In this section, we will learn about some basic manufacturing parts, which are commonly used in the BIW fixture design. Very commonly used parts are Mylar, Pin, Blade, L Block, Pin Block, Riser, Weldment, etc.
Before we go to these parts we should know about shimming and should know how it works.
Shim is a set of thin plates (2 mm, 1mm, 0.5 mm, 0.25mm) that are used to adjust the gap or used for a better fit. Shimming can be of thickness 5mm, 8mm, or 10mm. in case no proper fitting between mylar and Panel due to manufacturing errors then this error can be removed using shims. Shims are placed in the carline position so that gap can be adjusted in the required direction like X, Y, or Z.
There are three types of shimming. These are one-way, two-way, and three-way shimming.
Number of shimming depends upon the NC cut angle and PIN angle with the car line.
If NC cut is less than 15 deg then mylar will have one-way shimming.
If NC cut is more than 15 deg in one direction then mylar will have a 2-way direction shimming
If NC has more than 15 deg angle in two directions then mylar will have 3-way directional shimming.
But in the case of pins, this case is a bit different. If the pin is on the angle with respect to the carline and that angle is more is not more than 15 deg then the pin will have 2-way directional shimming, if Pin’s angle is more than 15 deg in any direction then 3 shimming will be used.
MYLAR :
MYLAR is one kind of block that touches the panel and holds or clamps the panel. Mylars are always designed in CAR LINE. Mylar is also called NC(Numerically Controlled)Block. Mylars are mounted on any block or plate with Shimming, So that height of mylar can be adjusted accordingly at the assembly level. For ‘A’ class surfaces Nylon mylars are used. So that surface can be saved from scratches.
Shimming can be 1 directional, 2 directional, or 3 directional as per the NC cut.
PIN:
Pins are used to locking the rotational movement of the panel. Generally there two types of Pins, one is Round Pin and another one is a Diamond pin. We use two and three-directional shimming for pins as per the angle of the pin w.r.t. the carline. In some cases, we use a collared pin, when the pin is supposed to support the panel as well. For this kind of pin, we provide 3 way shimming irrespective of pin angle to the carline.
BLADE :
The plate which connects Riser to the Clamp cylinder is named Blade. This plate plays an important role in building the unit. The plate can be of any shape. But we need to keep in mind that the plate should be as compact as possible.
L BLOCK :
A plate shaped as L is called an L block. This part is used as a connection between mylar and Blade. Generally, L blocks are used to provide shimming. It is not necessary that L blocks are only used for shimming, its uses changes as per the requirements, At some places, it is used just to connect one part to another. Similar to the L block one more block is used which is in the shape of T. So this block is called a T Block.
PIN BLOCK :
Pin Block is also called Pin Retainer. This block holds the pin and restricts the rotational motion of the pin. Pin Block can be either manufactured one or Standard.
RISER :
The part which is mounted on the base plate and holds a clamp or pin cylinder on it, is called Riser. Riser can be Standard Part or manufactured part, it varies from project to project. A riser can be a Single part or welded part. Standard risers also have various shapes and sizes.
WELDMENT :
Weldment is the assembly of two or more parts that are joined by welding. To make a weldment it is the thumb rule to have a 5 mm overlay on each other plates so that space can be provided for welding. A weldment can be of any size and any number of plates.
