Fixture-Design

Workholding is the bottleneck that nobody budgets for. When I walk into a shop that is struggling with deep hole drilling throughput, nine times out of ten the fixturing is the problem, not the machine. Modular fixturing systems have changed how I approach setup planning, and the numbers speak for themselves. The Case for Modular Fixturing Dedicated fixtures for deep hole drilling parts commonly cost $2,000 to $8,000 each and take four to eight weeks to manufacture. For a shop running fifty different part numbers, that investment becomes prohibitive quickly. Modular fixturing, built from standard base plates, locating towers, clamp brackets, and support elements, can cover 80% of those parts with a single system investment of $15,000 to $30,000. ...

A fixture is a custom workholding device designed for a specific part. Unlike standard chucks and steady rests, fixtures are built to match the part geometry exactly. A good fixture reduces setup time and improves consistency. I’ve designed and used fixtures for all types of deep hole drilling work. The same principles apply regardless of the part shape. Design Principles Support the part at the bore location. The most important principle. The part should be supported as close as possible to where the drill enters and exits. Unsupported span allows the part to deflect. ...