Future Trends and Developments in Fixturing Methodologies

Abstract

Advances in the technology of flexible manufacturing systems, and the introduction of concurrent engineering of product and process design have propounded the need for computer aided fixture design systems. Computer aided process planning is the interface between design and manufacturing and has a key role in achieving integration between the various modules in an FMS environment. Fixture design is inseparable from process planning, and hence to be of practical use any CAPP system must include fixture design. The past few years have seen great advances in automated fixture design systems and the tools used to achieve them. With the exception of fixture design for a limited range of products with close family similarity, fully automated design of practical fixtures is not yet achievable. The advances described in this book have widened the scope of application of computer aided fixture design and provide enhanced links with other product and process design activities.