Automatic fixture synthesis in 3D

A fixture is an arrangement of fixturing modules that locate and hold a workpart during a manufacturing operation. In this work we consider fixtures with frictionless point contacts and present a method for placement of contact points on a non-prismatic 3D workpart. It is a nondeterministic, potential field algorithm for contact point placement. The method provides a basic framework for the integration of heterogeneous high-level fixturing agents through an interface based on zones of attraction and repulsion on the workpart boundary. The algorithm may produce redundant fixtures, and can augment partial solutions to complete form closure fixtures.