Research of Static Stiffness of Flexible Fixtures for Y-Type Fork Parts

Modern machining centers with broad technological capabilities require the development of flexible fixtures that ensure one-setup machining with high-performance cutting modes and maximum tool accessibility. It is especially crucial for multiproduct and batch manufacturing. The article experimentally proves the scientific approach based on the machining Y-type forks using fixtures with incomplete locating and clamping on unmachined surfaces in one setup, which ensures machining accuracy. The research presents an improved fixture configuration and theoretical substantiation. The experimental studies of the stress-strain state in the static mode were performed. The obtained values of stresses and displacements proved the advantages of the proposed approach. It was experimentally proven for the first time that the design of the improved fixture for machining Y-type forks provides the necessary machining accuracy under static load and, simultaneously, has a margin of accuracy that exceeds the value of deformations by 1.2…2.3 times. Theoretically and experimentally, it has been proven that the scientific approach to designing fixtures with incomplete locating allows the specified machining accuracy to be obtained while ensuring the necessary stable position exclusively by clamping forces.