-to-now unusual mechanical design, so the key service must again buy another machine to be able to mill this configuration of the locking. So the machinery becomes larger every year and the operation of each machine is more complex. 
         [0005]    In another conceivable method according to the prior art is capturing the surface of the master key and manufacturing a duplicate using the data obtained therefrom. The next machine to be used for the milling of the corresponding tumblers has a table on which a semi-finished product can be clamped and a movable milling spindle which processes this semi-finished product. A disadvantage of this method is that different milling cutters must be used for the manufacture of differently configured tumblers. This must either be clamped and calibrated manually before each work step, or the machine needs an automatic, industrial tool change system and an industrial milling spindle suitable for it. These parts are very expensive and complicated to use. In addition, one needs cleaned compressed air for this and very complex machine control. Due to this cost, the production of keys is uneconomical. To make matters worse, the corresponding milling cutter must be oriented in different directions, horizontal, vertical, and rotated by 90 degrees for the milling of different tumblers and profiles of a key. The corresponding milling spindle must have rotary axes for this, which additionally increases the cost of the machine. In addition, all errors on the key copy that arise from recording are carried over. 
         [0006]    Two different methods are known for recording the surface contour of a key. The first method uses a mechanical scanning device to scan the profile of the key in small steps. Here, however, one does not receive information about the formation and the dimensions of the locking-relevant tumblers in the form of teeth or drill notches. The second method records the surface of the key by means of optical sensors. However, this process is unsuitable for obtaining the exact profile of the key blade because the depth and arrangement of the profile slots cannot be determined accurately enough. In addition, it is very costly to extract the exact profile from the images of the key. 
         [0007]    In order to manufacture a custom-fit key copy corresponding to a master key, the key copy, primarily the profile and the tumblers, must lie within close tolerance limits. One designates the profiling of the key shaft in the longitudinal direction for cylinder keys. This profile must be manufactured within the narrow tolerance limits, otherwise the key cannot be inserted into the associated lock cylinder. 
         [0008]    Tumblers are areas of the key which are scanned by the movable elements of the lock cylinder or the lock. For example, frequently encountered tumblers are teeth on the narrow sides of commercial cylinder keys, milled notches on the broad sides, milled tracks in key shaft or cuts in the key bit. The profiles and configurations for the tumblers of modern keys continually become more varied, making the manufacture of key copies more difficult. 
         [0009]    Tumblers must also be designed in very narrow tolerance limits, commonly a few hundredths of a millimeter, to guarantee the activation of the lock cylinder or lock. This complicates the manufacturing of key copies, since naturally the key copies must lie within these tight tolerances in order to function properly. 
         [0010]    The U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,308 B1 and the corresponding DE 601 30 230 T2 describe a method for producing a duplicate key. At this juncture, the configuration of the surface of the master key is recorded by various known methods in order to directly produce a key duplicate from raw materials by means of the data obtained therefrom. 
         [0011]    Other publications describe the production of key duplicates in which the configuration of the surface of the master key is recorded in order to transfer these data directly onto a key blank. 
         [0012]    A disadvantage of this method is that the data arising from the recording of the surface of the master key, for technical reasons, has frequent mistakes, very high deviations, and missing areas. The key copy directly manufactured from this data record then does not fit the lock cylinder or the lock. If, for example, the recorded profile deviates in only one place from the required tolerance, the duplicate key manufactured therefrom cannot be introduced into the lock cylinder. If only one tumbler, or part of a tumbler is outside of tolerance, the duplicate key will not be able to turn in the cylinder/lock. 
         [0013]    Object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks to produce an error-free, perfectly fitting key from the data of the surface of a key. In addition, to ensure that the manufacture of keys is designed fast, inexpensive, easy and future-proof. Another object is to use the data of the recorded surface of the master key to determine an appropriate key blank. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The object is achieved by the method according to the present invention. 
         [0015]    In a method according to the invention, the configuration of the surface of a master key is recorded. The errors and deviations of the recorded surface data are compared and optimized by a data optimization with error-free reference data. A semi-finished product is built from a plurality of modules in a clamped manufacturing device. The corrected data are used to process the semi-finished product automatically by milling with the different modules in order to manufacture a perfectly fitting duplicate key. 
         [0016]    In a method according to the invention, all methods that are used to record the surface are used for recording the master key. Preferably, scanning by measuring elements, recording by optical elements, recording by light waves, recording by sound waves, recording by three-dimensional recording methods such as, for example, laser stripe triangulation or stripe light projection. The surface contour determined therefrom can be compensated using existing reference data and saved as a data record in electronic form. 
         [0017]    In a method according to the invention, the surface contour of a master key is recorded by means of a recording process consisting of a combination of mechanical scanning and optical recording and stored as an electronic data record. A recording device according to the invention with a mechanical scanning unit and camera is used here. 
         [0018]    The individual steps of the method according to the invention for recording the surface structure of a master key are as follows: 
         [0019]    In the key holder of a recording device according to the invention, the master key is clamped and fixed in the correct position from which a duplicate is to be made. A mechanical scanning unit tactilely scans the profile of the master key on its surface, and so generates an image of the key profile in electronic form. A camera photocopies the keys repeatedly while the key holder, together with the fixed key, turns. The surface contour of the master key can be calculated from the photocopies gained therefrom. Together with the data of the previously recorded key profile, all lock-relevant characteristics of the master key can be stored for further processed in the form of an electronic data record. In addition, the recording device is able to determine a key blank, if available, suitable to the profile of the master key. 
         [0020]    A recording device according to the invention essentially consists of a computing unit, a plurality of electronically movable linear rotary axes, a scanning unit, a camera and a key holder. 
