Automatic design of fixture configurations: Representation and planning
Abstract
Automation of process planning has been the focus of widespread research interest in manufacturing engineering. Of late, there have been efforts to integrate Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) by means of intelligent systems. These systems allow the designer to interactively design a part and use the information generated by the CAD module to automatically produce viable process plans down to the generation of the NC code for machining it. An important function of such process planners is the generation of fixturing schemes for the part. The function of fixture planning has a direct impact on the processing time and achievability of specified tolerances. This work is aimed towards development of a knowledge based fixture planner working in such an automated environment. The capability of modern machining centers to handle a large variety of part geometries directly implies the necessity of a large range of fixturing methodologies. An attempt has been made to formulate a generalized representation scheme for a variety of fixture elements using geometrical as well as functional properties. A methodology is described to build up assemblies of fixture elements complete with the workpiece to form fixturing schemes. An environment is described for developing a versatile fixture planner that can work in a closed loop automated process planning system. The proposed approach has been implemented as part of an existing automated integrated manufacturing system called the Quick Turnaround Cell. QTC presently uses a much simpler fixturing module, CLAMPS, that can handle only vise fixtures.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Chang, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Engineering|Industrial engineering
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