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The job was to make
modifications to 4 separate parts.
There were 700+ pieces of
each part. |
I
determined that by assembling 3 of
the parts I could then simply
fixture one assembly and modify 3
parts in one setup.
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The block in the picture
provides both a reference point
and support to the assembly while
machining.
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Here you can
see the assembled parts located
on the fixture ready to be
clamped. |
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Here is a view with the air
cylinders activated clamping the
part . |
I used air
cylinders with an integral return
spring to simplify the plumbing.
One air cylinder would have
provided sufficient clamping force
for the machining operation, but
it was more cost effective to use
2 air cylinders instead of having
to machine a cross member to clamp
the part.
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Instant tube fittings and
inexpensive 1/4" OD tubing
make quick connections to the
machines M-Function controlled
solenoid air valves.
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Here is a close up
showing the clamped parts after
modification. |
The machines
M-Function programmable air blast
was used to clear all the chips
while the table was being moved to
the parts change location.
After a short delay allowing the
part to be removed, another blast
of air clears any chips off the
top of the fixture. Another time
saving step resulting in faster
cycle times and reduced labor.
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A view of the bulkhead
fittings and table fixture plate
which allow quick fixture
changeover. |
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The
fourth part was easy to fixture
using the stainless pins shown
in the picture to the right.
Because of the relatively low
number of parts I was able to
simply use an aluminum fixture
without fear of fixture wear
causing any problems. |
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Several pieces of
resilient rubber were used to
ensure that adequate pressure was
exerted onto each of the 80 parts
on the fixture. |
Socket head
cap screws were used in the tie
bars and they were tightened with
a torque sensing power tool to not
only speed parts change over but
to ensure equal force from each
screw.
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A close
up of the parts on the fixture
and the tie bars. |
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