Magnetorheological fluids workpiece holding apparatus and method

摘要

A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device (10) as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological fluid work contacting medium (112) to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces (130) for precision machining or measuring operations. The apparatus or device comprises a perforated fixture (118) into which the workpiece (130) is placed in a desired position and orientation. The perforated fixture (118) and positioned workpiece (130) are placed in an open cell (12) containing a magnetorheological fluid (112) which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece (130). A magnet (16) then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid (112) to increase the viscosity thereof and to solidify the fluid around the workpiece (130) with a uniform clamping pressure, securing the workpiece (130) in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations.