Dynamic analysis on optimal placement of fixturing elements using evolutionary techniques

Abstract

In the design of a machining fixture configuration (layout), the stability of the fixture, which influences the dimensional and form accuracy of the workpiece, is an important factor. The optimal placement of the fixturing elements minimizes the dynamic response of the workpiece (elastic deformation of the workpiece under dynamic conditions), which in turn improves the stability of the fixture. In this paper, an Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) are employed to optimize the fixture layout with an objective of minimizing the dynamic response of the workpiece. The different node systems are used on the same workpiece geometry, and the fixture layout is optimized so that the elastic deformation of the workpiece satisfies the accuracy needed on the workpiece. Two different examples are used to compare the performance of ACA- and GA-based fixture-layout optimization methods.