Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
13303
Abstract
The need for improved productivity and reduced time to market has been increased significantly in manufacturing processes in recent decades. There are many factors that play a role in providing manufacturing processes with more productivity. One is the use of modular fixtures (MFs). MFs have brought many benefits to manufacturing industries including reduced costs and times of production. An MF can be defined as a complete system that consist different elements for effectively and securely holding the workpiece in place for performing various machining operations. Generally an MF is made by assembling a number of fixture elements in a feasible sequence that is properly determined. Traditionally, the most common method of determination of fixture elements and assembly sequences are making use of 2D drawings and physical models. Obviously these are not efficient methods in the world of advanced manufacturing technologies and there is a vital need for developing more efficient methods. A solution to this is developing a CAD-based 3D-modelling and simulation system to determine the types and of feature elements and the sequence of assembly. Such a system can help fixture designers find the proper MF designs by defining the relationships between fixture elements and workpieces. Designing MFs and fixture elements is a very complex and time-consuming task even by making use of CAD software. A methodology has been developed to simplify this task by determining fixture elements and assembly sequences in a 3D-modelling environment. A fixture elements database is established and the fixture elements are divided into different categories depending on geometries and functions. Currently, MF systems can be constructed from standard MF elements. These elements are pre-manufactured components that include base-plates, clamps, and locators; and they can be re-used after disassembly. These can later be used for other workpieces within a specified range of sizes and shapes. In order to use these elements effectively, the CAD environment is exploited with developing a database which contains 3D models of standard MF elements. For most workpieces standard MF elements can be extracted directly from the developed database. However, for some workpieces with non-conventional geometries or shapes customised fixture elements should be designed in a 3D CAD environment. A modelling approach is used to find the appropriate MF design that suits the machining processes in need. To do so many parameters are taken into consideration including the number of workpieces to be machined; type of machining operation; locating method; clamping mechanism; and so on. The methodology developed for MF design has been implemented in a 3D modelling environment by making use of a powerful 3D modelling software, SolidWorks. It makes use of a database which contains 3D models for standard fixture elements. This database is divided into three main categories and each category is divided into different sub-categories depending on the type and function of the MF elements. SolidWorks software provides an excellent 3D environment that can be utilised to model fixture elements and determine assembly processes. This is accomplished by applying mating relationships after considering workpiece setup and fixture elements to achieve the optimum MF assembly design. This paper explains the methodology developed for semi-automated MF design. A case study has been presented to show the validity of the methodology proposed.
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of: Farhan, U. H., & Tolouei Rad, M. (2011). Design of modular fixtures using a 3D-modelling approach. Paper presented at the 19th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute. Perth, Australia. Available here