Modeling and analysis of flexible fixturing systems for agile manufacturing

Manufacturing systems must provide flexibility and rapid response to market demands. Flexible fixturing is a key technology in the integration of agile manufacturing systems and the lack of effective flexible fixturing can be a significant obstacle to implementation. In order for flexible fixturing to become a science rather than an art, however, it is necessary to develop a general framework for its architecture, modeling, analysis and design. The investigators in the research, in collaboration with local industry and three other Canadian universities, are engaged in a major research program concerning the design and evaluation of flexible tooling for agile assembly. This paper highlights portions of our research dealing with fixturing. We apply spatial point contact constraint theory to develop a mathematical model of flexible fixturing systems. The process of locating and clamping by fixturing systems is described. A representation is obtain for the locating and clamping matrix. Conditions and criteria for a deterministic location, clamping total constraint, and accessibility and detachability are obtained. Location errors for the workpiece-fixturing systems are analyzed and the error gain matrix is derved. Illustrative examples are shown using this methodology.