AN INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY FOR FIXTURE DESIGN

In this paper, a methodology to perform fixture design as an integrate d aspect of process planning is proposed. A three-phase methodology fo r the fixture design activity has been developed. The three phases inc lude predesign analysis (phase I), functional analysis (phase II), and productivity improvement (phase III). In phase I, the product design information is studied, and initial fixture design aspects are develop ed. In phase II, the clamping and location aspects of fixture design a re addressed for the given initial process sequence and product design information. Phase III involves studying ways to increase the product ivity including using simultaneous machining approaches, multiclusteri ng, use of specialized jigs, etc.