Using CBR to develop a VR-based integrated system for machining fixture design

Purpose - A fixture is a special tool used to accurately and stably locate the workpiece during machining process. Proper fixture design improves the quality and production of parts and also facilitates the interchangeability of parts, which is prevalent in much of modern manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to combine the rule-based reasoning (RBR) and case-based reasoning (CBR) method for machining fixture design in a virtual reality (VR) based integrated system. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, an approach combining the RBR and fuzzy comprehensive judgment method is proposed for reasoning suitable locating features and clamping features. Based on the reasoning results, a CBR method for machining fixture design is then presented. Findings - The paper finds that the proposed system is an efficient tool for machining fixture design. Practical implications - The proposed system enables the designers to perform fixture design with automated fixture locating method reasoning and make a new fixturing solution quickly by referencing previous design cases. Originality/value - A VR application for machining fixture design is presented.