Information modeling for fixture design

To investigate better employment of variant approach in design of fixtures, a systematic method for representation of parts with the associated manufacturing conditions and available fixtures is required. This representation also provides the necessary backbone for integrating various methods used in different phases of fixture design, thus, allows better collaboration between different researchers focusing on these phases. This paper identifies the information scope required for such representation with respect to design and manufacturing. Two example case studies are presented in detail to demonstrate the value of this information in fixture design. The method developed has the advantage of giving a flexible range of solutions instead of specifications applicable to a single fixture.