Patent ID: 7146705

Claim:
A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises: (a) a metalworking machine comprising a table; and (b) modular tooling apparatus secured to the table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising: (i) a base comprising: a securement for securing the base to the table of the metalworking machine; and at least one attachment surface comprising a locating feature on a surface thereof; (ii) at least a first set of inserts comprising a first insert and a second insert alternatively associated with the at least one attachment surface, each of the inserts comprising a locating feature and a workpiece support feature on a surface for alternately supporting a respective first and second workpiece, the first insert and second insert being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion, and the first workpiece and second workpiece being related in general configuration, but different in detail, the detail being selected from size and proportion; wherein the association of each insert locating feature with the locating feature of the at least one attachment surface defines only one possible characteristic location for each workpiece support feature in a precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the base with accuracy and repeatability, and wherein, when the base is aligned with the metalworking machine and secured to the table, the workpiece support feature of either associated insert supports and holds each of the respective first and second workpieces in a corresponding precise position and orientation in x, y and z space relative to the metalworking machine, for machining of the first workpiece and the second workpiece, without re-aligning the base with the metalworking machine when the first and second inserts are alternately associated with the at least one attachment surface.