Top 10 Fixture Brand & Manufacturers

What is a Fixture?

A fixture is a device used in manufacturing and machining processes to hold, support, and locate a workpiece in a precise and repeatable position. It provides a stable and accurate setup for operations such as cutting, drilling, milling, welding, and inspection. Fixtures are designed to ensure that the workpiece is held firmly and in the correct orientation to achieve the desired dimensional accuracy and quality of the finished product.

History of Fixture

The use of fixtures dates back to the early days of mass production and the development of interchangeable parts. As manufacturing processes became more complex and the need for precision increased, the importance of fixtures grew. In the early industrial era, simple wooden or metal jigs and fixtures were used to guide tools and hold workpieces. With the advancement of machining technology, materials science, and automation, fixtures have evolved into highly specialized and precise devices. They are now an integral part of modern manufacturing systems, enabling high - volume production with consistent quality.

Purpose of Fixture

• Precision Machining: In machining operations such as milling and drilling, fixtures ensure that the workpiece is held in a fixed position relative to the cutting tool. This allows for accurate and repeatable cuts, resulting in parts with precise dimensions and tight tolerances. For example, in the production of engine components, fixtures are used to hold the block in the correct position for boring cylinder holes to exact specifications.
• Welding and Assembly: In welding processes, fixtures hold the parts to be joined in the proper alignment. This is crucial for creating strong and accurate welds. In assembly operations, fixtures help in positioning components precisely, ensuring that they fit together correctly and function as intended. For instance, in the assembly of an automotive frame, fixtures are used to hold the different frame members in place during the welding and assembly process.
• Inspection and Quality Control: Fixtures are also used in inspection processes to hold the workpiece in a consistent position for measurement and quality checks. They provide a reference surface and a stable base, allowing for accurate dimensional and geometric inspections. This helps in ensuring that the finished products meet the required quality standards.

Principle of Fixture

• Location and Positioning: Fixtures use a combination of locating features such as pins, holes, slots, and surfaces to position the workpiece accurately. The workpiece is placed against these reference features, which determine its position in three - dimensional space. For example, a cylindrical workpiece may be located using a center hole and a flat surface on the fixture to ensure concentricity and proper orientation.
• Clamping: Once the workpiece is located, it is clamped in place using mechanical clamps, screws, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. The clamping force is applied to hold the workpiece firmly against the locating features, preventing movement during the manufacturing operation. The clamping force should be sufficient to withstand the forces exerted by the machining or assembly process without deforming the workpiece.

Features of Fixture

• Precision and Repeatability: High - quality fixtures are designed to provide a high level of precision in positioning the workpiece. They can achieve repeatable setups, meaning that each time a workpiece is placed in the fixture, it is held in the exact same position. This is essential for mass - production processes where consistent quality is required.
• Versatility: Fixtures can be designed to accommodate different workpiece shapes, sizes, and types. Some fixtures have adjustable or modular components that can be reconfigured to handle a variety of parts. For example, a fixture for machining different - sized rectangular parts may have adjustable locators and clamps to fit various dimensions.
• Stability and Rigidity: A good fixture is rigid and stable to withstand the forces generated during manufacturing operations. It is usually made of materials such as steel, aluminum, or cast iron with sufficient strength and stiffness. The stability of the fixture helps to minimize vibrations, which can affect the accuracy of machining and the quality of the finished product.
• Integration with Automation: In modern manufacturing, fixtures are often designed to be integrated with automated production systems. They can be equipped with features such as automatic clamping and unclamping, part - loading and - unloading mechanisms, and interfaces for communication with programmable controllers. This enables seamless integration into automated manufacturing cells and production lines.[!--empirenews.page--]

Types of Fixture

• Drilling Fixture: These fixtures are specifically designed for drilling operations. They have holes or bushings to guide the drill bit and hold the workpiece in a position that ensures accurate hole placement. Drilling fixtures can be simple plate - like structures for small - scale work or more complex setups with multiple locators and clamps for high - volume production.
• Milling Fixture: Milling fixtures are used to hold the workpiece during milling operations. They provide a stable base and accurate positioning for the workpiece to allow for precise milling of complex shapes and surfaces. Milling fixtures often have features such as T - slots for attaching the workpiece and adjustable stops for controlling the milling depth.
• Welding Fixture: Welding fixtures are designed to hold the parts to be welded in the correct position and orientation. They can have clamps and locators that are adjustable to fit different part geometries. Some welding fixtures also have features to protect the workpiece from heat distortion and to provide access for the welding torch or electrode.
• Inspection Fixture: Inspection fixtures are used to hold the workpiece during quality - control inspections. They provide a reference for measuring dimensions, geometric tolerances, and surface finishes. Inspection fixtures can be equipped with precision - measuring instruments such as dial indicators and gauges to ensure accurate inspection results.

Precautions for using Fixture

• Proper Loading and Unloading: When loading the workpiece into the fixture, ensure that it is placed correctly against the locating features. Avoid forcing the workpiece into the fixture, as this can damage the locating pins or surfaces. During unloading, be careful not to loosen or misalign the fixture components.
• Clamping Force Adjustment: Set the clamping force according to the requirements of the manufacturing operation and the characteristics of the workpiece. Too much force can cause deformation or damage to the workpiece, while too little force may result in movement during the operation. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for clamping force adjustment.
• Regular Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly inspect the fixture for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. Check the locating features, clamps, and any moving parts for proper function. Clean the fixture regularly to remove chips, debris, and cutting fluids that can affect its performance. Lubricate the moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation.

Things to consider when purchasing Fixture

• Workpiece Characteristics: Consider the shape, size, material, and production volume of the workpieces you will be using with the fixture. The fixture should be designed to hold and position these workpieces accurately and efficiently. For example, if you are machining small, delicate parts, you may need a fixture with gentle clamping mechanisms.
• Manufacturing Process Requirements: Think about the specific manufacturing operations such as machining, welding, or inspection that the fixture will be used for. Different processes have different requirements in terms of accuracy, force resistance, and access to the workpiece. Choose a fixture that is tailored to the needs of your manufacturing process.
• Precision and Tolerance Requirements: Determine the level of precision and tolerance that your products require. Look for a fixture that can meet these requirements. Consider the fixture's design, the quality of its locating and clamping components, and any certifications or standards it meets for precision and repeatability.
• Cost and Long - Term Viability: Evaluate the cost of the fixture, including the initial purchase price, any additional accessories or customization costs, and the long - term maintenance and repair costs. A more expensive fixture with better quality and durability may be a more cost - effective option in the long run. Consider the availability of replacement parts and technical support from the manufacturer.

Terms of Fixture

• Locating Feature: A part of the fixture such as a pin, hole, slot, or surface that is used to position the workpiece accurately in three - dimensional space. Locating features are crucial for ensuring the repeatability and precision of the setup.
• Clamping Mechanism: The part of the fixture that applies force to hold the workpiece firmly against the locating features. Clamping mechanisms can be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or a combination of these, depending on the requirements of the fixture.
• Tolerance: The allowable variation in the dimensions or position of a workpiece or a fixture component. The fixture design should take into account the required tolerances to ensure that the workpieces are produced within the specified quality limits.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Repeatability: The ability of the fixture to position the workpiece in the same exact position each time it is used. High - repeatability fixtures are essential for mass - production processes to ensure consistent product quality.