Optimization of the number and positions of fixture locators in the peripheral milling of a low-rigidity workpiece

In this paper, a method is proposed to optimize the fixture layout in the peripheral milling of a low-rigidity workpiece. Because the locators on the secondary locating surface directly influence the deformation of the workpiece in peripheral milling, this paper deals with the optimization of the number and positions of the locators on the secondary locating surface. The method proposed in this paper includes two stages. In the first stage, the initial number and positions of the locators are determined by adding the locators at the position with the maximum deformation. In the second stage, the number and positions of the locators are optimized. Using the method proposed in this paper, the number of locators is reduced, while the machining accuracy of the workpiece is retained.