6/11/2020 Print

Supporting and Locating Principles 111

Support Placement

Describe general support placement considerations.

After selecting supports, fixture designers must determine the appropriate quantity and ideal placement.

Because of the 3-2-1 method of locating, three locators are usually placed under a workpiece, establishing a plane and also serving
as the initial support. If a workpiece is irregularly shaped, it may require more supports to stabilize it. Additionally, greater
manufacturing forces, larger workpieces, and softer workpiece material typically require more supports.

When placing supports beneath a workpiece, there are several points to consider. Supports should not disturb the location of a
workpiece or displace locators. For maximum stability and resistance, supports should be spaced as far apart as practical. Correct
support spacing also prevents interference with loading and any tilt or part distortion that could occur. If possible, support placement
should allow machining operations to be performed within the area inside of the supports. Supports should be positioned so that
clamps can be applied directly over them, if possible, to prevent part bending or distortion.

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