Automatic Determination of Work-Holding Parameters for Turned Components

Abstract
This paper describes the development of SETUP which is one of the modules of TECHTURN (1), a technologically oriented system for turned components. The SETUP module takes into account the geometrical data of the blank and the component, the technological requirements placed on the component such as surface roughness, concentricity and run-out, and the available work-holding devices for the machine on which the component is to be made. The system automatically determines the following parameters: (a) the work-holding method, that is the use of a chuck, or a chuck and centre or centres; (6) the number of setups required to complete the job; and (c) the clamping positions on the blank and component. In determining this, the system takes into consideration the different clamping devices available on the machine, and their characteristics. If more than one setup is essential, the system tries to balance the stiffnesses of the component in the different setups. This ensures that the stiffness of the component will have a minimum effect when the cutting conditions are calculated. The system can deal with cylindrical blanks as well as castings and forgings, which, often, are of complex shape. To demonstrate the working of the SETUP module, several examples are included.