A systematic approach to milling fixturing design

Fixtures are special production tools which make the standard machine tool, more versatile to work as specialized machine tools. Fixture planning is a complex activity restricted by the complexity of work pieces size, shapes and including machine tools, assembly tools, and cutting tools. This paper reviews methods and techniques for the geometry analysis of fixture feasibility in product development. Fixture synthesis methods including geometrical analysis and fixture assembly planning are surveyed. The implementation of CAD-based fixture planning system is discussed in respect to their reasoning methods, functionality, limits and potentials.