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Special & Automated Tooling

Fixtures engineered for automation and high productivity: CNC fixtures, automated clamping, flexible modular systems, pallet and workpiece handling, robotic workholding and assembly fixtures that run with minimal manual intervention.

1CNC Fixture Design

CNC fixtures must accommodate multiple operations in one setup, allow tool access, and minimize setup changes.

  • Locate for all operations in one setup; minimize re-clamping
  • Open design for tool clearance — avoid tool interference
  • Use datum features that match the CNC program coordinate system
  • Consider pallet changers and automatic tool setters
tool access CNC fixture — one setup, open tool clearance
CNC fixtures reduce setup time by 50-80% compared to conventional fixturing for the same part.

2Automated Clamping Systems

Hydraulic, pneumatic and electric clamping with solenoid valves, pressure switches and sequence controllers keeps loading and clamping automatic and repeatable.

  • Hydraulic power units (2-20 MPa) for high-force clamping
  • Pneumatic (0.4-0.8 MPa) for light to medium duty
  • Electric/hybrid servo clamps for programmable force control
  • Sequence interlocks prevent tool crash if clamp is not engaged
P sequence controller power clamp — valve, pressure switch, interlock
Always include a pressure switch to confirm clamp force before cutting starts.

3Flexible & Modular Fixtures

Flexible fixtures use reconfigurable elements for family-of-parts production.

  • Modular grid plates with movable locators and clamps
  • Phase-change (granular) fixturing for complex freeform surfaces
  • Pin-array conformable fixtures for thin sheet metal
  • Programmable hydraulic/pneumatic clamping for part families
modular grid plate — locators and clamps reposition

4Pallet & Workpiece Handling Systems

Pallet systems allow loading/unloading one part while another is being machined.

  • Manual pallet changers for small to medium batches
  • Automatic pallet changers (APC) for high-volume production
  • Pallet-pool systems with 6-20+ pallets for unattended running
  • Cone + flat + pin locating for 0.005 mm repeatability
  • RFID or code reader for pallet identification and part tracking
RFID pallet change — cone + flat + pin, RFID tracking

5Robotic Workholding

Robotic cells use grippers, vises and fixtures with automatic load/unload.

  • Robot gripper design: parallel, angular, three-jaw, or custom
  • Quick-change jaw systems for mixed-model production
  • Force/torque sensors for gentle handling of fragile parts
  • Vision-guided part pickup from bins or conveyors
  • Compliance (passive or active) to accommodate part position variation
robot gripper — quick-change jaws, force sensing

6Assembly Fixtures

Assembly fixtures hold components in correct relative position for joining.

  • Datum features match the assembly reference system
  • Floating and compensating locators for stacked tolerances
  • Clamps must not obstruct welding, riveting, or screwdriving tools
  • Quick-release mechanisms for high cycle rates
  • Include sensors for part-present and clamp-confirm signals
assembly fixture — floating locator, clamps, sensors

Selection Guide for Automated Workholding

ApplicationRecommended systemKey consideration
High-volume 1 partDedicated power clamp fixtureMaximum rigidity, shortest cycle
Family of partsModular grid + programmable clampsQuick changeover, flexibility
Large thin partsVacuum + hydraulic supportsPrevent distortion, even hold
Small precision partsElectric servo + gripperForce control, gentle handling
Unattended machiningPallet pool + APC + RFIDReliability, chip management
AssemblyFloating fixture + sensorsPosition accuracy, part presence