- Completely flexible and reconfigurable fixturing of complex shaped workpieces with magnetorheological fluids
COOP-CT-2006-032818
The main objective of the MAFFIX project is the development of a completely flexible, reconfigurable and reusable workholding system capable of locating, clamping and supporting firmly any type of component independently of its shape, material and structural stiffness while several machining operations or other manufacturing related operations are exerted on it. For achieving such objective a new type of fixture based on magnetorheological (MR) fluids will be developed.
Time to market: this project will deliver a prototype of the flexible fixture system that is expected to be fully commercialised within one year after project completion. During this period the system will require further work involving comprehensive field-testing and production engineering of the system to satisfy cost, performance and quality criteria in full-scale production of the device. The 3 fixture manufacturers involved in the MAFFIX project will take the responsibility to market the system all over Europe, increasing European aerospace SMEs’ competitiveness.