AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PROCESS-FIXTURE LAYOUT DESIGN OPTIMISATION FOR CUBICAL PARTS

In this article, an integrated computer-assisted process-planning and computer-assisted fixture layout planning system is presented for the automatic generation of process and fixture maps. The part feature model is created using various algorithms and the geometric reasoning approach. The feature-based methodology based on the machining database is then applied for the generation of process maps. The setup scheme algorithm allocates each feature to a definite setup based on its location. The part geometric database and setup plan aids the fixture layout planning process. During fixture layout planning, the standard fixture rules are applied to determine the locating arrangement and feasible datum along with the suitable positions using a fixture database for initial fixture layout planning data. Visual C++ is used to implement the proposed methodology because it interacts with current computer-aided design software. Then a case study is presented to develop an initial fixture layout. Afterwards, the ANSYS parametric design language optimisation tool is applied to automatically optimise locator and clamp positions that yield minimum workpiece deformation. At the end, finite element analysis results depicting deformation magnitudes are presented.