What are jigs
and Fixtures? 
Jigs and fixtures are types of tooling used to guide tools and hold workpieces during manufacturing processes. A variety of manufacturing processes, such as drilling and welding services regularly benefit from this tooling
Both standard and custom-made jigs and fixtures are available to do this. Well-made jigs and fixtures promote consistent quality of work, cost-effectiveness and increased productivity, so ensuring your jigs and fixtures are created to specification and high standards is essential.
What are Jigs and Fixtures?
Jigs and fixtures are tools that play two distinct roles in the manufacturing process.
A jig is a tool used to guide cutting tools, whilst a fixture holds workpieces in place during manufacturing procedures.
Jigs are typically used where using CNC machinery is not feasible. On the other hand, fixtures can be used with CNC machinery or handheld tooling to secure workpieces during the cutting process.
Both jigs and fixtures play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and consistency in machining operations. This streamlines processes to make production more efficient and end products a higher quality.
Jigs and fixtures can be used across product batches for repeatable results.
Benefits of Using Jigs and Fixtures
By using high-quality jigs and fixtures in manufacturing processes, production can improve in a number of ways, such as improved accuracy and precision, increased productivity, enhanced safety and cost efficiency.
Jigs and fixtures play a crucial role in ensuring that your manufacturing processes run smoothly and efficiently. With the use of jigs and fixtures, you can achieve a higher level of accuracy in your production, resulting in fewer errors and rework. This not only saves you time but also increases the overall quality of your products.
Additionally, these tools can help you streamline your operations, leading to increased productivity and reduced lead times.
Template Jig
This type of jig consists of a simple plate with predefined holes that act as a guide for your drill. By aligning the drill with these template holes, accurate holes in a workpiece can be created quickly and easily.
Template jigs are particularly useful for repetitive tasks where multiple identical holes need to be drilled.
Plate Jig
A plate jig incorporates drill bushes on the template for maintaining precise spacing on large parts.
The drill bushes on the template help guide the drill bit, ensuring that each hole is drilled at the correct angle and depth. This not only saves time but also improves the overall quality of the finished product.
Channel Jig
With its channel-like cross-section, the workpiece is securely fitted within the jig and located using a knob, ensuring a stable and precise setup. The tool is then guided through a drill bush.
The channel jig provides a reliable solution for repetitive drilling tasks, allowing you to achieve consistent results with minimal effort.
Diameter Jig
Diameter jigs are used for creating radial holes while holding cylindrical or spherical workpieces.
This jigs utilises a fixed V-block, clamping plate, and drill bush to hold the workpiece during drilling.
The diameter jig provides the necessary support and guidance for the drill to create clean and straight holes at the desired diameter.
Leaf Jig
A leaf jig features a hinged leaf or plate for easy loading and unloading of your workpiece during drilling tasks.
Buttons on the jig are used for accurate location of the workpiece, while the set screws securely clamp it in place for stable drilling operations.
Ring Jig
The ring jig is designed to securely hold circular flanged workpieces in place. By clamping the part on the drill body, it can be easily positioned for the drilling of multiple holes with ease.
Box Jig
This type of jig features a box-like construction with buttons that help locate the component easily.
Once clamped, drill bushes in the box jig guide the tool for precise drilling operations.
To clamp the workpiece, a cam handle is rotated; this provides both clamping and locating functions in one simple tool.
Drilling Jigs
The above are all examples of drilling jigs – a type of jig used to hold the workpiece and guide drills during drilling operations.
Drilling is a type of cutting process used to create cylindrical holes in a workpiece using a rotating cutting tool.
Boring Jigs
Similarly to a drilling jig, a boring jig is specially designed for use in boring operations.
Boring operations involve enlarging an existing hole in a workpiece, achieved on a boring machine. Again, the jig holds and guides the tooling.
Common Types
of Fixtures
Like jigs, fixtures are manufactured as standard or bespoke pieces to aid manufacturing processes.
Common fixture types include:
- Turning fixtures
- Milling fixtures
- Grinding fixtures
- Welding fixtures
Turning Fixtures
Turning fixtures hold irregularly shaped components in place while they undergo turning processes.
These fixtures are used to improve stability by providing a stable base, reducing vibrations and movement that can compromise the accuracy of the machining; they also minimise overhang, reducing the risk of deflection and ensuring precise cuts; and ensure secure clamping, preventing any slippage or shifting during the turning operation.
Milling Fixtures
Milling fixtures are specialised for milling operations, positioning and securing workpieces in place on a milling machine table.
Like a turning fixture, they’re designed to improve stability, reduce vibration, and provide a secure hold on workpieces.
These fixtures can be custom-made to accommodate specific workpiece shapes and sizes, ensuring that the milling process is carried out with precision and efficiency.
Grinding Fixtures
Similarly, fixtures are available for grinding operations.
Grinding fixtures can come in various forms, such as chucks (including magnetic chucks), mandrels, and more, depending on the specific requirements of the grinding process. Just like milling fixtures, they play a vital role in ensuring precision and accuracy in the grinding process.
Welding Fixtures
In order to prevent distortions and ensure stability when welding, welding fixtures are available.
Welding fixtures are specifically designed to withstand the stresses and heat generated during welding, ensuring that the components are properly aligned and held securely in place during this operation.
By using welding fixtures, accurate welds can be achieved with reduced risk of errors or defects in the final product. Additionally, welding fixtures help improve efficiency by allowing for quicker and more consistent welding setups.
Designing and Manufacturing Jigs and Fixtures
Where new tooling is needed for a project, jigs and fixtures must be carefully designed and manufactured in accordance with the specifications of their application.
Manufacturers will work closely with a client to determine the requirements for the new tooling. Some considerations include the orientation of the tool; its flexibility across different operations; location and alignment on machinery; handling; and its material.
Typically, materials such as steel or aluminium are selected for their durability and effectiveness in jigs and fixtures.
Custom vs Standard Jigs and Fixtures
Customised tooling offers tailored solutions that cater to specific production needs, while standard options provide a more universal approach for general applications. Both custom and standard jigs and fixtures are available.
Custom jigs and fixtures are ideal for unique or intricate tasks that require precise alignment and support. They can be designed with specific dimensions, shapes, and features to optimise efficiency and accuracy. On the other hand, standard jigs and fixtures are readily available and cost-effective for common operations that do not require specialised tools.
RCT Manufacturing provides in-house jig and fixture making. We make getting your hands on custom tooling for machining and fabrication processes easy, manufacturing tooling to high standards for top performance.
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