Intelligent Flexible Fixturing System

Two approaches are proposed to attack the problems of fixturing process. First, a novel hardware holding system, Dexterous Vise, is proposed. Functionally, a single Dexterous Vise is capable of revealing four faces of the clamped workpiece to the cutting tool without re-fixturing, which actually increases one degree of freedom to the machine tool. A pair of Dexterous Vises, the "Dual-Vise", enable revealing all six faces of the cutting tool without actual re-fixturing, which adds two degree of freedom to the machine tool. Second, a computer software based method for aiding and systematizing the procedure of fixture selection and allocation is to be developed, based on the previous work Intelligent Workstation Intiative. In combination, the Intelligent Flexible Fixturing System can shorten fixture planning time, reduce setup time, reduce the need for re-gaging and tool resetting.