         [0021]    In a method according to the invention, deviations, errors of the recorded data of a master key can be corrected by means of data optimization. The reference data for the data optimization can be derived in this case from a database in which the previously measured surfaces of keys or partial areas of keys are stored. Also, data records can be used to optimize data derived from previously manufactured, error-free copies of keys. By adding data of key copies that have been confirmed by the customer as accurately fitting, the database of the data optimization becomes increasingly powerful. If only partial areas of the recorded data record are faulty, these areas can be corrected by the process according to the invention using other, error-free areas of the recorded key. 
         [0022]    Also, missing dimensions in the recorded data record can be filled by the process according to the invention. For example, if a cylinder key with so-called drill notches is recorded by means of a two-dimensional camera, one only gets the size of these drilled notches. The depth of the notches can be determined by comparison with notches of equal diameter stored in the database. 
         [0023]    The stored keys are organized into logical groups in the database of the data optimization. Preferably, the top hierarchy is formed by the make of the key. Among them are the individual series of cylinders/locks. Thus, the recorded data record can be easily assigned to the corresponding make based on the make stamped on the head or its head shape. The series of the recorded key can be detected by other characteristics such as shaft length, shaft width, shaft thickness, angle of the tip, total length of the master key. Now the erroneous data record can be easily corrected through the characteristics of the corresponding series stored in the database. The correction of erroneous data can be done automatically by intelligent software. The software compares the recorded data with the data from the database to find a key stored there that corresponds to the data record. By means of a variably formed blur in the program, a corresponding reference key is then found, even if the recorded data record deviates from the error-free, stored data due to its error. The software replaces the faulty parts of the recorded data record by the error-free areas of the reference data record found. 
         [0024]    Employees can manually correct the recorded data records of the configuration of the surface of the master key by means of the software of the method according to the invention. Here, similar to drawing software, missing areas can be added, or protruding areas can be removed. Reference data from the database support the correction here. The corrected data can be buffered for later use. In the method according to the invention, the database can also store information for the manufacture of duplicate keys in the respective data records. Through this, data records for the manufacture of duplicates keys can be generated, which are optimized corresponding to the manufacturing method used. Manufacturing tolerances can thus be compensated. It is also possible to store known tolerances areas of several key makes or key series in the database. Thus, data in the data records can be corrected in accordance with the known tolerances. 
         [0025]    In an inventive method, the data record for manufacturing a key can be derived from an electronically stored data record. The information about this data record can be derived, for example, from manufacturing data for the key, from data from the recorded lock cylinder, or other data originating from keys. 
         [0026]    In a process according to the invention, data for the matching key blank can be determined by means of the data obtained through the recording of the surface of the master key. Here, the corrected data are compared to reference data of key blanks to determine the most similar blank. 
         [0027]    In a method according to the invention, various manufacturing processes, such as material abrading processes such as milling, drilling, scraping, sanding and material building processes such as laminated object modeling, stereolithography, fuse deposition modeling, selective laser sintering or selective laser melting for the production of a key can be used. 
         [0028]    In a method according to the invention, an electronic data record of the surface contour of a key is used to manufacture a key. Here, the different locking characteristics are consecutively milled into the semi-finished product by means of a modular processing unit. Here, the semi-finished product remains clamped in the same way in a semi-finished product module, preferably for the entire machining process. All major components of the processing unit are constructed as so-called modules, and each can be replaced as needed. New modules can be integrated at any time and thus always keep the processing unit up to date. 
         [0029]    The individual steps of the method according to the invention for manufacturing of a key are as follows: 
         [0030]    In the semi-finished product module of a manufacturing device according to the invention, a semi-finished product, preferably a plate made of metal, is clamped at its head and its tip so that the entire blade area of the semi-finished product lying between them is exposed. Clamping the head and at the top ensures that the blade of the semi-finished product does not bend or vibrate during the processing. The semi-finished product module is fastened to a linear three-dimensionally movable positioning unit, and can be moved freely by it, together with the fixed semi-finished product. The control module of the device according to the invention moves the semi-finished product to different milling modules of the inventive device corresponding to the electronic data record in order to mill in the corresponding lock-relevant characteristics. This milling module and the milling cutter clamped therein are positioned so that they can introduce the respective milling into the semi-finished product clamped on the head and the tip without requiring release or shifting of the semi-finished product. Thus, all work steps automatically run consecutively, until a precisely fitting, complete key is manufactured. 
         [0031]    A manufacturing device according to the invention consists of a control module, a processing base and modules installed thereon. The units can be accommodated for mobile use in transport cases. Rechargeable batteries or a mains connection supply the components with power. The control module consists of a computing unit and a final stage for controlling the processing base and its modules. The processing base consists of three linear axes on which a semi-finished product module can be mounted for swivel or rotation. This semi-finished product module has clamping jaws for fixing a semi-finished product. In addition, the semi-finished product module can be equipped with a rotary axis by means of which the semi-finished product can be rotated. A plurality of milling modules, consisting of milling motors, spindles and clamped milling cutters can be installed on the table of the processing base. This milling module can be, as needed, installed or removed to various module slots of the table of the processing base. The modules and/or the module slots can be mounted for rotation or swivelling on the table. Among other things, the following milling modules for processing the semi-finished product are possible: End milling cutter modules, equipped with differently configured end milling cutters for milling drill notches, external contours, key tip, key stop, tracks and engraving, side milling cutter modules, equipped with differently configured side milling cutters for milling teeth, cuts, Chubb tumblers, profile milling cutter modules, equipped with various mini disc milling cutters for milling profiles, grooves. 
         [0032]    The control module and the processing base can be connected by means of a cable in order to transfer the control signals from the final stage of the control module to the axes, motors of the processing base and their modules. 
         [0033]    The final stage calculates the required machine data for the control of the processing base from the data record of the key stored in the computing unit. The semi-finished product module is connected to the three linearly movable axes of the processing base and can be moved in all three spatial directions by means of these axes. 
