Improvement of Value Procedures in Fixture Design by Lean Assembling Techniques

Abstract

This work presents an integral system for machining fixture layout design and optimization. The optimization module of this system allows determination of optimal positions of locating and clamping elements, which provides required accuracy and surface quality, while at the same time guarantees design of collision-free fixtures. The design module performs selection of required fixture elements based on a set of predefined production rules. Adequate criteria for the selection of fixture elements are defined for locating, clamping, tool guiding, and tool adjustment elements, as well as for fixture body elements, connecting elements and add-on elements. The system uses geometry and feature work-piece characteristics, as well as the additional machining, and process planning information. It has been developed to accommodate machining processes of turning, drilling, milling, and grinding of rotational and prismatic work-pieces. A segment of output results is also shown. Finally, conclusions are presented with directions for future investigation.