Designing fixturing methods

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In this video, you’ll: review design geometry, determine the appropriate fixturing method, and determine the order of operations.

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Open the file Fixturing Methods.f3d.

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Here, you see a part that can be machined using either a 3-axis or a 5-axis mill.

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If the part were to be manufactured on a 3-axis mill, it would require 4 setups to machine the part.

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But, if it is manufactured on a 5-axis mill, it can be machined in one setup.

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When working with small parts like the one in this example,

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oftentimes, the workholding needs to be changed to access all features of the part effectively.

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Navigate to the Manufacture workspace.

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Review the part and the traditional fixed vise jaw used in Setup1.

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From the Navigation Bar, select Synchronize active setup,

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and then enable both Sync visibility with active setup and Sync view with active setup.

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Now, from the Browser, expand Setup1.

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Review the toolpaths applied to the part.

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Select Setup1 again, and then, from the Toolbar, Actions panel, select Simulate.

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The Simulate dialog opens.

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From the Simulation player controls, click Play.

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Notice that along the Simulation player timeline, a marker indicates a collision where the toolholder collides with the vise jaws.

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If you wish to continue using the vise jaws, one option to avoid collision is to use long-reach tooling.

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Another is to adjust the stock to be taller.

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You could also adjust the workholding.

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Close the Simulation dialog.

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Now, from the Browser, select Setup2.

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Here, a dovetail holder with a riser is used.

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Expand Setup2 and then simulate it.

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Once the Simulate dialog opens, play the simulation.

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Even though the same toolpaths with tool holders are used, there are no longer any collisions occurring.

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All features are able to be machined due to the change in the workholding.