         [0034]    To manufacture a key, a semi-finished product is clamped and fixed in the correct direction with the head and the tip in the semi-finished product module. The final stage of the control module controls the linear axes now so that the semi-finished product is driven to the first milling module, the profile milling cutter module. The profile milling cutter or mini disc milling cutter in the milling spindle of profile milling cutter module project into a coolant container filled with coolant. Now the semi-finished product is guided along the milling cutter according to the profile data of the key data record so that little by little the appropriate profile is milled into the two exposed broad sides of the semi-finished product. The coolant cools and lubricates the milling cutters and the semi-finished product here and prevents overheating and wear. After that, the processing base positions the semi-finished product module to the start position of the side milling cutter module. The required tumbler teeth are milled into the freestanding breast/back area of the semi-finished product. Next is the milling of the notches in the semi-finished product by means of the end milling cutter modules. If the data record of the key provides for a rounded back on the duplicate key, the semi-finished product is correspondingly processed with a special milling cutter on the end milling cutter module. Then follows the engraving on the head of the still fixed semi-finished product. Now follows the milling of thickness and width of the key stroke and the attachment of the key tip. Now the completed key can be unclamped from the semi-finished product module. Manual finishing is no longer necessary. All work steps of the modules in the processing base are performed automatically, one after the other, controlled by the control module. If another duplicate is to be manufactured, only a new semi-finished product needs to be fixed in the semi-finished product module and the process can be restarted by pressing the button on the control module. Keys can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively. In particular, several duplicates can be made from just one recording, since the information necessary for the manufacture of a duplicate is stored. Errors due to incorrect shifting or incorrect repositioning are excluded because the semi-finished product remains clamped in the same way on the head and the tip during the entire processing. 
         [0035]    The operator can execute other tasks during processing because the entire production process runs automatically. 
         [0036]    For a configuration of an inventive semi-finished product module, the clamped semi-finished product with the head and tip can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. This allows more options for milling processing, since the semi-finished product can hereby be placed in any desired angle to the milling cutters. 
         [0037]    For the transport of the processing unit, it should be ensured that the refrigerant does not exit uncontrollably from the coolant container. For this purpose, the refrigerant container may be sealed with a lid, wherein the milling cutter is moved beforehand from the area of the container. It is also possible to extract the refrigerant from the coolant container, for example by means of a large syringe. 
         [0038]    The carrying case of the processing unit can be closed during operation in order to dampen noise, and to ensure that no chips or coolant escape. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]    Further advantages, characteristics and details of the invention become apparent from the following description and on the basis of  FIGS. 1 to 28 , wherein: 
           [0040]      FIG. 1 : is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2 : is a variant of the data optimization of the method of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3 : is a further variant of data optimization of the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4 : is a still further variant of data optimization of the method of the invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5 : is a detailed view of the data optimization of the invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6 : shows data optimization of tumblers; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7 : illustrates a hierarchically constructed database of data optimization; 
           [0047]      FIG. 8 : is a perspective view of a manufacturing device of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 9 : is a further perspective view of a manufacturing device of the invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 10 : shows a detailed view of the module slot and milling cutter module of the manufacturing device of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 11 : shows details of the end milling cutter module of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 12 : shows details of a side milling cutter module; 
           [0052]      FIG. 13 : shows details of a profile milling cutter module; 
           [0053]      FIG. 14 : shows the configuration of a control module; 
           [0054]      FIGS. 15 through 17 : show three views of the configuration of the semi-finished product module; 
           [0055]      FIG. 18 : shows the semi-finished product module during processing by the module of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 19 : shows the semi-finished product module during processing by the module of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 20 : shows the semi-finished product module during processing by the module of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 21 : shows a key manufactured by the method of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 22 : shows a combination milling cutter for use in the end milling cutter module of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 23 : illustrates a prior art key; 
           [0061]      FIGS. 24 through 26 : show an inventive recording device; 
           [0062]      FIG. 27 : shows the key holder in the recording device; and 
           [0063]      FIG. 28 : shows a clamping adapter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0064]      FIG. 1  shows the method according to the invention as a simplified diagram. Here, the configuration of the surface of the key  10  is recorded with its outline contour  11 , the tumblers  14  formed from cuts, and the profile  12  of the recording process in the form of laser line triangulation  2 , the mechanical sensing elements  3  and/or of the camera  4 . The data record  20  resulting from this recording has error  7  on the tumblers  24 , error  6  on the profile  22 , and error  5  on the outline contour  21 . The errors are hereby detected by corresponding software, for example, where a plausibility check is carried out. By optimizing data  55 , the faulty outline contour  21  of the data record  20  is compared manually or by means of software to the error-free outline contour  31  stored in the database  1 , in order to determine the appropriate data record. Now error  5  can be corrected through the error-free points of the outline contour  31 , or the complete, error-free outline contour  31  can be used again. Similarly, the error  6  in the profile  22  can be corrected or replaced by the error-free profile section  33  and/or by the error-free profile area  37 . The errors  7  of the tumblers  24  are compared to error-free tumblers  34 . The so corrected, error-free data record  40  is now used to manufacture a fitting duplicate key  50  by means of computer controlled manufacturing  9 . The data collection  46  contains data from the surface of keys, which may also be used to generate a data record  40 . The data resulting from the optimization  55  can also be stored in a data collection  46 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 2  shows a variant of data optimization  55  of the method according to the invention without support of a database filled with data from other keys. 
