Design and optimization of machining fixture layout for end-milling operation

High product quality and productivity are the important objectives of manufacturing industries. They are greatly affected by the fixture layout design, and it requires modeling and analysis of fixture-workpiece interactions. In particular, the position of fixture elements has explicit influence on the deformation of the workpiece which needs to be minimized during machining. In order to ensure effective fixture layout design, the relationship between the position of fixture elements and workpiece deformation has to be modeled and optimized. In this research paper, workpiece deformation is modeled using response surface methodology. The developed model is tested for model adequacy, and the results obtained are matched with the simulated data. Then, it is used to minimize the workpiece deformation by determining the appropriate positions of locators and clamps using sequential approximation optimization and LINGO solver. It is found that integration of response surface methodology, with sequential approximation optimization, produces better results than LINGO solver.     

Design and optimization of machining fixture layout using ANN and DOE

In machining fixtures, minimizing workpiece deformation due to clamping and cutting forces is essential to maintain the machining accuracy. This can be achieved by selecting the optimal location of fixturing elements such as locators and clamps. Many researches in the past decades described more efficient algorithms for fixture layout optimization. In this paper, artificial neural networks (ANN)-based algorithm with design of experiments (DOE) is proposed to design an optimum fixture layout in order to reduce the maximum elastic deformation of the workpiece caused by the clamping and machining forces acting on the workpiece while machining. Finite element method (FEM) is used to find out the maximum deformation of the workpiece for various fixture layouts. ANN is used as an optimization tool to find the optimal location of the locators and clamps. To train the ANN, sufficient sets of input and output are fed to the ANN system. The input includes the position of the locators and clamps. The output includes the maximum deformation of the workpiece for the corresponding fixture layout under the machining condition. In the testing phase, the ANN results are compared with the FEM results. After the testing process, the trained ANN is used to predict the maximum deformation for the possible fixture layouts. DOE is introduced as another optimization tool to find the solution region for all design variables to minimum deformation of the work piece. The maximum deformations of all possible fixture layouts within the solution region are predicted by ANN. Finally, the layout which shows the minimum deformation is selected as optimal fixture layout.     

LOCATORS OPTIMIZATION FOR MEASURING FIXTURE DESIGN

"N-2-1" principle is widely recognized in the fixture design for deformable sheet metal workpieces, where N, the locators on primary datum, is the key to sheet metal fixture design. However, little research is done on how to determine the positions and the number of N locators. In practice, the N locators are frequently designed from experience, which is often unsatisfactory for achieving the precision requirement in fixture design. A new method to lay out the N locators for measuring fixture of deformable sheet metal workpiece is presented, given the fixed number of N. Finite-element method is used to model and analysis the deformation of different locator layouts. A knowledge based genetic algorithm (KBGA) is applied to identify the optimum locator layout for measuring fixture design. An example of a door outer is used to verify the optimization approach.     

柔性化夹具静动态特性分析及拓扑优化

针对汽车发动机缸盖、变速箱阀体全自动化混合生产线,设计柔性化夹具来满足CNC高精密加工以及快速换产的要求。建立夹具系统三维模型,并利用ANSYS对夹具系统在不同加工工况载荷下进行静态性能分析;从分析结果判断出影响夹具性能的关键结构,并对其进行拓扑优化设计,实现夹具整体减重39.25 kg。然后对改进后夹具模型进行验证分析,发现最大变形量减少为0.0045199 mm,满足设计指标0.005 mm;最后,对现有夹具系统进行模态实验和CAE模态分析,发现夹具系统在Z向受到低频激振力时,容易发生共振,该频段为70 Hz?110 Hz,在加工过程中需要控制刀具加工频率避免发生共振。     

Multi-objective optimization design of a fixture layout considering locator displacement and force–deformation

