Fixture Reusability and Reconfigurability Analysis Using Similarity Index

Currently there is a lack of a formal method to utilize previous fixture information into the design of future product and production lines. The utilization of knowledge gained in the design of prior fixtures and the capability assessment of existing reconfigurable fixtures on the design of new product lines allow manufacturing system design for time and cost reductions. This paper presents the evaluation of a fixture design similarity index developed to assess the relevance of current fixtures design information for multi-model production (reconfigurability) or for future production lines design (reusability). The index developed decomposes N-2-1 fixture information into X, Y, and Z data with applicable constrains and part deflection requirements in the X, Y, and Z directions. This allows the evaluation and comparison of physical and performance attributes of any given fixture. An example demonstrating the methodology implementation to single fixture case analysis and conclusions are provided as part of the presentation.