Fixture Layout Optimization Based on Social Radiation Algorithm

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xing ◽  
Jun Ni ◽  
Shuhuai Lan
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Layout Design ◽  
Metal Parts ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts ◽  
Fixture Layout ◽  
The Social ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Fixture Layout Optimization

Sheet metal parts easily deformed during clamping and welding, and fixture layout design is very difficult because it takes a long time to calculate and read displacements of all nodes. This paper proposes a method to optimize fixture scheme by a social radiation algorithm (SRA). Firstly unfeasible candidate nodes are eliminated by some rules according to manufacturing experiences. Afterwards some feasible zones are optimized by SRA. Finally the best fixture layout is obtained through selecting the feasible nodes among the optimal zones. A case study of guiding gutter is used to illustrate the proposed method, and the results show that the social radiation algorithm has better efficiency and higher accuracy than the genetic algorithm.

Fixture Layout Design of Sheet Metal Parts Based on Global Optimization Algorithms

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
YanFeng Xing
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Global Optimization ◽  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Optimization Algorithms ◽  
Layout Optimization ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts ◽  
Fixture Layout ◽  
Fixture Layout Optimization ◽  
Dimensional Variation

Fixture layout can affect deformation and dimensional variation of sheet metal assemblies. Conventionally, the assembly dimensions are simulated with a quantity of finite element (FE) analyses, and fixture layout optimization needs significant user intervention and unaffordable iterations of finite element analyses. This paper therefore proposes a fully automated and efficient method of fixture layout optimization based on the combination of 3dcs simulation (for dimensional analyses) and global optimization algorithms. In this paper, two global algorithms are proposed to optimize fixture locator points, which are social radiation algorithm (SRA) and GAOT, a genetic algorithm (GA) in optimization toolbox in matlab. The flowchart of fixture design includes the following steps: (1) The locating points, the key elements of a fixture layout, are selected from a much smaller candidate pool thanks to our proposed manufacturing constraints based filtering methods and thus the computational efficiency is greatly improved. (2) The two global optimization algorithms are edited to be used to optimize fixture schemes based on matlab. (3) Since matlab macrocommands of 3dcs have been developed to calculate assembly dimensions, the optimization process is fully automated. A case study of inner hood is applied to demonstrate the proposed method. The results show that the GAOT algorithm is more suitable than SRA for generating the optimal fixture layout with excellent efficiency for engineering applications.

Fixture Layout Design and Optimization of Sheet Metal Assembly Based on Genetic Algorithm for Optimization Toolbox

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xing ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Qing Ji
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Layout Optimization ◽  
Finite Element Analyses ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Fixture Layout ◽  
Fixture Layout Optimization ◽  
Dimensional Variation

Fixture layout can affect deformation and dimensional variation of sheet metal assemblies. Conventionally, the assembly dimensions are simulated using a large number of finite element analyses, and fixture layout optimization needs significant user intervention and unaffordable iterations of finite element analyses. This paper therefore proposes a fully automated and efficient method of fixture layout optimization based on the combination of 3DCS simulation (for dimensional analyses) and GAOT, a genetic algorithm in optimization toolbox in MATLAB. The locating points, the key elements of a fixture layout, are selected from a much smaller candidate pool thanks to our proposed manufacturing constraints based filtering methods and thus the computational efficiency is greatly improved. Since MATLAB macro commands of 3DCS have been developed to calculate assembly dimensions, the optimization process is fully automated. A case study of inner hood is applied to demonstrate the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is suitable for generating the optimal fixture layout with excellent efficiency for engineering applications.

Using Symmetry to Reduce Planning Complexity: A Case Study in Sheet-Metal Production

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Hua Wang ◽  
David A. Bourne
Keyword(s):  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Assembly Planning ◽  
Product Decomposition ◽  
Metal Production ◽  
Layout Planning ◽  
Significant Percentage ◽  
Metal Parts ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts

Abstract In this paper, we present an approach to recognize symmetries of bent sheet-metal parts at different manufacturing stages. This approach is based on Waltzman’s (Waltzman, 1987) 2D symmetry detection algorithm. 3D symmetry is recognized by considering its 2D symmetry and the associated bending transformations. We show, by recognizing that the part is symmetrical, that the planning complexity for processes in sheet-metal production can be greatly reduced. This paper is motivated by the fact that a significant percentage of sheet-metal parts are symmetrical. We have studied over 200 industrial parts and over 40% of them are symmetrical. Examples from sheet-metal nesting (layout planning), bending, stacking, product decomposition and assembly planning are discussed.

An Algorithmic Approach to Streamlining Product Carbon Footprint Quantification: A Case Study on Sheet Metal Parts

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruisheng Ng ◽  
◽  
Zhiquan Yeo ◽  
Chee Wai Patrick Shi ◽  
Fatida Rugrungruang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Algorithmic Approach ◽  
Carbon Reduction ◽  
Metal Parts ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts ◽  
Reduction Strategies

Sustainable manufacturing is increasingly being recognized as the direction for technological innovation and implementation in industry. However, to measure and guide technology conceptualization, development, and deployment decisions, a quantifying indicator that is easy to understand is required. The carbon footprint (CFP) is found to be an effective indicator, as its value reflects essential elements of sustainability in manufacturing: materials, energy, and waste treatment. The existing standards provide a general framework to guide CFP quantification but lack explicit formulas for easy adoption. This paper presents an algorithmic approach that aims to granularize the emission source to streamline CFP quantification. This approach pinpoints the direct and indirect contributions and the respective task owners, decentralizes the responsibilities in data collection, and ascertains the degree of control to set realistic targets for CFP reductions. A case study is carried out in a manufacturer of sheet metal parts. Results show that indirect emissions from materials, energy, and transport collectively contribute 27% of product CFP.With the algorithmic approach, carbon reduction strategies can be formulated by setting priorities and realistic targets and then delegating to the task owners the reduction of the CFP of their respective areas. The current work establishes a base that can help companies to adopt CFP quantification and formulate carbon reduction strategies.

Simplifying the Development and Usage of Fixtures for Sheet Metal and Composite Aircraft Parts

1998 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-373
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Walczyk ◽  
Vinay Raju
Keyword(s):  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Cad Model ◽  
Cnc Machine ◽  
Inexpensive Method ◽  
Actual Case ◽  
Metal Parts ◽  
Sheet Metal Parts ◽  
Simplified Method

Based on a survey of small- to medium-sized companies that supply sheet metal parts to the major aircraft manufacturers, there is a need for a more simplified, flexible and inexpensive method to design, fabricate and register part fixtures used for CNC post forming operations (e.g., trimming, drilling). Consequently, a method has been developed that bases fixture development completely on the CAD model, eliminates the need for datum surfaces and registration features on the CNC machine workbed, and makes fixture fabrication as easy and inexpensive as possible while still maintaining high geometrical accuracy. Practical implementation of this simplified method and an actual case study are discussed. [S1087-1357(00)00102-7]

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