The fixture determines the workpiece position in a machining process; therefore, an increasing amount of attention has been given to fixture layout design. While machining, the workpiece position is affected by two major sources: (a) the locator displacement and (b) the force–deformation of the workpiece–fixture system. In the beginning of this paper, a geometric model considering the shape of a locator is developed to analyze the location performance, followed by the presentation of a simplified solving method and a location layout performance index. Second, to complete the force–deformation analysis, a finite element method-based force–deformation model is built and accelerated by a new method with a lower computer memory cost. Based on these two models, multiple objects of fixture layout optimization problems are proposed, and a multi-objective genetic algorithm-based optimization method is constructed. Finally, testing examples are approved to examine the validity of the method represented in this paper. These methods can provide a more accurate prediction of the locating performance in more widely used cases, and they have faster calculating speeds with lower computer memory costs.     

基于线性不等式方程组解的存在性及其通解的工件可达/可离性分析算法

工件的可达/可离性反映了将工件安装到/脱离出夹具装夹布局的可能性,分析可达/可离性有助于在工件上正确选择装夹表面和装夹点。为此依据工件与装夹元件的实际接触或装配情况,利用泰勒定理提出了工件可达/可离性模型。通过将工件安装到/脱离出装夹布局的可能性等价于可达/可离性模型的解的存在性,借助任意数可表达为两个非负数之差这一数学技巧作为桥梁,将工件可达/可离性模型的解的存在性问题转化为线性规划问题,提出了工件可达/可离性的判断方法。尤其是在判断可达/可离性模型有解的情况下,继而考虑了工件安装到/脱离出装夹布局的方向性。在此基础上,进一步将可达/可离的方向性转化为可达/可离性模型的通解,由此构建了求解线性不等式方程组的Γ-算法。这个“先有解-再求解”的算法仅涉及到装夹元件在工件表面处的位置与单位法矢量信息,不仅适用于形状复杂的工件,而且避免了可达/可离性模型无解情况下依旧求解的局限性,同时也拓展和丰富了自动化夹具设计的理论基础。     

Machining fixture layout design using ant colony algorithm based continuous optimization method

In any machining fixture, the workpiece elastic deformation caused during machining influences the dimensional and form errors of the workpiece. Placing each locator and clamp in an optimal place can minimize the elastic deformation of the workpiece, which in turn minimizes the dimensional and form errors of the workpiece. Design of fixture configuration (layout) is a procedure to establish the workpiece–fixture contact through optimal positioning of clamping and locating elements. In this paper, an ant colony algorithm (ACA) based discrete and continuous optimization methods are applied for optimizing the machining fixture layout so that the workpiece elastic deformation is minimized. The finite element method (FEM) is used for determining the dynamic response of the workpiece caused due to machining and clamping forces. The dynamic response of the workpiece is simulated for all ACA runs. This paper proves that the ACA-based continuous fixture layout optimization method exhibits the better results than that of ACA-based discrete fixture layout optimization method.     

基于Pro/M的组合夹具结构分析

组合夹具作为一种先进的柔性工艺装备,特别适用于数控机床、加工中心等先进制造单元,是今后夹具技术发展的一个重要方向。组合夹具由一整套标准元件组装而成,用有限元法计算其在切削力和夹紧力作用下的应力应变,以模拟夹具在实际加工过程中的变形,提高夹具设计水平。Pro/Mechanica是Pro/ENGINEER的一个有限元分析模块,可以实现与三维CAD软件Pro/E的无缝集成,能有效提高装配体有限元分析的效率。因此,基于Pro/Mechanica进行组合夹具结构分析,可及时发现设计缺陷,缩短夹具研制周期,提高效率。     

多目标的装夹方案优化及变夹紧力优化

夹具布局和夹紧力大小影响切削变形的大小和分布.基于遗传算法和有限元方法,提出一种夹具布局和夹紧力优化设计方法.该方法将同步优化夹具布局和夹紧力大小以及施加变夹紧力相结合,首先以加工变形最小化和变形分布最均匀为目标同步优化夹具布局和夹紧力大小,然后在优化后的夹具布局的基础上求解使得加工变形最小的变夹紧力大小.使用该方法进行底座薄壁零件的夹具优化设计,结果表明优化得到的设计优于经验设计和多目标优化方法,该方法有效地降低了加工过程中工件的变形,提高变形均匀度.     

