Automated fixture design for a rapid machining process

Abstract

Rapid prototyping techniques for CNC machining have been developed in an effort to produce functional prototypes in appropriate materials. One of the major challenges for rapid machining is to develop an automatic fixturing system for securing the part during the machining process. The method proposed in this paper is the use of sacrificial fixturing, similar to the support structures in existing rapid processes like Stereolithography. During the machining process, sacrificial supports emerge incrementally and, at the end of the process, are the only entities connecting the part to the stock material. This paper presents methodologies for the design of sacrificial support structures for a rapid machining process and illustrates them using a complex sample part machined in the laboratory.

Interlaminate strength of laminated die tooling

“…A feasible region is a slice boundary offset. Boonsuk developed offset boundaries for locating sacrificial supports within the feasible region of the slice in his research (Boonsuk & Frank, 2009). Similar to Boonsuk's research, an offset of the intersection between the two layers will be developed.…”

Computer aided process planning for rapid prototyping using a genetic algorithm

“…The system uses a 3 axis vertical machining center with a 4 th axis indexer that holds round stock material in its chuck jaws. A sacrificial support system is the fixturing method used during machining [Boonsuk 2005]. A two stage roughing and finishing strategy is used where every machining setup uses simple pocket machining toolpaths to remove material in a layer-based fashion.…”

A method for fixturing, scanning, and reorienting an additively manufactured part in preparation for subsequent machining

“…This thesis focuses on post-machining via CNC-RP, which uses a three-axis CNC machine and a fourth axis indexer that is utilized to rotate the part to different orientations [17].…”