         [0066]    The data record  20  of the recorded key  10  has, among other things, error  6  at sections of the profile  22 . If, during the data optimization  55 , the data record of profile  22  running along the key is divided into individual data records of the profile cross-sections  23 ,  26 , some data records  23  have error  6 , other data records  26  are error-free, however. By manual or software controlled superimposition of records  23 ,  26 , error  6  can be detected in a simple way and these areas of the profile be replaced by error-free areas. The thus corrected data record  43  of the profile cross-section can now be used to make the profile of the matching key copy. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3  shows a variant of data optimization  55  of the method according to the invention with support from a database  1  filled with data from other keys. The flawed profile cross-section with errors  6  arises from the recording of the surface of a key. The database  1  contains error-free records  33 ,  36  of profile cross-sections of measured reference keys or previously manufactured key copies that had matched. The profile cross-section  23  is compared with the data optimization  55  manually or by intelligent software to the profile cross-sections  33 ,  36 . The profile cross-section  36  can be detected as a fitting cross-section. The data record  43  of the profile cross-section can now easily be generated from the data record  36 , or from the data record  23  corrected by data record  36 . Now this data record  43  can be used to create a duplicate key by means of computer-controlled manufacturing, or to determine an already manufactured key blank with an identical profile. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4  shows a further variant of the data optimization  55  of the method of the invention. The profile cross-section  23  for the recording of the key consists of several profile sub-areas  17 ,  18 , here in the form of grooves. The section  17  is distorted by the error  6 . The database  1  of the data optimization contains error-free profile sections  38 ,  37  of different designs. To correct the error  6 , the profile section  17  is simply compared to the profile sections  38 ,  37  in the database. 
         [0069]    The profile section  38  is found there, which corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the profile section  17 . Now, the error  6 , which deviates from the norm of the profile section, can easily be corrected. 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  shows a detailed data optimization  55  of the method according to the invention. The tumblers  24 , of the data record  20  resulting from the recording of the key, formed here as cuts, have error  7  that excludes a direct use of the data record for the production of a duplicate key. It is known that error-free data records of tumblers  34  and tumbler patterns  39  are stored the database  1  of the data optimization  55 . The data record  20  is compared to the error-free data records of the tumbler patterns  39  in order to correct the distances among the tumblers  24 . In addition, the individual tumblers  24  are matched with the data records  34  of the different configurations of the tumblers. As a result, a data record  40  is obtained with error corrected tumblers  44 , which can be used for the computer-controlled production. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows a data optimization of tumblers  25 ,  29  that are configured as drill notches. The data record  20  from the recording of the key contains tumblers  25 ,  29  in the form of so-called drill notches. The original design of this type of tumbler  25  is normally round. The misshapen tumblers  29  in data record  20  were mapped incorrectly by the recording process. A data optimization  55  of these drill notches  29  can either be done by comparing to other, error-free, round tumblers  25  of the same data record  20 , or by comparing them with error-free data records in a database. In addition, the depth of the drill notches  25  can be determined based on the depth references  51  in the database. For this purpose, only the type of recorded key needs to be determined. This can be done very easily, the manufacturer is usually indicated on the key head. With the knowledge of the type of the key, the depth of the drill notches  25  can be determined. 
         [0072]    The drill notches  25  are milled conically in the surface of the key. Using the depth references  51  stored in the database, the depths can be determined based on the diameter of the drill notches  25 , even if the data record  20  only comes from a two-dimensional recording process. 
         [0073]      FIG. 7  shows a hierarchically constructed database  1  of the data optimization  55  of the method according to the invention. It is used to identify the corresponding references for the data record of the recorded keys. To this end, the make embossed in the key head of the recorded key is compared with the makes  52  in the database  1 . Due to the head shape  53  and the configuration of the key shank  54 , the recorded data record can then be assigned to a specific key series. The recorded profile must then be compared only with the few profile cross-sections  33  of the detected series. Now the recorded key is accurately assigned to an error-free reference key from the database  1 . A corresponding key blank can then be determined in a simple way, or the error of the recorded data record can be corrected by the reference of database  1  in order to produce an exact fit duplicate key. 
         [0074]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of an inventive manufacturing device  300  in a perspective view. The processing base  301  consists of a table  302  with the linear axes X axis  303 , Y axis  304  and Z axis  305 . The X axis  303  has a motor  306 , the belt drive  309  and the spindle drive  312 . The Y axis  304  consists of the motor  307 , the belt drive  310  and the spindle drive  313 , the Z axis  305  of the motor  308 , the belt drive  311  and the spindle drive  314 . A camera  323  sits on the Z axis  305 . On the table  302  are arranged several module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  together with their plug contacts  321  and four locking pins  322  each. A module slot  320  with plug contacts  321  and four locking pins  322  are arranged on the Z axis  305 . 
