Process-Oriented Approach to Fixture Design

Machining of parts on the metal-cutting machine tools could not be ensured without the use of fixtures. They are an integral part of the closed-loop technological system “machine tool – fixture – cutting tool – workpiece” and make the significant impact on the accuracy and quality of machining of machine parts surfaces. The work presents the structural stages of computer-aided fixture design and determines the data flows between them to ensure the comprehensive approach. The process-oriented model of fixture design process has been developed, which provides the manufacturing analysis of the workpiece, synthesis and optimization of fixture configurations, verification of the mechanical system “fixture – workpiece” for set production conditions, and functional links and data flows between stages have been determined. The above-mentioned allows realizing a comprehensive approach to the computer-aided fixture design in multiproduct manufacturing.