Contact condition modelling for machining fixture setup processes

Manufacturing automation often requires high precision and highly accurate equipment to achieve satisfactory performance. In many cases, precision and accuracy depend highly on the surface contact conditions between machine c omponents. Described in this paper is the modelling of the response frequen cy of a modular fixturing system with multiple components in contact, and i t has demonstrated that it is possible to monitor the contact conditions ba sed on a fixture system's dynamic response frequencies. The virtual spring element based on the Hertz theory is used to recapitulate the fixture conta ct conditions in the finite element modelling. Possible contributing factor s to contact conditions, such as material properties, surface finish, hardn ess and the contact area between the workpiece and fixture device, are inve stigated in the estimation of the virtual spring constant. Experimental ana lysis is also conducted to verify the analytical model. The application of this model can be used for control, monitoring, and design of general clamp ing devices in many manufacturing processes; (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.