Adjustable clamps stabilize flexible parts made of plastic or rubber

Developing CMM fixtures for flexible plastic parts or thin-walled stampings has always been challenging. This is especially true if the call-out is for the part to be inspected in an unconstrained condition. In that case the parts should be positioned using the geometric minimum number of locators. The quandary is that holding a flexible part with a minimum number of locators may allow for unacceptable errors during the inspection sequence, due to part deformation caused by sag or even probing force from the CMM. FixLogix has introduced a new type of infinitely adjustable, self-wedging locators and clamps that help solve this problem.

Once a part is positioned using the geometric minimum, FixLogix locators can be positioned in strategic points on the perimeter of the part surface without applying any force that would distort the part geometry. An opposing clamp may then be used to trap the part firmly against the soft locator, thereby reducing part movement errors that may be caused by the CMM probing system.

FixLogix uses modern T-slot structures for modular CMM fixture technology. The T-slot technology also enhances building fixtures for flexible parts by providing multi-axes infinite positioning of locating components. This simplifies fixture construction by easily allowing the fixture to be “built to the part,” placing locators where they don’t interfere with data or critical part features.

The FixLogix component kit uses 1/4–20-threaded components, is cross-compatible with many other fixture systems, and is also cross-compatible with the FixLogix fixture systems for vision systems and optical comparators. The much lower cost point of the system allows for effective implementation in a variety of other coordinate metrology applications. Users of portable coordinate inspection systems such as articulating arms, white light, and laser scanners have found the fixture system to be very helpful. The system is available in English or metric versions.