Jigs & Fixtures using 3D Printing

Maximizing production efficiency and productivity is a key concern for manufacturers. Jigs and fixtures are manufacturing aids used to increase the reliability, accuracy and quality of the manufacturing process, whilst minimizing production cycle times and improving worker safety. Fundamentally, the purpose of jigs, fixtures and manufacturing aids is to provide an accurate, repeatable and interchangeable manufacturing process, whilst reducing production time and human error.

JIG

The jig is used for guiding the cutting tool (like a drill bit), and for doing so, jigs have components like a bush, which comes in contact with the cutting tool. 

FIXTURE

Fixtures assure the position and alignment of the work pieces for getting the required machining operation done.


BREAKING THE CUSTOM - Jigs & Fixtures using 3D Printing

The manufacturing of these components till now has been a hectic task involving precise assembling of the heavy sub -components. But now, the industry is progressing towards a smarter way to process these parts. Using 3D printing for these components has its own benefits like cost efficiency, more precision, ergonomic designs etc.

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing materials have advanced significantly, and there are a number of functional resins well suited to 3D printing jigs and fixtures. Manufacturers around the world have used these materials to replace metal fixtures in automated machining operations, electronics assembly lines, foundries, and other production facilities.

3D Printed jig for a drill guide and fixture for BMW 


KEY MOTIVES FOR USING 3D PRINTING FOR JIGS & FIXTURES

1.     Complex Designs

One of the best benefits of 3D printing for all its applications is the freedom of design complexities. 3D printing opens endless opportunities for tool configurations and all those conventional design limitations are no longer relevant when designing parts for FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling).

2. Consolidation

Longer lead duration and expensiveness associated with assembly operations is eliminated due to the complexity offered with additive manufacturing. The interchangeability offered provides ease of setting up the machining tools.

3.  Weight Reduction

Another important advantage found in 3D printed jigs and fixtures is weight reduction. Additive manufacturing has delivered significantly lighter tools to production workers involved in assembly and fixture work. Strong plastics are an excellent alternative to conventional metal cutting processes.

4.    Increased Production

All of the above listed advantages lead us to an increased productivity of machining operations with high precision.




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