Jigs and Fixtures are widely used tools in production to support various machining operations such as drilling, boring, turning and milling, etc. Therefore they help in controlling part quality and increase productivity.
In this article, we will discuss what are Jigs and Fixture? Difference between jig vs fixture and their advantages? We suggest you also read this article on Lean Manufacturing: A way to reduce waste
What is a Jig: Definition
A Jig is a manufacturing tool that supports & locates the workpiece and guides the cutting tool during the manufacturing operation.
In other words, A jig improves the repeatability, accuracy, and productivity of manufactured parts by holding the workpiece and guiding the tool.
For example, a drilling jig holds the workpiece and guides the drill bit. In this way, the drilling jig eliminates the need to mark holes in the workpiece during the manufacturing operation.
Types of Jig?
Here is the list of different types of jigs used in the manufacturing industry.
- Template Jigs
- Angle Plate Jig
- Plate Jig
- Box Jig
- Leaf Jig
- Indexing Jig
- Ring Jig etc.
What is a Fixture ?
A fixture is a manufacturing tool that holds, supports, and locates a workpiece on a machine at the required location. It reduces workpiece set-up time and improves part quality.
Therefore, fixtures precisely locate the part on the machine to reduce machine idle time & operator efforts and increase productivity.
Fixtures have a wide range of applications during manufacturing and assembly operations. As shown above, PCB fixtures locate the PCB for programming and testing through test points. These fixtures reduce setup time and increase productivity.
Compared to a jig, a fixture does not guide the cutting tool. A part Machining fixture only locates the component.
Types of Fixture
We can classify a fixture according to the type of machining operation and holding mechanism.
Type of Fixture according to machining operation
- Milling Fixtures
- Turning Fixtures
- Drilling Fixtures
- Boring Fixtures
- Grinding Fixtures
Type of Fixture according to holding Mechanism
- Manual fixture
- Hydraulic fixture
- Magnetic fixture
- Vacuum fixture
- Pneumatic fixture
- Electric fixture
Advantages of Jigs and Fixtures
Here are the advantages of using jigs and fixtures in manufacturing and assembly operations:
Increased Productivity
Jigs and fixtures eliminate the need for repeated workpiece alignment on machines. As a result, machine idle time reduces, and productivity increases.
Reduced Manufacturing Cost
Jigs and fixtures reduce product manufacturing costs by increasing productivity and improving quality.
Improved Product Quality
Jigs and fixtures reduce the need to fix and locate parts manually on machines. Therefore manufactured part quality improves.
Material used for Manufacturing Jig and Fixture
The material selection for jig and fixture depends on the application and production requirements. For example, engineers recommend soft materials (Derlin, Nylon, or aluminum) to hold glossy finish parts because hard fixture materials can damage them.
Engineers recommend hardened material for drilling jigs because a drill bit can damage a Jig or fixture during the drilling operation. We can use the following materials to manufacture jigs and fixtures.
- High-Speed Steel
- Cast Iron
- Hard Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Carbide Steel
- Mild Steel
- Hardened Aluminum
- Plastics : Derlin / Nylon / PC
- Bronze
Jig vs Fixture : What is The Difference
Here is the list of differences between jigs and fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions : FAQ
Compared to a jig, a fixture does not guide the cutting tool. A part Machining fixture only locates the component.
A Jig is used to support, locate the workpiece and guide the cutting tool whereas a fixture supports the workpiece.
- A fixture wear out with time.
- High initial cost
Jig bush is used to guide the cutting tool in a jig.
We will keep updating more details on the difference between jigs and fixtures. Add your comments, suggestions, or questions on Jigs vs Fixtures in the comment box.
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