Title: A reconfigurable modular fixture design for meso-milling

Authors: Gelareh Namdar; Chen Liu; James K. Mills; Beno Benhabib

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada ' Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8, Canada

Abstract: A reconfigurable, intelligent modular fixture with embedded sensing capabilities is critical to improving the adaptability and efficiency of meso-milling machines for yielding micro-size features. The primary goals in designing such a fixture are: 1) to locate a large group of similar workpieces with minimal setup changes; 2) to sense the location of a workpiece placed on the fixture; 3) to provide feedback in regard to ongoing proper workholding of a workpiece during machining. We consider two specific issues to address these goals. First, designing a set of modular fixture components with desired stiffness and accuracy. Second, employing miniaturised and accurate embedded sensors.

Keywords: meso-milling; reconfigurable fixtures; intelligent fixtures; embedded sensors; modular fixtures; fixture design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMA.2013.052628

International Journal of Mechatronics and Automation, 2013 Vol.3 No.1, pp.48 - 57

Received: 03 May 2012
Accepted: 28 Nov 2012

Published online: 30 Apr 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article