What are jigs & Fixtures?
Jigs and Fixture are the part of Milling tools. Jigs is used on metal, plastic, rubber
aluminum or other material for tapping ,drilling, boring in milling process and CNC machining. Whereas Fixtures fixture are used to hold materials as programmed for precision work like shaping, molding,
turning. In metal and woodwork, jigs and fixtures are both essential tools.
The main purpose of the jig is to provide repetition, interchangeability, and accuracy in the manufacturing process of the products. The main purpose of fixtures is to ensure that the workpiece is stable and does not move when the machine starts operation.
Advantages of Jigs & Fixtures
Advantages of jigs and fixtures that they can help in increase productivity by eliminating the manual rechecking ,marking and repetition process during manufacturing. It reduces the operation time and increases productivity.
Jigs and fixtures can be used to hold metal pieces in place during welding, ensuring that they are aligned and that the correct amount of heat is applied.
Jigs can be used to hold and position parts during assembly, making it easier and faster to put together complex products.
Fixtures can be used to hold parts in place during inspection, allowing for accurate and consistent measurements. Jigs and fixtures help to reduce errors, increase efficiency, and improve the quality of manufactured products.
Jigs & Fixtures Installation Area
A well-organized and equipped jigs and fixtures work area contributes to improved manufacturing efficiency, accuracy, and repeatability. It allows for the streamlined production of components or products, reducing errors and enhancing productivity.
Before setting up jigs and fixture area or location there are few points need to be decided. These are :
Purpose: The primary purpose of a jigs and fixtures work area is to develop and maintain jigs and fixtures that assist in repetitive manufacturing tasks, such as drilling, cutting, shaping, or assembly operations.
Design and Construction: The work area should be designed to accommodate the size, weight, and complexity of the jigs and fixtures being developed. It may include workbenches, tool storage, specialized equipment like drill presses or milling machines, and adequate lighting and ventilation.
Usage of Fixtures in Manufacturing
The use of fixtures has two fold benefits. It eliminates individual marking, positioning and frequent checking before machining operation starts, thereby resulting in considerable saving in set-up time. In addition, the usage of work holding devices saves operator labor through simplifying locating and clamping tasks and makes possible the replacement of skilled workforce with semiskilled labor, hence effecting substantial saving in labor cost which also translates into enhanced production rate. Furthermore, the use of well-structured fixtures with higher locating and clamping rigidity would allow for increase in cutting speeds and feeds, thereby reducing tm, hence improving production rate. Besides improving the productivity in terms of the rate of production, there are also other benefits accrued through the use of fixture.
CAD Design Model of Complete Fixture Assembly
Figure shows the existing CAD model of fixture which is used for machining of hydraulic lift housing.
Machine Type:(VMC) Vertical machining center is used to perform operation on hydraulic lift housing. The machining is to done on the upper surface of the workpiece. VMC provides the features and performance needed making it the best investment we’ve ever considered, and providing more utility, flexibility, and productivity.