Jigs And Fixtures: Definition, Types And Applications

Jigs and Fixtures are two critical instruments used widely for precise manufacturing and quality inspection of parts. Often we are confused between the two. Let’s learn about the differences between jigs and Fixtures in this article.

At the end of the article there will be a link to download the jigs and Fixtures PDF for your future reference.

Why Jigs and Fixtures are used?

Both jigs and fixtures are used to hold, locate, and support a workpiece. But why do we really need jigs and fixtures? The manufacturing industry is rapidly growing, and the demand for getting parts quickly and precisely is haunting manufactures.

Maintaining the same quality of all production parts is getting very difficult. That’s where jig and fixtures came to the rescue. Whenever there is a need for repeatability and interchangeability of parts in the mass production system, Jigs and fixtures are the most economical way to ensure precise and quality parts.

The quality of jigs and fixtures defines the quality of parts and processes. Jigs and fixtures also ensure that all parts are manufactured considering the same amount of tolerance, and the part can be easily fitted even in the worst-case scenario.

Definition Of Jig

Jigs are devices or instruments used for holding, locating, guiding, and supporting a workpiece in any certain operation. In addition to that, jigs are also used to guide the tool movement. So jigs are doing a dual job there.

In other words, jigs guide both the tool and the workpiece in any specified manufacturing operation. The main purpose of the jig is to maintain repeatability, interchangeability, and the overall quality of a part. An example of a jig would be drill jig, which guides to make holes at the desired location.

jIgs and fixtures
  • Jigs are used for uni-directional machine process like drilling, boring, etc.
  • Jigs have relatively less weight and quite complex design
  • Jigs are not attached to machine beds unless it is a large operation

Types of Jig

Although every company make their own jigs based on the specified manufacturing operation but below are the common types of jigs widely used.

  • Plate Jig
  • Box jig
  • Closed jig
  • Sandwich jig
  • Angle plate Jig
  • Channel jig
  • Pump jig
  • Leaf jig
  • Ring jig

Definition Of Fixture

Fixtures are an instrument that is used for holding, locating, and guiding a workpiece in a certain manufacturing process. The fixture does not guide tool movement. Fixtures are used to hold and locate the workpiece in the proper position for the operation.

jigs and fixtures
  • Fixtures are used for multidimensional machines like milling, grinding, etc.
  • Fixtures are usually simple in design.
  • Fixtures are attached to machine beds.
  • Gauge blocks are used for effective handling.

Types of fixtures

Here are the types of fixtures widely used

  • Plate fixture
  • Angle plate fixture
  • Indexing fixture
  • Profile fixture
  • Vise jaw fixture
  • Multi-station fixture

Difference between Jigs and Fixture

The basic difference between jigs and Fixtures is that jig guides the tool, but a fixture does not. However, both jigs and fixtures guide, support, and locate the workpiece.

The jig has components like a bush that comes in contact with the tool but in the case of fixture, there is no contact with the tool.

Both jigs and fixtures use the 3-2-1 rule to constrain a workpiece properly. 3-2-1 rule is basically locking all degrees of freedom so that the workpiece can not move in any direction.

JigFixture
Guides the toolDoes not guide the tool
Comes in contact with the toolNo contact with the tool
Jigs are lightweightFixtures are heavyweight
Design is complexDesign is simple
Gauge blocks are not requiredGauge block may be required
Clamping to the table is not requiredDue to heavyweight, clamping with a table is required
Jigs are costlyFixtures are cheap

Design Consideration Of Jigs And Fixtures

Following key aspect we should consider before designing any jigs and fixture

  • A proper study of the workpiece
  • A detailed study of the tool
  • How the clamping arrangement should be made
  • Loading and unloading of the workpiece
  • Tolerance and precision allowed in the workpiece
  • Machine bed size
  • Machine capacity
  • Power source requirement
  • Clearance between different components
  • Cost

Advantages Of Jigs And Fixtures

  • Jigs can set the tool position at the correct location. So you will get precise parts every time.
  • Jigs eliminate the repeated marking, measuring, and setting up workpiece for any operation.
  • There is minimal variability in dimension when jigs are used, So less rejection rate.
  • Less variability in part dimension ensures faster cycle time
  • Operational parameters like the speed of the tool, the feed can be controlled easily.
  • Reduce operator’s fatigues as they don’t need to inspect every part.
  • Semi-skilled workers can be deployed more.
  • No need to check each part for quality. Check based on a batch is enough.

Disadvantages Of Jigs And Fixtures

  • Each specific operation need separate fixtures
  • The initial setup cost is high
  • High precision machines are required to build jigs and fixtures

Material For Jigs And Fixtures

Following are the materials widely used in jigs and fixtures

  • Stainless steel
  • Grey cast iron
  • Hardened steel
  • Plastic
  • Allow steel

Conclusion

I hope your confusion is now clear. You now got a clear idea about the differences between jigs and fixtures. If you still have any questions, write to me in the comment section, and I will be happy to help.

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Rajib
Rajib

A 2004 batch Mechanical Engineering graduate From NIT, Agartala. Close to 16 years of experience in the field of consumer electronics and appliances domain as a Sr. Design Engineer and Team Leader in India and the United States. A GD&T practitioner, with expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Crazy about exploring CAD-CAM tools and in his free time love to go for a ride with his champ, Rian.

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