Mechatronic approach to the development of an intelligent fixturing device test-bed

In order to improve the process of designing mechatronic devices, an approach, based on a mechatronic model, is proposed. The structure of such model is presented, consisting of partial models of single elements in a system. Methods of creating these models and integrating them into one mechatronic model are discussed. In order to illustrate the approach, a case study is shown, consisting of a mechatronic alignment and fixing device for high-precision machine tools. A test bed of such device is under construction, which will allow experimental verifying partial models of components, as well as the entire system's mechatronic model. An extended set of monitoring sensors will provide accurate system behaviour data useful for such process.