Feature-based fixture planning for workpieces

For decades, manufacturers have envisioned a fully integrated environment for CAD, CAPP, and CAM. Nevertheless, the development in fixturing planning, the critical link from product design to manufacturing, fell short to achieve a seamless integration into computer-supported manufacturing system. In this paper, a computer supported procedure to determine the fixturing plan of a workpiece by applying feature technology and utilization of a fixturing knowledge base is introduced. Also, the application of the concept is demonstrated by a prototype system.