Fixture Layout Optimization in Wood Industry: A Case Study

In the wood industry, workpieces are commonly processed using machines equipped with movable bars and suction cups that serve as fixtures to stabilize the workpiece and reduce vibrations during machining. Optimizing the layout of these fixtures is essential to ensure both stability and high production quality. In collaboration with a manufacturing company, we propose a declarative approach to fixture layout optimization based on Constraint Programming (CP). Our method automatically generates fixture configurations that guarantee workpiece stability while adhering to geometric, safety, and resource constraints. The model is implemented in MiniZinc to offer flexibility and compatibility with various solving technologies. Empirical evaluations on a real-world case study prove that our approach significantly improves both the quality and usability of the company’s existing software tool.