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Fixture Types

Fixtures are classified by the machine operation they serve. Choose the body and locating/clamping arrangement according to the process, batch size and required accuracy.

Drilling jigs

Guide the drill with hardened jig bushings that hold the tool on position. Types: template (leaf) jig, box jig, index jig, trunnion jig. Suitable for holes requiring accurate position and for multi-hole patterns.

Drill jig Vice Chuck Main fixture families

Milling fixtures

Must resist heavy interrupted cutting forces and be easy to clear of chips. Often a base plate with keyed alignment to the machine table; use strong clamps and support against the feed direction.

End mill Workpiece Strap clamp Keyed base plate Machine table
Milling fixture: keyed base plate, two strap clamps and an end mill.

Turning fixtures

Workpieces that cannot be held in a standard chuck. The fixture bolts to the chuck or faceplate; balance is critical to avoid vibration at high spindle speed.

Spindle Faceplate Workpiece Balance weight Rotation
Turning fixture: part bolted to a balanced faceplate on the spindle.

Grinding fixtures

High accuracy required; hardened and ground locating surfaces, clean coolant flow, and fine adjustment for wheel dressing and part alignment.

grinding wheel Workpiece V-block Strap clamp Magnetic chuck Coolant
Grinding fixture: V-block and clamp hold the part on a magnetic chuck.

Inspection / assembly fixtures

Hold parts on datum surfaces for gauging or assembly. Usually aluminium or hardened steel, low clamping force, high positional accuracy.

Dial indicator Part Locating pin Support
Inspection fixture: part on support pads and locating pins under a dial indicator.

Selection Criteria

  • Process: drilling, milling, turning, grinding or inspection.
  • Batch size: quick-acting clamps and jigs for large batches; simple fixtures for prototypes.
  • Required accuracy: match locator and bushing fits to the tolerance.
  • Part size and shape: choose body (cast iron, weldment or aluminium plate).
  • Chip and coolant handling: keep locating surfaces clear.
  • Machine table and spindle: mounting interface (T-slots, faceplate, ISO flange).

Fixture Elements

  • Body — rigid frame that carries all elements.
  • Locating elements — support pins, plates, V-blocks, pins.
  • Clamping elements — screws, straps, toggles, cams.
  • Guiding elements — drill bushings, boring bars.
  • Alignment elements — keys, pins for machine-table alignment.
Note on modular systems For quick setup and frequent changeovers, consider standard modular fixture systems (T-slot based or dowel-pin based). They reduce design and manufacturing time for short runs.