Development of a novel coordinate transposing fixture system

A novel quick action flexible fixture for two-dimensional clamping is fitted with sensors for automatically measuring the positions of the clamping surfaces and the vice opening. An algorithm is proposed to determine the location and orientation of the workpiece on the fixture. The NC codes preprogrammed with a given origin and orientation can then be modified with these data to appropriately transposed coordinates, which can then be downloaded to the NC controller for NC machining. With this system, the time and cost of fixturing will be greatly reduced.