Estimation of setup time for machined parts: accounting for work-holding constraints using a vise

For machined parts, setup time is a major component ofthe total time required to manufacture a machined part from
a stock. If the number of setups and hence setup time can be
reduced, this will not only decrease the manufacturing time,
but will also ensure better machining accuracy, require fewer
work-holding devices and increase machine usage time.
To achieve any improvement in setup time, rst we need
to estimate the setup time accurately. In this paper we pro-
pose a methodology to estimate the setup time for machin-
ing prismatic parts in a three axis vertical machining center.
We concurrently consider three major factors for estimating
the number of setups, namely|the precedence constraints
among machining operations, the feasibility of work holding
using vise clamping, and the availability of datum faces for
locating the workpiece on the machine table during machin-
ing on a 3 axis vertical machining center.