无人机机翼装配型架设计

为缩短装配周期、降低制造成本,文中以某型无人机机翼装配为研究对象,根据机翼装配特点,考虑装配车间地基情况,设计了机翼装配平台,并采用内定位设计、柔性装配设计方法,完成了机翼装配型架设计;利用Hyper Works软件对设计的型架在满负荷工况下的变形和应力分布进行了仿真;最后根据设计结果,制造加工出装配型架,并对机翼进行了装配。结果表明:型架在仿真中的最大变形量为0.023 mm,最大应力为1.97 MPa,满足机翼装配使用要求。设计的装配型架结构简单,成本低,精度高。     

基于 ANSYS的车身柔性薄板焊装夹具优化设计

介绍薄板焊装夹具在国内外研究进展,然后在＂N-2-1＂定位原理的基础上,建立了适合车身焊接工艺的工件定位点优化设计的数学模型,提出了一种可以快速确定工件定位点位置以及夹具布局方案的设计方法。利用ANSYS有限元软件对模型进行了实验分析和验证,得出板料有限元网格的大小、夹具的定位点、夹紧点及夹紧力的大小等对接触变形的影响。结果表明该模型和方法快速、准确、合理,达到了预期设计的目标。     

基于SolidWorks的夹具功能组件库的建立研究

组合夹具是由不同核心组件组装而成的,将基于知识系统原理和可重构性原理引入组合夹具计算机辅助设计中,提出了基于核心功能组件库的计算机辅助组合夹具设计方法.该方法针对组合夹具组件模型库的建立开发出相应的资源管理,可以实现对组件库的查阅、选择、读取、建模等功能,以适合现代制造的需求.     

Recent developments on machining fixture layout design, analysis, and optimization using finite element method and evolutionary techniques

A review of the recent development of the machining fixture configuration/layout is presented in this paper. The literature review is mainly focused on the recently developed optimal fixture configuration under the dynamic conditions of the workpiece. In this review paper, the fixture design, fixture analysis, fixture synthesis, fixture layout design, optimization of fixture layout design, various optimization algorithms, and case studies of two- and three-dimensional workpiece geometries under dynamic conditions have been emphasized specially. The further scopes of the research are finally summarized.     

The Application of Chip Removal and Frictional Contact Analysis for Workpiece–Fixture Layout Verification

In this paper, a workpiece–fixture layout verification approach with the application of frictional contact and chip removal effects using a finite-element technique, is presented. The objective of the proposed system is to overcome the deficiencies of existing fixture design approaches. Workpiece–fixture layout verification analysis is carried out for time varying machining forces to ensure that the workpiece will be held against the cutting and clamping forces. The chip removal effect and frictional contact between the workpiece and the fixture elements are taken into account using a material removal approach based on element death technique and nonlinear finite-element analysis. A case study illustrates the application of the proposed approach. ID="A1"Correspondance and offprint requests to: Professor F. ?ztürk, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mühendislik-Mimarlik Fakültesi, G?r¨kle Kampusu, Bursa 16059, Turkey. E-mail: ferruh@uladag.edu.tr     

挖掘机回转平台主体结构柔性夹具的设计与分析

使用龙门式加工中心加工挖掘机回转平台主体结构时,其加工精度和生产效率取决于翻转夹具的设计。基于柔性夹具的设计思想和方法,在翻转板组件上采用可替换的定位钢圈,并配置可调定位和压紧元件,以满足不同规格工件的加工。为减小翻转板组件的变形,配置了加强筋或提高定位钢圈的高度来提高翻转板组件的刚度。对于五种计算模型的有限元分析计算给出了采用不同加强筋方案的翻转板最大变形的结果。     

