Automated discrete-pin adjustment for reconfigurable moulding machine

作者：Wang Y^*; Wang Z; Gindy N; Tang R; Gu X J

来源：International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 2010, 23(3): 229-236.

DOI：10.1080/09511920903527853

• discrete pin tooling
• reconfigurable moulding
• automated pin adjustment

To stay competitive, the moulding industry must possess manufacturing systems that are responsive to rapid market changes. Reconfigurable moulding is therefore much in demand. After the development of a vacuum forming machine, in which the pins are configured to a near-net shape and machined to final shape with minimal material removal, this paper discusses in detail the support software development that enables the automatic adjustment of discrete-pins to represent different component geometry. In this paper, the methodology is first explained, and the implementation of the system within the software is then demonstrated. The software system includes three parts: (1) component discretisation, (2) discrete-pin construction, adjustment, and G code generation (SCAG) and (3) display and verification. Vacuum forming of a car model is used as case study.

• 出版日期2010