Audel Automated Machines and Toolmaking
Chapter One
Jigs and Fixtures
Jigs and fixtures are devices used to facilitate production work,
making interchangeable pieces of work possible at a savings in
cost of production. Both terms are frequently used incorrectly in
shops. A jig is a guiding device and a fixture a holding device.
Jigs and fixtures are used to locate and hold the work that is to
be machined. These devices are provided with attachments for
guiding, setting, and supporting the tools in such a manner that all
the workpieces produced in a given jig or fixture will be exactly
alike in every way.
The employment of unskilled labor is possible when jigs and fixtures
can be used in production work. The repetitive layout and
setup (which are time-consuming activities and require considerable
skill) are eliminated. Also, the use of these devices can result in
such a degree of accuracy that workpieces can be assembled with a
minimum amount of fitting.
A jig or fixture can be designed for a par ... read full excerpt from Audel (TM) Automated Machines and Toolmaking ebook
