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Fixture Simulation
with VGSTUDIO MAX
Do you have a deformed part and want to know if it would still be in tolerance after assembly? The Fixture Simulation module enables you to virtually simulate the assembled state of the part and directly apply the classical metrology workflow to these results, reducing scrap and eliminating the cost of physical clamping devices.
Fixture Simulation Features
Fixture Simulation of a Deformed, Non-rigid Part
- Simulate the fixturing of a deformed, non-rigid part within minutes
- Save time and money: no custom-made fixture gear required
- All you need is the CT scan of the force-free part and the related CAD model
- Define the fixture conditions and perform a fixture simulation directly in VGSTUDIO MAX
- Obtain a surface mesh of the simulated part
- Apply your established metrology workflow to the surface mesh of the simulated part in the virtually fixtured state
- Requires no simulation expertise
Defining the Fixture Conditions
- Defining the fixture conditions is as easy as drawing ROIs in VGSTUDIO MAX
- Mark the contact areas that would touch the fixture device on the CAD model or on the CT scan, using ROIs (blue)
- Lock or unlock degrees of freedom for the most realistic simulation (modeling of contact slip)
- The part will be clamped at the contact areas, while the rest of the object will deform according to a finite element simulation
Quality Assurance of the Virtually Fixtured Part
- The virtually fixtured part is available as high-resolution surface mesh
- Perform QA tasks on it like on a native scan
- Apply the full range of VGSTUDIO MAX metrology features and analyses to qualify the simulated part
- If required, export the resulting high-resolution surface mesh as STL mesh for further analysis in third-party software
How It Works
- A point-to-point correlation between CT scan and CAD model is the basis of the finite element simulation and will be established automatically
- The correlation is only relevant at the contact areas, where the part will be virtually clamped to the corresponding CAD surfaces by means of predefined displacement boundary conditions
- The rest of the part will deform according to the physical laws of elasticity
Benefits
Simulation and Compatibility
- Simulates how deformed parts will fit and function in assembly
- You can apply the full range of VGSTUDIO MAX metrology features directly to the simulated surface
Efficiency and Accessibility
- Time and cost savings: eliminates the need for custom physical clamping devices
- Simple requirements: only a CT scan and a CAD model are needed
- No expertise required: user-friendly, no specialized simulation knowledge needed
Technical Advantages
- Users can define the fixture conditions directly in the software
- Provides a high-resolution surface mesh as output for quality assurance
- Allows you to export the simulated part as high-resolution surface mesh for further analysis