Principles for Integrating Part Setup Planning and Workholding in Automated Manufacturing

这项研究的主要主题是创造 智能，灵巧，自我维持的机床， 小批量制造业。 与以前的国家 科学基金会的支持，首席研究员 开发了一个专家系统，计划设置过程， 在三轴平行虎钳上加工矩形零件 计算机数控（CNC）铣床。 在同一 时间，夹紧和固定方法已经系统地 研究和自动夹具装置已被制造和使用。 具体工作包括：（1）拓宽专家队伍 系统规划软件，以涵盖更复杂的零件形状 这将需要更多的设置步骤，使用脚趾夹和 可能使用更复杂的夹具，（2）结合这一专家 系统方法与更坚实的力学方法稳定 随着我们的零件数量的增加， 复杂性远离简单的矩形部分举行了一个 平行边虎钳，（3）原型的构建 可以处理更复杂的零件类型的夹具。 在这项研究中，整合机器的软件 刀具规划和夹紧功能称为 统一加工规划;可编程硬件， 被称为灵活的夹紧系统。

The broad theme of this research is the creation of intelligent, dexterous, self-sustaining machine tools for the small-batch manufacturing industry. With previous National Science Foundation support, the Principal Investigator has developed an expert system that plans the setup processes for rectangular-type parts in a parallel-sided vise on a three-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine. At the same time, clamping and fixturing methods have been systematically studied and an automated fixturing device has been made and used. The specific work consists of: (1) broadening the expert system planning software to encompass more complex part shapes that will require more setup steps, the use of toe-clamps and the possible use of more complex fixtures, (2) combining this expert system approach with a more solid mechanics approach to stable fixturing that will come more into play as our parts increase in complexity away from the simple rectangular parts held in a parallel-sided vise, and (3) the construction of prototype fixtures that can handle more complex part types. In this research, the software that integrates the machine tool planning and clamping functions is referred to as the Unified Machining Planner; the programmable hardware that will be developed is referred to as the Flexible Clamping System.