Case Study 3.1: Fixture System for Workpiece Adjustment and Clamping with/without its Pre-deformation

Abstract

The Case Study is focused on the improvement of the productivity and accuracy of large workpieces production thought the shortening of the setup and clamping time. Current situation in the workpiece adjustment is based on extremely time demanding manual setting, when the operator has to find optimal zero point of the workpiece manually—scribing operation and to fix the workpiece. The main goal of the Case Study is the development of a low time consuming clamping system with low requirements for the operator. This objective was achieved by the development and testing of a comprehensive solution that automates the workpiece adjustment process by active fixture units with centralized control and uses a machine tool touch probe for workpiece current state automatic inspection. This approach is more effective than manual setting and also reduces the risk of errors. In addition, the developed solution allows the workpiece automatic clamping in an adjusted position and with a pre-deformation if necessary.