Abstract
In order to achieve an efficient integration of product information, the product data for design, manufacturing, untill logistic supports should be incorporated into a product data management (PDM) system. Specifically, large amount of manufacturing information, e.g., tooling, machining, and fixturing specifications, are determined at the production planning stage. These information need to be properly documented and managed for better production planning and control. Due to the increasing demand of modem fixture and tooling applications, this paper focuses on the construction of information system for hydraulic, automatic fixtures. Using the characteristic features of hydraulic fixtures, a data library (database) including the geometric and non-geometric information is built. By linking the database management system (DBMS) and the CAD system, information on the CAD system can be easily accessed by fixture planners. The knowledge library (knowledge base) is developed incorporating the expertise of experienced tool engineers for fixture selection. After integrating the data and knowledge libraries, the system can automatically select the suitable fixture elements according to the workpart features and machining conditions. Finally, this paper also demonstrates the system using an aerospace part as the example. The main objective of the system implementation is to reduce the fixture planning time and cost, particularly for hydraulic fixturing.