Table of Contents
What are Jigs and Fixtures?
Jigs and fixtures are the devices used for holding workpieces usually in a mass production line. But there is some difference between Jig and Fixture.
These devices are used to manufacture the same parts or duplicate parts accurately. They are special purpose tools used for mass production. They are designed such that a semi-skilled operator can use them easily.
More details about Design considerations for Jig and Fixtures are given in the link.
Now we will see the difference between Jigs and Fixtures.
What are Jigs?
Jigs are the work holding devices that hold, supports, and locate the workpiece and guide the cutting tool/ tools to perform one or more specific operations. In other words, it can be defined as the device used to hold and guide the cutting tool.
The main purpose of the jig is to provide accuracy, interchangeability, and repeatability in the manufacturing process. Hence, a device that does both the functions (hold the workpiece and guide the cutting tool) is called a Jig. An example of a jig is shown below.
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| Jig and Fixture |
Important Points about Jigs
- Jigs are used in uni-dimensional machining processes like drilling, tapping, reaming, etc.
- Jigs are not fixed to the machine table unless and until large operations are to be performed.
- Generally, they are lighter, complex and the cost is high.
What are Fixtures?
Fixtures are the work holding devices that hold, supports, and locate the workpiece but do not guide the cutting tool to perform a specific operation. In other words, Fixtures are the devices that only hold, supports, and locate the workpiece in the desired position.
The main purpose of fixtures is to hold and locate the workpiece during machining operation and to provide accuracy, interchangeability, and repeatability.
A jig differs from a fixture in a way that it guides the tool to its correct position in addition to locating and supporting the workpiece.
Important Points about Fixtures
- Fixtures are used in multi-dimensional machining processes like milling, grinding, boring, turning, etc.
- Fixtures are fixed to the machine table.
- Generally, they are heavy in weight and have a simple design.
Difference between Jig and Fixture
- The main difference between jig and fixture is that jig is used to control the location or motion of another tool whereas fixture is used to hold the workpiece in its place.
- Jigs guide the cutting tools whereas fixtures do not guide the cutting tools.
- Jigs are usually lighter in weight than Fixtures.
- Jigs are costlier than fixtures.
- Jigs are not always fixed to the machine table however fixtures are always fixed to the machine table.
- Jigs are more complex in design than fixtures.
- Another important difference between jig and fixture to note is that Jigs are used in uni-dimensional machining processes and fixtures are used in multidimensional machining processes.
- Jigs are widely used on drilling machines while fixtures are widely used on milling, grinding, shaping machines.
- Jigs are particularly used in drilling, tapping, reaming, and boring operations whereas fixtures are used in milling, grinding, and shaping operations.
- Jigs are easy to use and hence less skilled operator is required whereas fixtures can be complicated and may require a skilled operator.
The difference between Jig and Fixture is explained below in the tabular form.
| Jigs | Fixtures |
| It is a work-holding device that holds, supports, and locates the workpiece and guides the cutting tool for the specific operation. | It is a work-holding device that holds, supports, and locates the workpiece for a specific operation but does not guide the cutting tool. |
| Jigs are not clamped to the drill press tables unless and until large diameters to be drilled and there is a necessity to move the jig to bring one each bush directly under the drill. | The fixture should be securely clamped to the machine table upon which the machining is to be done. |
| The jigs are special tools particularly in drilling, tapping, reaming, and boring operations. | Fixtures are specific tools used particularly in milling, grinding, shaping, and slotting machines. |
| Jigs guide the cutting tools. | Fixtures do not guide the cutting tools. |
| Lighter in weight. | Heavier in weight |
| Costlier than fixtures. | Cheaper than Jigs. |
| Jigs are not fixed to the machine table unless and until large operations are to be performed. | Fixtures are fixed to the machine table. |
| Complex in design. | Simple in design. |
| Jigs are used in uni-dimensional machining processes like drilling, tapping, reaming, etc. | Fixtures are used in multi-dimensional machining processes like milling, grinding, boring, turning, etc. |
| Gauge blocks are not necessary. | Gauge blocks may be provided for effective handling. |
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