Design analysis and optimization of machining fixture layout using finite element method and nontraditional techniques

Abstract

During machining operation, fixtures are used to locate and newlineconstrain a workpiece. In any manufacturing operation, a certain amount of newlinedeformation will occur in the workpiece due to clamping and machining newlineforces. So the dimensional and form errors will occur in the workpiece. newlineA good fixture design minimizes workpiece geometric and machining newlineerrors by limiting the workpiece elastic deformation. An ideal fixture newlinedesign exhibits minimal deformation while machining and it consists of newlineoptimal fixture layout, optimum clamping forces and optimum number of newlinefixturing elements such as locators and clamps. Hence, in this research newlinework, the machining fixture layout, clamping forces and number of newlinefixturing elements optimization problems are considered with an objective newlineof minimizing the workpiece elastic deformation caused during machining. In this machining fixture layout optimization problem, the newlineworkpiece is treated as elastic model and fixture elements are treated as newlinerigid to predict the workpiece elastic deformation, which influences the newlinedimensional and form errors of the workpiece. In this research work, Finite newlineelement solver ANSYS has been used to determine the workpiece elastic newlinedeformation caused due to machining and clamping forces. The following machining fixture layout and clamping forces optimization methods have newlinebeen used for minimizing the workpiece elastic deformation.