薄壁弧形件装夹布局有限元优化

关于航空结构件加工变形控制的研究是高效数控加工研究的一部分。薄壁弧形零件加工中的弹性变形对加工质量影响很大,而装夹布局影响切削变形的大小和分布。以减少加工中工件最大弹性变形为目标,建立了弧形件铣削加工装夹布局的优化模型,采用商业有限元软件的设计优化模块进行计算。在对计算结果进一步分析的基础上,提出了最终的装夹布局方案,采用该方案可以得到整个加工过程中更低的变形量,变形分布更均匀,为采取相应数控补偿措施提供条件。优化方案和实际加工方案结果基本一致。所提出方法可推广至其他类型工件夹具布局优化设计。     

Fixture layout optimization for multi point respot welding of sheet metals

The high quality of welding in the automotive industry is achieved by proper positioning of the fixture elements. A new method, N-3-2-1 (N ≥ 1), is proposed for fixture layout optimization of sheet metals. The flexible nature of the sheet metals requires N+3 fixture elements to constrain it normal to the surface (primary plane), but 2-1 fixture elements for other two directions (secondary and tertiary). The objective function is to achieve high stiffness of the workpiece and is calculated in terms of strain energy. Finite element analysis (FEA) was combined with genetic algorithm. A method was also proposed to find the optimum fixturing position of the workpiece in multipoint respot welding operation. Two different kinds of case studies were solved and the performance of the proposed method was also tested in the industrial scenario by fixturing the workpiece and completing the respot welding operation with satisfactory results.

     

Fixture layout optimization for flexible aerospace parts based on self-reconfigurable swarm intelligent fixture system

Based on the development demand of a novel intelligent fixture system, a self-reconfigurable intelligent swarm fixture system is presented. This paper deals with the fixturing layout optimization of a flexible aerospace workpiece. A new fixturing principle, “N-2-1-1,” is put forward. The optimization procedure for fixture layout combined with genetic algorithm and finite element analysis is developed and verified by case study simulation.     

Optimal Fixture Design Accounting for the Effect of Workpiece Dynamics

This paper presents a fixture layout and clamping force optimal synthesis approach that accounts for workpiece dynamics during machining. The dynamic model is based on the Newton– Euler equations of motion, with each fixture–workpiece contact modelled as an elastic half-space subjected to distributed nor-mal and tangential loads. The fixture design objective in this paper is to minimise the maximum positional error at the machining point during machining. An iterative fixture layout and clamping force optimisation algorithm that yields the "best" improvement in the objective function value is presented. Simulation results show that the proposed optimis-ation approach produces significant improvement in the work-piece location accuracy. Additionally, the method is found to be insensitive to the initial fixture layout and clamping forces.     

Development of a finite element analysis tool for fixture design integrity verification and optimisation

Machining fixtures are used to locate and constrain a workpiece during a machining operation. To ensure that the workpiece is manufactured according to specified dimensions and tolerances, it must be appropriately located and clamped. Minimising workpiece and fixture tooling deflections due to clamping and cutting forces in machining is critical to machining accuracy. An ideal fixture design maximises locating accuracy and workpiece stability, while minimising displacements.The purpose of this research is to develop a method for modelling workpiece boundary conditions and applied loads during a machining process, analyse modular fixture tool contact area deformation and optimise support locations, using finite element analysis (FEA). The workpiece boundary conditions are defined by locators and clamps. The locators are placed in a 3-2-1 fixture configuration, constraining all degrees of freedom of the workpiece and are modelled using linear spring-gap elements. The clamps are modelled as point loads. The workpiece is loaded to model cutting forces during drilling and milling machining operations. Fixture design integrity is verified. ANSYS parametric design language code is used to develop an algorithm to automatically optimise fixture support and clamp locations, and clamping forces, to minimise workpiece deformation, subsequently increasing machining accuracy. By implementing FEA in a computer-aided-fixture-design environment, unnecessary and uneconomical “trial and error” experimentation on the shop floor is eliminated.