Machining fixture layout optimisation using genetic algorithm and artificial neural network

Genetic algorithm (GA) is proven to be a useful technique in solving optimization problems in engineering. Fixture design has a large solution space and requires a search tool to find the best design. Few researchers have used the GAs for fixture design and fixture layout problems. Either separately (Kulankara et al 2002) or along with FEM, GA has been used for fixture layout and clamping force optimization problems (Kaya (2006), Chen et al (2008), Siva Kumar and Paulraj (2011), Prabhakaran et al (2007)).