A new development approach to computer aided fixture design

Whether in traditional machining fields or modern flexible manufacturing systems, the workpiece-holding is the first issue of the machining operation to be confronted. To ensure the machining accuracy of specific dimensions, it is necessary to correctly determine the position of the workpiece related to the cutting tool and immobilize this correct position during entire machining operation. In this paper, a new machining dimension-based fixture design approach is developed for the first time and partitioned into two main parts for the study. Firstly, based on the velocity composition law of particle movement, locating correctness is proposed to properly constrain the workpiece DOFs so that the workpiece can capture the correct position. Secondly, based on the engineering mechanics and linear programming technology, machining stability is formulated to maintain the workpiece equilibrium. Finally, a detail discussion is made about how to use the proposed method to plan locator and clamp points.