         [0075]    The control module  350  is connected to the processing base  301  by means of the cable  354  and consists of the computing unit  351 , the screen  355 , the final stage  352  and the batteries  353 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a manufacturing device  300  in perspective view. The processing base  301  is equipped with an exemplary variation of plugged modules. A side milling cutter module  550  is installed on the module slot  315  of the table  302 , a profile milling cutter module  600  on the module slot  316 , a control module  450  on the module slot  317 , an end milling cutter module  400  on the module slot  318 . The module slot  319  is free, and can be optionally equipped with an additional, arbitrary module. The semi-finished product module  500  is fixed on the module slot  320  of the Z axis  305 . All module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319 ,  320  are designed so that any module can be installed on any module slot. A camera  323  is additionally attached to the Z axis. The control module  350  is connected to the processing base  301  by means of the cable  354  and consists of the computing unit  351 , the screen  355 , the final stage  352  and the batteries  353 . Thus, the two units can be accommodated separately in a mobile carrying case, and the electronic components of the control module  350  are protected against milling chips and coolant from the processing base  301 . A semi-finished product  130  is fixed in the semi-finished product module  500 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 10  shows the module slot  318  in conjunction with the end milling cutter module  400 . The end milling cutter module  400  consists of mounting plate  401  with 4 fixing holes  402 , a socket  405 , a connecting cable  403 , a motor  404 . The module slot  318  has 4 locking pins  322  and electrical plug contacts  321 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 11  shows an exemplary configuration of an end milling cutter module  400 . Four fixing holes  402  and a socket  405  are attached in the mounting plate  401 . The motor  404  is connected by a cable  403  with the plug contacts of the jack  405 . The motor  404  drives the three milling spindles  408  via the toothed belt  407  and the toothed belt wheels  406 . The end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411  are inserted into the milling spindles  408 . The milling cutters carry a bar code  412 ,  413 ,  414  for automatic identification. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary configuration of a side milling cutter module  550 . Four fixing holes  552  and a socket  555  are attached in the mounting plate  551 . The motor  554  is connected to the plug contacts of the jack  555  by a cable. The motor  554  drives the two spindles  558  via the toothed belt  557  and the toothed belt sprockets  556 . The side milling cutters  559 ,  560  are inserted in the spindles  558 , which are marked with the bar codes  561 ,  562 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 13  shows an exemplary configuration of a profile milling cutter module  600 . Four fixing holes  602  and a socket  605  are attached in the mounting plate  601 . The motor  604  is connected to the plug contacts of the jack  605  by a cable. The motor  604  drives the milling spindle  608  via the toothed belt  607  and the toothed belt sprockets  606 . The mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  are inserted in the milling spindle  608 . The milling spindle  608  and the two mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  are immersed in the coolant  612  of the coolant container  611 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary configuration of a control module  450 . Four fixing holes  452  and a socket  455  are attached in the mounting plate  451 . The sensor  454  is connected with the plug contacts of the jack  455  by a cable  453 . The control needle  457  is fixed to the control bar  456 . The control bar  456  is rotatably mounted by means of the rotation axis  458 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 15, 16, 17  show an exemplary configuration of a semi-finished product module  500  for use in the processing base  301  of the manufacturing device  300  according to the invention. Here, the  FIG. 15  shows the semi-finished product module  500  obliquely from the front, the  FIG. 17  shows an enlarged section of it, and the  FIG. 16  shows the semi-finished product module  500  obliquely from the rear. Four fixing holes  502  and a socket  505  are attached in the mounting plate  501 . The rotary motor  504 , the brake motor  505  and sensors are connected by the connection cable  503  to the electrical contacts of the socket  505 . The head end of the semi-finished product  130  is aligned with its fitting  133  on the alignment pins  520  and thus fixed in the correct position in the clamping jaws  518  by means of a locking screw. The tip end of the semi-finished product  130  is aligned with its fitting  134  on the alignment pin  521  and thus firmly clamped in the clamping jaws  519  by means of a locking screw. One the one side, the toothed belt disc  508  is connected to the axis of the rotary motor, on the other side the toothed belt disc  509 . 
         [0083]    The rotary motor  504  is connected in a form-locking manner to the rotatably mounted clamping jaws  518  by the toothed belt disc  508 , the toothed belt  510  and the toothed belt disc  506 . Similarly, the rotary motor  504  is connected in a synchronized manner to the rotatably mounted clamping jaws  519  by the toothed belt disc  509 , the toothed belt  511  and the toothed belt disc  507 . The brake spindle  513  of the brake motor  512  is connected to the pivotably supported brake rocker  516  on the rotary axes  517 . The brake blocks  514 ,  515  are attached to each brake gear  522  on the brake rocker  516 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 18  shows an embodiment of a semi-finished product module  500  during processing of the semi-finished product  130  by means of an end milling cutter module  400 . The mounting plate  401 , the socket  405 , three milling spindles  408 , the end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 , toothed belt wheels  406 , toothed belt  407  and the motor  404  can be seen from the end milling cutter module  400 . The mounting plate  501 , the socket  505 , the toothed belt  511 , the toothed belt sprocket  507 , the brake motor  512 , the brake rocker  516  and the brake block  515  are visible from the semi-finished product module  500 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 19  shows an embodiment of a semi-finished product module  500  during processing of the semi-finished product  130  by means of a side milling cutter module  550 . Mounting plate  551 , milling spindles  558 , toothed belt wheels  556 , motor  554 , toothed belt  557 , side milling cutters  559 ,  560  are seen from the side milling cutter module  550 . Mounting plate  501 , clamping jaws  518 ,  519 , rotary motor  504 , toothed belt wheels  508 ,  509 ,  506 ,  507 , toothed belt  510 ,  511 , brake motor  512 , brake rocker  516 , brake blocks  514 ,  515  are shown from the semi-finished product  500 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 20  shows an embodiment of a semi-finished product module  500  during processing of the semi-finished product  130  by means of a profile milling cutter module  600 . Mounting plate  601 , motor  604 , toothed belt  607 , toothed belt wheels  606 , milling spindle  608 , mini side milling cutters  609 ,  610  are visible from the profile milling cutter module  600 . Mounting plate  501 , rotary motor  504 , toothed belt wheels  509 ,  507 , toothed belt  511 , brake motor  512 , brake rocker  516 , brake block  515  are visible from the semi-finished product module  500 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 21  shows a key manufactured from a semi-finished product  130  by means of the automated method according to the invention and a manufacturing device according to the invention. Here, the profile  136 , the teeth  135 , the notches  137  were milled into the semi-finished product, the stop  131  adapted, the back  139  rounded, and the inscription  181  engraved. Finally, the semi-finished product has been provided with the tip  187 . The semi-finished product  130  here was fixed in the semi-finished module  500  by means of the fittings  133  and  134 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 22  shows a combination miller cutter  410  for use in an end milling cutter module  400  of the processing base  301 . Through the use of combination miller cutters  410  of different design, milling modules can be saved on the processing base  301 , since several locking characteristics can be milled with the same milling cutter. For example, 5 different work steps can be performed with the combination miller  410 : The back of the semi-finished product can be rounded with the back milling area  183 , notches can be milled in the semi-finished product with the notch milling area  185 , the inscription can be engraved in the semi-finished product with the engraving area  186 , and the contour of the semi-finished product shaft can be adjusted with the contour milling area  184 , and the tip is milled. 
