Metal Jigs and Fixtures
3D Printed Metal Jigs and Fixtures: What You Need to Know
When you’re working on a project that involves metal, whether it’s a new part for your car or the latest production from your business, you need tools and jigs that will help you with the job. Metalworking is an incredibly technical field, so using the right tools to increase efficiency and accuracy is essential. Even if you don’t work directly with metal every day, there are going to be times when having access to jigs, fixtures and other metalworking tooling is extremely helpful. Whether you have some ideas for custom jigs that would make your production process more streamlined or ready-to-go versions of these fixtures from a manufacturer like Grainger that can get you started on your next project faster than if you simply did everything from scratch...you need to know what’s out there in terms of 3D printed metal jigs and fixtures. Let’s take a look at what they are and why they are useful:
What is a Jig?
A jig is a tool used to hold or position parts while they are being manufactured or assembled. They are often clamped or bolted to tables or used as fixtures that are attached to machines like CNC mills and lathes. Some jigs can also be used to help position or hold parts during other manufacturing processes, like when they are being painted or put together. Jigs can be made of many different materials, but metal jigs are often the best choice for heavier pieces or pieces that will be used in a production setting. Jigs can be very simple and have just one clamp or just a few clamps to hold a single part. They can also be quite complex and involve multiple pieces that interlock with each other and are used to hold multiple parts simultaneously. Jigs can be designed by engineers or machinists to hold parts for inspection, for assembling components together, or for use in manufacturing processes like drilling, milling, grinding, or assembly.
Why Use 3D Printed Metal Jigs and Fixtures?
Metalworking is an incredibly technical field and making sure the tools you use are durable and accurate is essential. When you’re working with thousands of dollars in materials or parts and need to be able to rely on your tooling, you want to make sure it’s made to last. Many of the fixtures that are used in metalworking are manufactured in large quantities and are often very expensive. If you are working on a project where you just need a couple of these fixtures, purchasing them can be cost-prohibitive. With 3D printing you can create fixtures or jigs to meet the exact specifications you need to complete the job. You can create jigs that are more durable and accurate than many of the jigs that are available off-the-shelf. And, you can create them at a fraction of the cost.
3D Printed Metal Tools and Jigs You Should Know
- 3D Printed Inspection Jigs - These are fixtures used for inspecting parts after a variety of manufacturing processes have been completed. 3D printed inspection jigs can be used to determine whether a part is ready for a new operation, for example, whether it is ready for coating or assembly.
These fixtures are designed to hold parts in a specific orientation and position so that they can be inspected for flaws and defects, be measured, or be sampled and tested, before they are moved to the next process in the line. Inspection jigs are often very simple, just a few clamps that hold parts in position, ready for a human eye or a machine to inspect them.
- 3D Printed Assembly Jigs - Assembly jigs are fixtures that are used to hold parts together while they are being assembled. They can be used in a variety of contexts, including by machine operators, engineers, or even by production facilities that use automated assembly and robotics. 3D printed assembly jigs are often used when a part is complicated or requires a specific orientation. Assembly jigs are designed to hold parts in the correct orientation and position so that they can be assembled by hand or by machinery.
They can be used in a variety of assembly processes, including spot welding, gluing, and tack and autocratic welding.
- 3D Printed Machining Jigs - Machining jigs are fixtures that are designed to hold parts in the correct position during the manufacturing process. They can be used with CNC mills and lathes, as well as 3D printers that use laser-cutting heads.
Machining jigs are designed for each specific part, so the engineer designing the jig must know the geometry of the part. They are made of material that can withstand the forces used to machine metal and often use clamps to hold the part in place.
3D Printed Metal Inspection Jigs
These are fixtures that are used to hold parts during the inspection process. They can be used in the same ways as 3D printed inspection jigs, but they are designed to hold the part in the correct orientation so that it can be inspected by a machine or a human eye.
Inspection fixtures are often created as 3D printed items because they don’t need to hold the part in a specific position for very long, just long enough for a computer to collect data about it or for a human eye to inspect it for defects.
These fixtures are designed to hold the part in its correct orientation so that it can be inspected for flaws and defects, be measured, or be sampled and tested, before it is moved to the next process in the line.
Wrap-up
These are just a few of the many uses for 3D printed jigs and fixtures. If you are working with metal, it can be incredibly helpful to have access to these fixtures that are designed to help you make accurate measurements, complete complicated tasks like assembling a part, or hold a part in the correct position for inspection or assembly. Having access to these ready-to-use tools can make your job easier and help you get the results you’re after in less time than if you were working with tools that are simply clamped together or designed from scratch. If you are working with metal, it may be worth looking into 3D printed metal tools and jigs to see if there is something that will help you get the job done quicker and more accurately.
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