In manufacturing, there are many different types of equipment that are used to create products. Two of the most common pieces of equipment are jigs and fixtures. While they may look similar, there is a big difference between these two tools. In this blog post, we will discuss what each tool is used for, and how they differ from each other. We will also provide some examples to help illustrate these concepts. By understanding the differences between these tools, you can choose the right one for your needs.
What is Jig?
Jig tools are one of the most versatile categories of woodworking tools. Jigs can be used for tasks such as routing, drilling, and even sawing. Jigs consist of a base, which is usually made from plywood or MDF, and a variety of interchangeable parts.
- This allows them to be customized for a wide range of tasks. Jigs are an essential part of many woodworking projects, and they can save a lot of time and effort in the shop. Jigs can be bought ready-made, or they can be homemade.
- Making your own jigs is a great way to add flexibility to your woodworking shop. Jigs are an essential part of many woodworking projects, and they can save a lot of time and effort in the shop. Jigs can be bought ready-made, or they can be homemade.
- Making your own jigs is a great way to add flexibility to your woodworking shop. Jigs are an essential part of many woodworking projects, and they can save you a lot of time and effort in the shop. Jigs can be bought ready-made, or you can make them yourself.
Making your own jigs is a great way to add flexibility to your woodworking shop. If you’re new to woodworking, or if you’re looking for some new ideas, check out our collection of jig plans. We’ve got everything from simple jigs that you can make in an afternoon to complex multi-function jigs that will take your shop to the next level.
What is Fixture?
Fixture tool is a device that helps to support and locate the workpiece in the correct position during various machining operations such as drilling, reaming, and milling. Fixture tools are generally dedicated to a specific operation or family of operations and are not easily adaptable to other tasks. This can lead to increased setup times and reduced productivity when machining complex parts with multiple features.
However, advances in fixture design and manufacturing technologies have greatly reduced these drawbacks, making fixtures an essential part of modern production. Fixture tooling is typically used in applications where high accuracy and repeatability are required. Common examples include automotive components, aerospace parts, and medical devices.
Difference between Jig and Fixture
Jigs and fixtures are both tools used in manufacturing, but there are some important distinctions between the two. Jigs are typically used to hold a workpiece in place during a machining operation, such as drilling or milling. Fixtures, on the other hand, are generally used to support the workpiece during a shaping or assembly operation.
Jigs can be complex, expensive, and specific to a certain operation, while fixtures are usually simpler and more versatile. As a result, jigs are more often used in high-precision applications, while fixtures are more commonly used in mass production. Despite their differences, jigs and fixtures both play an important role in manufacturing.
Conclusion
The terms jig and fixture are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. A jig is a tool that helps you to hold or guide your workpiece in the correct position while you’re working on it. A fixture, on the other hand, is something that permanently holds the workpiece in place. Jigs can be used for both metalworking and woodworking, while fixtures are typically only used for metalworking.
