Machining fixture locating and clamping position optimization using genetic algorithms

Deformation of the workpiece may cause dimensional problems in machining. Supports and locators are used in order to reduce the error caused by elastic deformation of the workpiece. The optimization of support, locator and clamp locations is a critical problem to minimize the geometric error in workpiece machining. In this paper, the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture layout optimization is presented to handle fixture layout optimization problem. A genetic algorithm based approach is developed to optimise fixture layout through integrating a finite element code running in batch mode to compute the objective function values for each generation. Case studies are given to illustrate the application of proposed approach. Chromosome library approach is used to decrease the total solution time. Developed GA keeps track of previosly analyzed designs, therefore the number of function evaulations are decreased about 93%. The results of this approach show that the fixture layout optimization problems are multi-modal problems. Optimized designs do not have any apparent similarities although they provide very similar performances.