The Essential Guide to Using Workholding Fixtures
Learn about the unsung hero of manufacturing — Workholding Fixtures.
What is a fixture?
A fixture is a piece of manufacturing equipment that holds parts securely in place so that components can be assembled, welded, and machined to the highest precision possible.
Fixtures are important to all aspects of manufacturing, but are especially important for parts that are mass-produced and where accuracy is a must-have, not a nice-to-have, like for the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
Benefits of Workholding Fixtures
While fixtures may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your essential manufacturing toolbox, they make all the difference when you’re looking to produce a high-volume of parts with as little defect as possible.
The benefits of using workholding fixtures include the safety of your team and a better product for your customer. Other benefits include:
- Part Consistency
- Reduced Labor Costs
- Enhanced Assembly Line Safety
- Increased Accuracy
- Better Flexibility
What’s the difference between a jig and a fixture?
Jigs and fixtures are often confused with one another because they’re both workholding tools. Simply put, a jig is used to guide cutting equipment as it shapes a part. A fixture holds the part in place.
Jig
Fixture
Are there different types of fixtures?
Yes, there are as many fixtures as there are different machines and tools. That’s a lot of fixtures! And there are standard fixtures and there can be custom fixtures, too. Generally, though, fixtures are identified by the machine tools they are used with such as:
- Milling fixtures
- Lathe fixtures
- Sawing fixtures
- Grinding fixtures
- Vises
- Clamps
Fixtures in Our World
Car assembly lines rely on fixtures to ensure each car part is manufactured and assembled to the exact specifications, so the road remains safe for drivers.
Fixtures are often an important part of the inspection process. For example, electronics need quality checks to make sure circuit boards operate and are fused correctly.
Drilling machinery requires precise holes at just the right depths to ensure the drilling machines function well. Fixtures help keep drilling projects free from errors and accidents.
Precision is non-negotiable when it comes to safe and accurate medical procedures. Surgical tools use fixtures for accurate shaping and punching when the tools matter most.
Kent Machine Engineers Custom-Built Workholding Fixtures
Our fixtures are designed to keep parts secure and streamline production, reduce errors, and maximize efficiency across machining and inspection processes.
Whether you’re looking for light curtains or communication with your machine, Kent can design and build a custom fixture that will meet your requirements.
Reach out today
Call us today at 765-778-7777 or fill out our form to get started on your next project.