Workholding

General Manufacturing Processes Engr.-20.2710

Instructor - Sam Chiappone


GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Workholding Devices
Holding or clamping the workpiece is an important
factor in the manufacturing process. Parts are clamped,
relative to their datum planes, for machining,
assembly, welding, and inspection. Workholding
devices range from simple vises to microprocessor
controlled fixturing systems.
A correct fixture will assist in achieving desired part
tolerances time after time.
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Basic Functions
Two basic functions of a workholding device:
Locate - Refers to positioning a part with respect to its
datum(s) for manufacturing purposes
Clamp - Refers to holding the part for manufacturing
purposes
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

321 Fixturing Method
One of the basic fixturing methods is the 3-2-1
system. This method cancels the twelve degrees
of freedom of a part and positions it in three
perpendicular planes.
X axis =+, -, CW, CCW
Y axis =+, -, CW, CCW
Z axis =+, -, CW, CCW
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

3-2-1 Set Up
(3) Three points establish base plane
(2)Two points establish vertical plane for
reference
(1) One point in third plane positively locates part
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

3-2-1 Set Up
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

3-2-1 Set Up
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Types
Four basic types of workholding devices include:
Standard
J ig
Fixture
Modular fixturing systems
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
Vises
Clamps
3,4,or 6 J aw Chucks
Collets
Magnetic & Vacuum Chucks
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Standard
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

J ig
Is a special device that through built in features
automatically determines location dimensions for
machining or assembly. A jig can assist in
guiding tools and will clamp the workpiece.
Examples include:
Plate, Diameter, Channel, Leaf, Ring, and Box
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

J ig
1
2
6 4
5
3
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

J ig
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Fixture
A device which clamps work during machining.
Usually designed for a specific part or family of
parts. The primary purpose of a fixture is to
clamp the workpiece.
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Fixture
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Modular Fixturing Systems
General purpose components ( clamps, build-up
blocks, locating pins, angle plates, etc.) which are
assembled into specific fixturing arrangements for
a specific job. All components are reusable.
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Modular Fixturing Systems
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Design Criteria
GMP-20.271
Chiappone
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Economical Considerations for
Special Fixtures
Cost of tooling
Savings in machine set-up time
Number of units which will be produced using the
fixture
Overall savings
Reduced cycle times
Improved quality
Reduced operator interaction