Both proper fixture design and optimum fixturing execution are crucial to workpiece quality assurance in manufacturing. This paper deals with an integrated approach to fixturing problems and, in particular, a ‘live’ fixture with sensory feedback and on-line fixturing control strategy to perform an optimal fixturing operation. The framework of an integrated fixture design procedure is first presented. The functions and structure of an intelligent fixture are proposed. The prototype intelligent fixture with dynamic clamps capable of delivering accurate but varying clamping intensity is developed. This novel set-up has been proven to be effective for workpiece quality improvement and productivity enhancement through machining experiments on thin-walled workpieces.
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