Int J Adv Manuf Technol (2001) 18:784–789 2001 Springer-Verlag London LimitedA Clamping Design Approach for Automated Fixture DesignJ. CecilVirtual Enterprise Engineering Lab (VEEL), Industrial Engineering Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, USAIn this paper, an innovative clamping design approach isdescribed in the context of computer-aided fixture design activi-ties. The clamping design approach involves identification ofclamping surfaces and clamp points on a given workpiece.This approach can be applied in conjunction with a locatordesign approach to hold and support the workpiece duringmachining and to position the workpiece correctly with respectto the cutting tool. Detailed steps are given for automatedclamp design. Geometric reasoning techniques are used todetermine feasible clamp faces and positions. The requiredinputs include CAD model specifications, features identified onthe finished workpiece, locator points and elements.Keywords: Clamping; Fixture design1.Motivation and ObjectivesFixture design is an important task, which is an integration linkbetween design and manufacturing activities. The automation offixture design activities and the development of computer-aidedfixture design (CAFD) methodologies are key objectives to beaddressed for the successful realisation of next generationmanufacturing systems. In this paper, a clamp design approachis discussed, which facilitates automation in the context of anintegrated fixture design methodology.Clamp design approaches have been the focus of severalresearch efforts. The work of Chou [1] focused on the twincriteria of workpiece stability and total restraint requirement.The use of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches as well asexpert system applications in fixtu...