         [0089]      FIG. 23  shows, only to better understand the technical terms, an embodiment of a conventional key  170 . To manufacture an exact fitting duplicate of a key  170 , the following characteristics of the original must match the duplicate: The length, width and thickness of the blade  171 , the profile  175  on the broad sides  172 , the round shape of the back  173 , the teeth  176  on the breast  174  and possibly on the back  173 , the notches  177  in the broad sides  172 , back  173  and possibly breast  174 , the width and height of the stop  178  and the configuration of the tip  179 . For safe assignment, the engraving  180  in the head should also be identical. 
         [0090]    The  FIGS. 24, 25, 26  show an inventive recording device  190 . The computing unit  199  serves to control the electronic components and for calculating the data. The key  204  can be fixed in the key holder. The depth stop  202  serves to align the key  204  to the correct height. The spring-loaded clamping jaws  198  press the key  204  against the fixed jaws  209  and thus fix it. The key holder can be rotated about its own axis by means of the turntable  197 . The camera  191  is used for the illumination of the key in which the key can be moved by means of the linear axis  206 . By means of the illumination sheet  200 , the keys can be illuminated for photocopying by means of the lighting film  200 . The scanning unit  192  consists of a scanning bar  194  which is pivotally supported by means of the swivel joint  205 . The scanning plate  193  is firmly connected to the scanning bar  194 . The switch  208  switches as soon as the scanning plate  193  encounters the key during the scanning of the key profiles and thereby pivots the scanning bar  194  around the pivot joint  205 . The linear axis  195  moves the scanning unit  192  to the left and right. Information on the operation of the recording device of the computing unit  199  can be displayed on the display  207 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 27  shows a key holder  196  of the inventive recording device. The key  204  is fixed between the fixed jaws  209  and the clamping jaws  198 . The clamping lever  203  is used to open the clamping jaws  198 . The key  204  is always pressed downward so far until its stop rests on the depth stop  202 . The key holder  196  is rotated by means of the turntable  197 . The clamping jaws  198  have an outbreak  201  so that as little of the areas of the key as possible are covered by the clamping jaws  198  while the key is photocopied. The fixed jaws  209  also have two of these outbreaks. 
         [0092]      FIG. 28  shows a clamping adapter  650  for the clamping of semi-finished products  130  whose tip has already been cut off, in a semi-finished product module. For this, the semi-finished product  130  is fixed in the clamping adapter  650  by means of the clamping element  654  and the clamping screws  655 . The clamping adapter  650  is now aligned to the correct position together with the semi-finished product  130  to the socket  651  on the alignment pins  520 , and to the fitting  652  on the alignment pin  521  of the semi-finished module  500  and fixed by means of clamping screws of the clamping jaws  518 ,  519 . The semi-finished product  130  now lies free in the area of free section  653  of the clamping adapter  650  and can now, for example, be reworked on the teeth in the manufacturing  300  device. 
         [0093]    The operation of the present invention is as follows: 
         [0094]    In order to generate a data record of the surface contour of a key  204 , the key  204  is clamped into the key holder  196 . For this, the spring-loaded jaws  198  are loosened by means of the clamping lever  203 , and the key  204  is inserted. After releasing the clamping lever  203 , the spring-loaded jaws  198  hold the key  204  fixed in its position. 
         [0095]    The key  204  is then pressed down until the key stop rests on the depth stop  202 . This ensures that the blade and the profile of the key  204  a tightly defined dimension above the key holder  196  lies free. Now, the measurement process is started by means of pressing a button on the display  207 , where the computing unit  199  controls all the electronic components of the recording device  190 . The scanning unit  192  now moves via the linear axis  195  to the right until the scanning plate  193  fixed on the scanning bar  194  is on the left beginning of the key blade. Now, if the key  204  fixed in the key holder  196  is driven in the direction of the scanning plate  193  by means of the linear axis  206 , one of the switches  208  switches the scanning bars supported around the pivot joint  205  as soon as the scanning plate  193  encounters the profile of the key blade. 
         [0096]    The configuration of the key profile can be calculated at this point, based on the positions of the linear axes  195 ,  206 . Now if the profile of the key  204  is scanned stepwise in this manner, the surface contour of the overall profile of the key  204  can be recorded. Now the surface of the key  204  is recorded several times by means of the camera  191 . Here, the key  204  is further rotated around a fixed defined value by means of the turntable. The computing unit  199  now calculates a data record from profiles recorded by means of the scanning unit  192  and the image of the key  204  recorded by the camera  191 , which reflects the entire surface contour of the key. 
         [0097]    This data record can now be stored in electronic form, or be used to manufacture a duplicate key. If the computing unit finds a matching, commercially available key blank with the corresponding profile, the identification of this blank is displayed on the display  207 . In this case, a special manufacture of the key profile is avoided. 
         [0098]    The errors  5 ,  6 ,  7  in the data record  20  caused by the recording are now corrected by means of the data optimization  55  of the present invention, and so an error-free electronic data record  40  of the surface contour is generated, that corresponds to the key  204 ,  10 . 
         [0099]    To manufacture a key based on an electronic data record  40 , a semi-finished product  130  is correspondingly processed by means of the manufacturing device  300 . All modules required for manufacturing  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600  are designed so that they can be installed quickly and easily to any module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319 ,  320  of the processing base  301 , and if necessary, can be removed again. Also, the control module  350  can be exchanged for another control module by simply loosening the connection cable  354 . This modular design makes it possible to mill every possible key, simply by installing the required modules in the processing base  301  according to the locking characteristics of the key to be milled. The manufacturing device  300  is thus perfectly equipped for the future, since correspondingly necessary manufacturing modules can be developed with the arrival of new locking characteristics, and these can then be incorporated easily into the processing base  301 . 
