Jigs & Fixtures
Jigs guide a tool; fixtures locate and hold a workpiece. D2M helps teams assess printed tooling for repeatable assembly, positioning and inspection, with material and design choices matched to the loads, contact surfaces and operating environment.
Printed production tools with handles and shaped workpiece contact features.
Application Overview
Start with the operation
Define what the tool must locate, hold or guide, and which dimensions matter to the operation. Record the workpiece datums, operator access, clamping sequence and required repeatability before choosing a manufacturing process. A checking fixture has different duties from a drilling guide or an assembly nest.
Design the working features
Review contact pressure, locating faces, clamp loads, wear and exposure to heat or chemicals. Consider replaceable contact features, threaded inserts or metal bushes where the operation needs them. Build orientation and finishing allowances matter at interfaces; the printed surface alone may not provide the required fit. Validate the completed tool with the actual part and operation.
Select a process around the requirement
FDM is a candidate for custom polymer production tooling. The F370CR is an option for reinforced-material tooling, while the Fortus 450mc provides a different material and machine route. Compare supported materials, geometry and operating requirements for the selected configuration rather than assuming that every polymer tool can replace a metal fixture.
Prepare a useful review
Bring the workpiece drawing or CAD, locating and clamping requirements, expected cycles and service conditions. D2M can use that context to review the tool design, process choice and inspection plan. For broader shop-floor handling and protection tools, continue to Manufacturing Aids.
Review Routes for Jigs & Fixtures
Hardware and material options should be reviewed against the application, operating environment, and documentation needs.
