Computer integrated fixture design system

Flexible fixturing is an essential ingredient of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIMS). Computer-aided fixture design (CAFD) has become a research focus in implementing FMS and CIMS. This paper, presents an overview of interactive computer software developed with CAD interface for designing fixtures for machining centers (HMC/VMC). An exhaustive set of structured queries incorporated in the preprocessor prompts the designer to extract qualitative and quantitative part features. The database and decision support system (i.e., the rule base and the knowledge base) built into the design module assist the designer to select and position locators, calculate clamping forces, decide number and types of clamps, their locations and orientations, etc. Finally, in the post processor the bill of material, part and assembly drawings are obtained. A case study for the design of fixture for a Roller-head is presented and results are discussed. The implementation of the system has proved to be a quick and effective tool that reduces the design lead time from a few days to a few hours and requires fractional efforts and expertise on the part of the designer.