Table of Contents
What are Jigs and Fixtures?
Jigs and fixtures are the devices which are used to increase productivity and accuracy in machining process. In general, we use the terms ‘Jig’ and ‘Fixture’ interchangeably for each other but, in reality they are both different terms and used for different applications.
Let’s discuss the device Jig and the device fixture separately.
What is a Jig?
A Jig is a mechanical device which holds and guides the cutting tool. Hence, productivity and accuracy both get increased.
Types of Jigs
- Trunnion
- Indexing
- Angle plate
- Leaf
- Box
- Ring
- Channel
- Diameter
- Plate
- Template
What is a fixture?
A Fixture is a mechanical device which holds and locates workpiece. It does not guide the tool.
Types of Fixtures
- Profile
- Multi station
- Indexing
- Vise Jaw
- Angle plate
- plate
Benefits of using jigs and fixtures
- They make machining operation safe
- They reduce setting time
- They partially automate the machining process
- They reduce overall cost of machining
- They increase machining quality
- They reduce requirement of skilled labour
- They improve interchangeability
- They reduce nonproductive hours
- They reduce inspection and quality control cost
- They increase productivity
- They make is easy to machine complex and heavy parts
- They increase repeatability in manufacturing process
Differences between jigs and fixtures
| Sr. No. | Fixtures | Jigs |
| 1 | They are heavier in construction | They are lighter in construction |
| 2 | Gauge blocks can be provided for higher accuracy | No such need |
| 3 | They are generally used for slotting and milling operations | They are generally used for hole making operations |
| 4 | They are mounted on work table | They are not mounted on work table |
| 5 | They are work holding devices | They are tool holding devices |
| 6 | No such obligation | They are generally used in unidimensional operation |
| 7 | No such need | They use Bushes |
| 8 | They are relatively cheaper | They are relatively costly |
| 9 | Their designing is relatively complex | They are relatively less complex in designing |
Image Source: By Nelatan – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4847930