FIXTURE ORIENTATED PLANNING WITHIN FLEXIBLE MACHINING SYSTEMS

The efficient management of fixture flow within flexible machining facilities plays a vital role in the overall performance of such systems. In this paper, the authors identify three distinct fixturing practices that are commonly adopted in modem machining facilities. These fixturing practices are based on the use of specially designed fixtures and modular fixtures. Furthermore, planning strategies based on 'finite' and 'infinite' fixture capacity for use in each of these fixturing practices are presented. These planning strategies are implemented within a novel 'multi-flow scheduling system' which is capable of producing schedules for the flows of workpieces, cutting tools and fixtures. In addition, this scheduling system incorporates the latest techniques offered through the use of 'clustering algorithms' for the allocation of jobs, so that the cost of cutting tools and fixtures requirements are minimised. These job allocation mles, termed 'tool oriented' and 'fixture oriented', together with the functionality of the multi-flow scheduling system are also described in this paper.