On the development of a fully automated universal fixturing system for a machine tool

Reference free encapsulation fixturing is a powerful fixturing technique. Geared towards transforming a machine tool into a rapid prototyping device, this fixturing technique can potentially deliver a fully automated universal fixturing system. This paper studies and develops the infrastructure that will make automated encapsulation fixturing a reality. Descriptions of the machines and process refinements are discussed. Also, a case study is presented to illustrate the cost and time benefits this fixturing system can offer while showing its limitations