6. Summary and Conclusions

In this paper, we have described a means for achieving the goal of rapid gripper and fixture tooling in support of agile manufacturing through the use of rapid prototyping technology. An overview of the methodology was presented, and initial experimental results were discussed. The possibility of generating multipurpose gripper fingers has been examined, as well as that of compensating for uncertainties in part locations. The success of this concept will have significant consequences for manufacturing in general, and agile manufacturing in particular.

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