Synthesis of Reconfigurable-Fixture Support Configurations for Thin-Walled Objects

This paper proposes a methodology for the synthesis of fixture-support configurations for thin-walled objects, whose surfaces are defined in parametric-polynomial form within CAD systems and which are subject to deformations due to external forces during manufacturing. The specific problem addressed is the optimal placement of discretized 3D support walls underneath a given object, minimizing deformations measured at selected points on the surface.