A systematic conceptual design of modular fixtures

The replacement of dedicated fixtures by modular fixturing systems seems to be a trend in the manufacturing field, especially in meeting the desire for greater flexibility but the selection of appropriate modules from a modular fixturing system and subsequent assembly is itself not an easy task. This research provides a systematic design method to help dedicated fixture users to convert to modular fixturing system users. This method classifies modules into five functional groups and then selects proper modules from each group in accordance with the functional request of the fixture assembly. This systematic design of modular fixtures helps a dedicated fixture user to build an economical and efficient modular fixturing system.