Fixture Design
We have vast experience in the design and manufacture of jigs and fixtures. These range from plastic pipe forming jigs to full poka-yoke assembly fixtures. We have manufactured simple jigs for the assembly of welded parts through to fixtures with HMI displays to monitor and display go/no-go conditions, fixtures with pneumatic or electronic locking devices, fixtures with printers and bar code readers for traceability.
Fixtures with pneumatic or hydraulic assistance to aid assembly are classed as machines due to the safety requirements when automatically moving parts are involved.
We have been designing and manufacturing jigs and fixtures for the automotive industry since 1997.
Poka-Yoke fixture
This is a very simple fixture for the detection of compression limiters in an injection moulded part.
Tie down fixture
Another simple jig to ensure the operator has made a good assembly before the part is released from the fixture.
Water Pump Fixture
This shows a fixture/machine that is used to assemble pipes onto a water pump. There are numerous clips which the fixture had to check for, if all clips were present the assembly would take place. A 2D bar code reader is used to ensure the correct pump is fitted. Once the assembly is complete a 3D bar code is printed. This is applied to the assembled part and read by another bar code reader, if all is OK the part is released from the fixture. Each step of the assembly and checking process is displayed on the HMI, a traffic light system was employed to assist the operator in the correct assembly sequence.
Nested Fixtures
There are 7 different "nests" that can be placed onto the press to enable insertion of the compression limiter. The nests are positioned using dowel pins, this makes it very quick and easy to change tools.
Clip Position Fixture
This is a very simple fixture used to enable the operator to fix the clips in the correct position as shown on the component drawing.