Print this page Jigs and Fixtures for Automation
John Andrew, P.E.
Course Outline
This 5-PDH course describes the design and use of typical jigs and fixtures. In general terms, fixtures hold parts firmly while being machined or assembled, and jigs guide or position cutting tools.
Varying amounts of human activity are required for the practical implementation of automated systems.
Major topics of this course are:
- Automation
- Locating
- Drill Jigs
- Clamping
- Machining
- Fixture Vendors
- Fixture Economics
The course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course the student will:
- See 18 essential elements of an automated factory, graphically depicted;
- Examine semi-automated machining centers;
- Study typical machining jigs and fixtures;
- Understand the purpose of fixture drawings as applied to manufacturing;
- Focus on the challenges to designing jigs and fixtures;
- Review state of the art automation applications;
- Compare manual and automated fixtures;
- Calculate metal removal rates for free machining steels;
- Find metal cutting forces;
- 10 Determine machine tool power requirements;
- Estimate clamping force distortions;
- Examine typical automated fixtures;
- See illustrations of automatic screwdrivers and vibrating bowel feeders;
- Calculate the pay-back period of manual and powered fixtures; and
- Obtain several web links to automation related home pages.
Intended Audience
The information will be especially useful to students, entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators who want to review some of the most important elements of typical industrial jigs and fixtures in use today in the United States.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will be able to plan and design appropriate and cost saving industrial jigs and fixtures for varying numbers of parts to be manufactured.
Course
Introduction
It is likely that Swiss watch makers originated the use of fixtures many years ago. Labor and cost saving jigs and fixtures are used today in manual and automated numerically controlled (N/C) machine tools.
Course
Content
You need to download and study the following spreadsheet:
Jigs and Fixtures for Automation
DISCLAMER:
"This spreadsheet is provided for illustrative teaching purpose only, and
is not intended for use in any specific project. Anyone making use of theinformation
contained in this spreadsheet does so at his/her own risk and assumes any and
all resulting liability arising therefrom."
Course Summary
A brief and to the point summary of automation as applied to jigs and fixtures is provided in these notes that will provide information that can be used to plan automated and semi-automated assembly and machine cells.
Related Links
Advanced Automation provides, designs, manufactures, and integrates custom automation systems at: http://www.aautomation.com/
Information about pick and place grippers can be obtained from: www.phdinc.com.
Fanuc Industrial Robots can be found at:http://www.fanuc.co.jp/en/product/robot/index.html
See www.automationdirect.com for information about event driven control systems.
For information about the Human-Machine-Interface shown above see www.rousselet-robatel.com
Information about laser sensors and vision systems can be found at: http://world.keyence.com
More vibrating bowel part feeders at: www.designtoolinc.com
The United States Patent and Trademark Office Home Page at www.uspto.gov Provides links to information about all aspects pertaining to invention patents.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
