414
P. Raval et al.
Fig. 2 Set up-I fixture without component
3.3 Design of Fixture
Fixtures consist of three primary components: locators, clamps, and a baseplate. The
locators accurately and precisely position the workpiece so that repeatability can be
achieved; the clamps push the workpiece against the locators to minimize vibration;
and the baseplate is the platform to which the locators and clamps are attached.
The location and clamping in setup I fixture are achieved by two job locators,
resting jacks, and clamp studs. Two job locators are used for locating and orientation,
which consist of spring-loaded piston. Resting jacks—four jacks–are used to rest the
component. Four clamp studs are used to clamp the component. The clamp assembly
consist of resting jack, clamp stud, and clamp support.
Dowel pins and M20 bolts are used to locate and clamp the component in set up II
fixture. Each M-20 bolt can apply clamping force of 7120 N with torque ranging from
500 to 700 N m. All locators and clamps can be provided with T-slots and adjustable
height mechanisms to accommodate variation in part dimensions, eliminating the
need of flexible fixtures and thus resulting in cost saving.
3D view of set-up I fixture without component and with component respectively,
are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Figure 4 and 5 show 3D view of set up II fixture and
photograph of manufactured fixture, respectively.
4 Conclusions
Current fixture technology does not possess the flexibility required for mass
customization. Automated flexible fixture system (AFFS) came out with the proof
of concept only not as final product. Commercialization of flexible fixture is yet
P. Raval et al.
Fig. 2 Set up-I fixture without component
3.3 Design of Fixture
Fixtures consist of three primary components: locators, clamps, and a baseplate. The
locators accurately and precisely position the workpiece so that repeatability can be
achieved; the clamps push the workpiece against the locators to minimize vibration;
and the baseplate is the platform to which the locators and clamps are attached.
The location and clamping in setup I fixture are achieved by two job locators,
resting jacks, and clamp studs. Two job locators are used for locating and orientation,
which consist of spring-loaded piston. Resting jacks—four jacks–are used to rest the
component. Four clamp studs are used to clamp the component. The clamp assembly
consist of resting jack, clamp stud, and clamp support.
Dowel pins and M20 bolts are used to locate and clamp the component in set up II
fixture. Each M-20 bolt can apply clamping force of 7120 N with torque ranging from
500 to 700 N m. All locators and clamps can be provided with T-slots and adjustable
height mechanisms to accommodate variation in part dimensions, eliminating the
need of flexible fixtures and thus resulting in cost saving.
3D view of set-up I fixture without component and with component respectively,
are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Figure 4 and 5 show 3D view of set up II fixture and
photograph of manufactured fixture, respectively.
4 Conclusions
Current fixture technology does not possess the flexibility required for mass
customization. Automated flexible fixture system (AFFS) came out with the proof
of concept only not as final product. Commercialization of flexible fixture is yet