Jig vs Fixture
Jig and fixture are two words used commonly in a setting full of machines and machining operations. Cutting and machining are two processes that require jigs and fixtures. Many think of these tools as being the same but actually jig and fixtures not only have different applications but also uses. Yes, they are both used as tools for holding work pieces for various machining operations, but there are differences that will be talked about in this article.
Jig
The purpose of a jig is to guide the item that has to be cut while a fixture holds in place the item to be worked upon. If you wish to visualize, a drill jig is one jig that guides the bit in the desired direction to make holes at different points. Using a drill jig increases the production while saving time and obliterates the need for many other tools like centre punch, height gauge, and square scriber. There are many different types of jigs such as diameter jig, leaf jig, box jig, open jig, and so on. Jigs have to be designed keeping in mind the machining operation. In addition, the size and geometry of the work piece has to be kept in mind.
Fixture
The main purpose of a fixture is to hold the work piece during entire machining operation. It does not, however, guide the work piece towards cutting tools that are used to shape the work piece. Fixtures are secured with the table surface of the mills in most of the cases. The advantage of a fixture is that it reduces the dependence upon other tools as also the requirement to unload and load the work piece, thus helping in saving time.
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What is the difference between Jig and Fixture? • Both jig and fixture are use in machining processes to reduce non productive time and to rule out the use of other tools for the work done by jigs and fixtures. • Jig guides the work piece in machining process while fixture holds the work piece securely • Jig comes in contact with the cutting tool while fixture never comes in contact with the cutting tool • A jig is capable of doing both the jobs of guiding and holding securely the work piece while a fixture cannot perform the task done by a jig.
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