FLEXOMAT

Actuators are applied to ensure the adaptability of the tooling to different part, which can be positioned flexibly. Contact to the part is ensured by vacuum suction cups, which are attached to the actuators. Beside classic suction cups, also special form cups are applied, which can be used for complicated geometries or as reference points for the positioning of the part. Within the actuators sensors are integrated which help to monitor the milling process and counteract possible process deviations.
A major difference to existing solutions is the strong integration with process specific software packages. A context-based process model simplifies communication between manufacturing and engineering departments. Another software package optimizes the positioning of the actuators based on the CAD-data of the specific part. Furthermore, using and FEM-based simulation developed at the FIBRE, the variation of process induced stresses during the milling as well as the forces acting at the suction cups is simulated. This simulation allows the user to harmonize the design of the part, the milling process and the clamping tool with each other…read more