Fixture (tool)

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A fixture is a tool of the manufacturing industry used in mass production. Fixtures are used to hold objects in place and clamp them to machines or operating surfaces, so that the object can be machined or assembled.

Fixtures differ from jigs, in that the fixture holds the workpiece in one place while a tool or cutter is moved in relation to it. A jig guides the tool along a path defined by the shape of the jig. The jig may also hold the tool during this operation.

The purposes of jigs and fixtures are widespread however when used in mass production they have five key aspects.

• Reduce the cost of production
• Maintain consistent quality
• Speed production
• Prevent or reduce improper techniques
• Improve the overall safety to the part, operator, and machine.

[edit] See also

• Kinematic coupling
• Degrees of freedom (engineering)