Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The application of the simulated annealing method and heuristic algorithms in the selection of fixture elements

  • Published:
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper deals with the selection of suitable fixture element combinations and fixture allocation for a workpiece to allow for the different positions of the fixturing points, which are already given based on related theories. The advanced modelling extension (AME) of AutoCAD R12 was used as the 3D graphic interface. The function suitable for the AME environment was also controlled to obtain detailed data of the workpiece.

First of all, the concept of group technology (GT) was used to categorise and encode the modular fixture elements with similar functions for cutting purposes. Next, the AME was combined with API (application programming interface) and Autolisp to establish the graphic illustration system for fixture elements. Then different heuristic algorithms for fixture element selection were developed to correspond to different requirements in fixture functions. The required fixture elements were then selected with the help of the simulated annealing calculation method to derive a suitable and economical number of fixture element combinations. The height of the fixture element combination derived may not match the height of the fixture point originally located. The workpiece shape also affects the allocated position of the fixture elements. Therefore, a number of heuristic algorithms were developed in this study to process all the factors involved and to obtain a desirable selection for fixture elements.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Halder Modular Jig and Fixture System 70, Erwin Halder KG, West-Germany, August, 1985.

  2. Shin Yi, Lin, “Application of Modular Fixture”, Mechanical Industry, No. 10, pp. 116–120, 1987.

  3. B. Bartholomew, O. Nagji, S. Alladin and P. Lyu, “A framework for a rule-based expert fixturing system for face milling planar surfaces on a CAD system using flexible fixtures”,Journal of Manufacturing Systems,7 (3), pp. 193–207, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  4. M. V. Gandhi and B. S. Thompson, “Automated design of modular fixtures for flexible manufacturing systems”,5 (4), pp. 243–252, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  5. J. G. Trappey and C. R. Liu, “A literature survey of fixture-design automatiom”,International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology,5 (3), pp. 240–255, August 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  6. S. Huang and A. J. C. Trappey, “The integration of modular fixture database, fixturing knowledge base and 3-D fixture planning interface”,Computers and Industrial Engineering,23 (1–4), pp. 381–384, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  7. L. S.-B. King, “Theoretical approach for generating optimal fixturing location for prismatic workparts in automated assembly”,Journal of Manufacturing Systems,12 (5), pp. 409–416, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  8. N. Metropolis, A. Rosenbluth, M. Rosenbluth, A. Teller and E. Teller, “Equations of state calculations by fast computing machine”,Journal of Chemical Physics,21, pp. 1087–1091, 1953.

    Google Scholar 

  9. S. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Gelatt Jr and M. P. Vecchi, “Optimization by simulated annealing”,Science,220 (4598), pp. 671–680, May, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  10. C. Sechen,VLSI Placement and Grobal Routing Using Simulated Annealing, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tung Nan Junior College of Technology, Taipei County, Taiwan

    Jen-Ching Huang

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan Institute of Technology, 43 Keelung Road, Section 4, 10772, Taipei, Taiwan

    Zone-Ching Lin

Authors
  1. Zone-Ching Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jen-Ching Huang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lin, ZC., Huang, JC. The application of the simulated annealing method and heuristic algorithms in the selection of fixture elements. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 13, 191–205 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01305871

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01305871

Keywords

Search

Navigation