Digital Twin-Based Clamping Sequence Analysis and Optimization for Improved Geometric Quality
Journal article, 2024

Geometric deviation associated with the assembly of sheet metal is a general concern for manufacturers. The typical assembly step involves a sequence of events that exert forces on the parts to enforce them to the nominal condition and to connect the parts together. The simulation and optimization of the assembly steps often neglect the sequence of operations due to the problem and computation complexity. This paper investigates the influence of the clamping sequence in the body-in-white (BIW) manufacturing process on the geometrical quality of the assembly. An approach for modeling clamping sequences for non-rigid variation simulation is introduced in a digital twin context, taking the part deviation into consideration. An optimization method is proposed to achieve minimum geometric deviation after clamping the parts and welding them together. The method is successfully applied on two reference assemblies, and the results show that the sequence of clamping can impact the total geometric deviation up to 31%. Combining clamping and welding sequence optimization can enhance the quality improvement to 77% after releasing the assembly from the fixture and springback.

geometric quality

clamping sequence

digital twin

optimization

Author

Roham Sadeghi Tabar

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Product Development

Hanchen Zheng

Mercedes Benz

Frank Litwa

Mercedes Benz

Kristin Paetzold-Byhain

Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)

Lars Lindkvist

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Product Development

Kristina Wärmefjord

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Product Development

Rikard Söderberg

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Product Development

Applied Sciences

20763417 (eISSN)

Vol. 14 2 510-

Digital quality assurance for sustainable industry

VINNOVA (2021-01854), 2021-07-01 -- 2024-06-30.

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Other Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing, Surface and Joining Technology

Areas of Advance

Production

DOI

10.3390/app14020510

More information

Latest update

5/24/2024