         [0100]    Three linear movable axes  303 ,  304 ,  305  are connected to the table  302  of the processing base  301  of the manufacturing device  300 . By rotating the motor  306 , the X axis  303  can be linearly driven to the left or right by means of the belt drive  309  and the spindle drive  312 . The motor  307 , belt drive  310 , the spindle drive  313  move the Y axis  304  linearly forward or backward. The motor  308 , belt drive  311 , spindle drive  314  move the Z axis  305  up or down. Through these 3 linear axes  303 ,  304 ,  305 , the module slot  320  can be driven to any point of the processing base  301 . A plurality of module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  with their plug contacts  321  and  4  respective locking pins  322  are found on the table  302 . The module slot  320  is fastened to its plug contacts  321  and four locking pins  322  on the Z axis. Any of the modules end milling cutter module  400 , control module  450 , side milling cutter module  550 , profile milling cutter module  600  can be installed on the module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319 . Preferably, a semi-finished product module  500  is installed on the module slot  320 . For this purpose, the modules  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600  are inserted on the alignment pins  322  of the module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  318 ,  319 ,  320 , by means of the locating holes  402 ,  452 ,  502 ,  552 ,  602  of their mounting plates  401 ,  451 ,  501 ,  551 ,  601 , whereby the modules  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600  are locked into place in the correct position, or fixed by means of screw connections. The contacts of the sockets  405 ,  455 ,  505 ,  555 ,  605  thereby engage the corresponding module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319 ,  320  in the corresponding electrical plug contacts  321 . The sockets  405 ,  455 ,  505 ,  555 ,  605  are connected to the motors  404 ,  554 ,  604 ,  504 ,  512 , sensors  454  and other electronic components of the respective modules  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600  by means of cables  403 . The control module is thus electrically connected to each module arranged on the processing base by the cable  354  in order to send or receive control commands to these modules  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600 . Each of the modules  400 ,  450 ,  500 ,  550 ,  600  has an electronic identifier which is transmitted automatically when plugging in a module slot on the control module  350 . Thus, the computing unit receives information about where to find which module and what particular setup values the corresponding modules require. The computing unit is capable of reading the bar codes  412 ,  413 ,  414 ,  561 ,  562  of the milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 ,  559 ,  560  via the camera  323  and thus recognize where each router is clamped. In addition, the milling process can be filmed by the camera  323  to analyze errors in the manufacturing device be means of remote diagnostics. 
         [0101]    The end milling cutter module  400  has a motor  404  which drives the three milling spindles  408  by means of the toothed belt wheels  406  and the toothed belt  407 . The end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 , equipped with different cutting geometry, are used in these milling spindles  408 . A variety of different millings can thus be attached to this end milling cutter module  400  in this semi-finished product  130 . The end milling cutter  409  can mill cavities  137  in different sizes, the end milling cutter  410  is suitable for milling the back  139 , the stopper  131 , the top  187 , the identifier can be engraved with the end milling cutter  411 . The most distinctive key can be manufactured by the variety of different milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 , without requiring a replacement of the milling cutter. The end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411  are equipped with appropriate bar codes  412 ,  413 ,  414 . Thus, the computing unit  351  can detect the orientation and position of all milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 ,  559 ,  560 ,  609 ,  610  via the camera  323 . 
         [0102]    The side milling cutter module  550  drives the two milling spindles  558  by means of toothed belt wheels  556 , the toothed belt  557  and the motor  554 . The side milling cutter  559  clamped in the milling spindle  558  can mill teeth  135  tapered downward into the semi-finished product  130 . The side milling cutter  560  is suitable for the milling of straight cuts. 
         [0103]    The profile milling cutter module  600  is equipped with the motor  604  in order to drive the milling spindle  608  by means of the toothed belt wheels  606  and the toothed belt  607 . Two different mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  are clamped in the milling spindle  608 . Any profile  136  can be milled into the semi-finished product with these two mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610 . At this point, the mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  and semi-finished product  130  are immersed in the coolant  612  of the coolant tank  611  in order to lubricate and cool the milling cutters  609 ,  610  and the semi-finished product  130 . 
         [0104]    The control module  450  has a control bar  456  which is rotatably mounted on the rotation axis  458 . The control needle  457  is firmly connected to the control bar  456 . Now, if the semi-finished product  130  moves toward the control needle  457 , the control bar  456  pivots toward the sensor  454  as soon as the semi-finished product  130  contacts the control needle  457 . The signal from the sensor  454  is detected by the computing unit  351 . If the semi-finished product  130  is scanned in this way before and after a milling operation, the depth of the milling can be monitored and in addition, the location of a newly clamped milling cutter be detected. The manufacturing device  300  can thus even be calibrated in this way. 
         [0105]    The semi-finished product module  500  is used for holding and guiding a semi-finished product  130  during processing on the processing base  301 . The semi-finished product  130  is aligned to the alignment pins  520  of the clamping jaws  518  by means of its fittings  133 , and fixed by means of a screw. In addition, the semi-finished product  130  is aligned to the alignment pin  521  of the clamping jaws  519  by means of its fittings  134 , and fixed with a screw. Both clamping jaws  518 ,  519  are rotatably mounted in the semi-finished product module  500  and connected to the toothed belt wheels  506 ,  507 . The two toothed belt wheels  508 ,  509  sit on the continuous axis of the rotating motor  504 , which are connected to the two toothed belts  510 ,  511  with the toothed belt wheels  506 ,  507 . The semi-finished product  103  can be rotated around its longitudinal axis by the rotation of the rotary motor  504 . The brake motor  512  can be swing the rotatably mounted brake rocker  516  around the rotary axes  517  by means of the brake spindle  513 . The brake blocks  514 ,  515  fastened to the brake blocker  516  thus move up and down. Now, if the brake blocker  516  pivots backwards, the brake blocks  514 ,  515  rise, and the semi-finished product  130  can be rotated by the rotary motor  504 . If the brake blocker  516  swings forward, the brake blocks  514 ,  515  sink. At this point, the brake gears  522  of brake blocks  514 ,  515  engage the corresponding teeth of the toothed belt wheels  506 ,  507  and thus lock the semi-finished product  130  around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The toothed belt wheels  506 , 507  preferably have 24 teeth, so that the semi-finished product  130  can rotate and lock about its longitudinal axis in 15-degree increments. The semi-finished product  130  can thus be processed by means of the milling modules  400 ,  550 ,  600  while being rotated about the longitudinal axis, or while it is locked in one of the 15-degree positions. The semi-finished product module  500  can be made watertight by means of two enclosures around the components of the belt drives  508 ,  510 ,  506  and  509 ,  511 ,  507  in order to prevent the entry of cooling liquid  612 . 
         [0106]    The computing unit  351  of the control module  350  calculates the required manufacturing steps for the manufacture of a key based on data record present in the computing unit  351  of the control module  350  and outputs this information to the final stage  352  of the control of the motors of the processing base. The cable  354  connects the control module to the machining base  301  and is connected to the motors  306 ,  307 ,  308  of the linear axes and their sensors. In addition, all plug contacts  321  of the module slots  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319 ,  320  are connected to the cable  354 . All motors and sensors of the modules  550 ,  600 ,  450 ,  400 ,  500  inserted on the module slots are connected to the cable  354  and thus with the control module  350  via their sockets  405 ,  455 ,  505 ,  555 ,  605 . The entire manufacturing device  300  is supplied with current by means of the batteries  353  and is thus also suitable for mobile use. 
         [0107]    Now if a key is manufactured on the basis of a manufacturing data record  40  present in the computing unit  351 , the computing unit checks whether all modules  550 ,  600 ,  450 ,  400 ,  500  necessary for the manufacture of this key and the necessary cutters are installed on the processing base  301 . If not, the user is prompted on the screen  355  of the control module  350  to install the appropriate modules/milling cutters on the manufacturing base  301 . In this case, the control module  350  monitors the automatic calibration of the modules and the milling cutters. Now, a semi-finished product  130  is clamped into the semi-finished product module  500  and the processing starts on the control module. Due to the variety of modules and milling cutters, it is possible to have the once clamped semi-finished product  130  clamped during the complete production process, without needing to shift or readjust the semi-finished product  130 . The complete manufacture of the key runs fully automatically. The semi-finished product  130  is rotated into the correct position by the rotary motor  504  and fixed into its position by the brake motor  512 . 
         [0108]    The semi-finished product  130  is now positioned by moving the linear axes  303 ,  304 ,  305  via the coolant tank  611  of the profile milling cutter module  600  and immersed in the coolant  612 . The motor  604  is started around the milling spindle  608  and the mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  should be shifted in rotation. By moving the linear axes  303 ,  304 ,  305 , the required profile  136  can now be milled into the semi-finished product  130 . The second side of the profile  136  can then either be milled on the opposite side of the mini disc milling cutters  609 ,  610  or the semi-finished product  130  is rotated 180 degrees in the semi-finished product module  500 . 
         [0109]    Now the semi-finished product  130  is driven near the disc milling module  550  by means of the linear axes  303 ,  304 ,  305  in order to be processed there by the side milling cutters  559 ,  560 . Again, in a simple way, the semi-finished product  130  can be rotated by the rotary motor  504  around teeth  135  or to mill straight cuts in both sides of the semi-finished product  130 . 
         [0110]    Now the semi-finished product  130  is positioned in the vicinity of the end milling cutter module  400  in order to be processed there in the corresponding way by the end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 . By turning the semi-finished product  130  by means of the rotary motor  504 , drill notches  137  can be milled into the semi-finished product  130  with the end milling cutter  409  at any point. The end milling cutter  411  can be used by its combined structure in order to manufacture the back  139 , the stop  131 , the tip  187  of the semi-finished product/key  130 . The end milling cutter  411  can engrave an identification in the head of the semi-finished product  130 . 
         [0111]    If additional milling cutters are required for the manufacture of the key, an additional milling module  400 ,  550  can be installed on the free module slot  319  before starting the manufacturing. 
         [0112]    The manufacture is now complete and the fully processed semi-finished product  130  now matches the data record of a key present in the control module  350 . Throughout the manufacture, the semi-finished product  130  can remain in its clamping, which otherwise prevents common shift tolerances. 
         [0113]    The milling result can be checked at any time in the semi-finished product  130  by the control module  450 . Before the milling, the semi-finished product  130  is therefore driven to the corresponding location against the control needle  457  until the sensor  454  is triggered by the deflection of the control bar  456 . After milling, this is repeated and thus through a comparison of the deflection position, the milling result is monitored by a target/actual comparison. 
         [0114]    The following procedure describes the automatic setup of a module example based on the end milling cutter module  400  on the module slot  318  of the table  302 . The mounting plate  401  of the module  400  is plugged into the module slot  318  so that the four fixing holes  402  snap into the four locking pins  322 . In this way, the end milling cutter module  400  is connected fixedly to the table of the processing base  301  by means of an optional screw connection. At the same time, the contacts of the socket  405  create electrical contact with the plug contacts  321 . The end milling cutter module  400  sends its identification and its individual setup data via this electronic connection, which is stored in a memory chip on the computing unit  351  of the control module  350 . The control module  350  now has the user, on its screen  355 , clamp a semi-finished product  130  into the semi-finished product module  500 . The processing base  301  automatically drives the semi-finished product  130  to the control module  450  in order to scan the surface of the semi-finished module  130 . The values are buffered into the computing unit  351 . Now the camera  323  fastened to the Z axis  305  moves over the end milling cutter module  400  and reads in the bar code  412 ,  413 ,  414  of the end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411  and thereby detects the model of this end milling cutter. Now each particular area of the semi-finished product  130  is milled with the end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411 . The locations thus milled are automatically measured again in the control module  450 . These values are compared with the values previously stored so as to calculate the clamping position and the geometry of the end milling cutters  409 ,  410 ,  411  in the respective milling spindles  408  and to save it into the computing unit  351 . The end milling cutter module  400  is now automatically, fully calibrated and can be used.