Types of CNC Fixture
Types of CNC fixtures are specialized workholding devices designed to secure workpieces with precision during machining operations. These include mechanical clamps for manual setups, hydraulic/pneumatic fixtures for automated production, and modular systems for flexible configurations. Specialized variants like magnetic fixtures handle ferrous materials without obstruction, while vacuum fixtures are ideal for delicate composites.
Types of CNC Fixture Classification |
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| Classification Basis | Fixture Type | Core Function | Application Scenario | Key Features | Common Materials |
| By Structure | Plate Fixture | Standardized base plate for multi-workpiece fixation | Mass production of small parts | Quick positioning, modular | Alloy steel, aluminum |
| Box Fixture | Enclosed structure for multi-surface clamping | Complex part multi-process machining | High rigidity, anti-vibration | Cast iron, welded steel | |
| Indexing Fixture | Rotary indexing for multi-angle machining | Circumferential feature machining | Precision turntable (±0.01mm repeatability) | Hardened steel, bronze bearings | |
| By Clamping Method | Mechanical Clamp | Manual clamping via screws/cams | Prototyping, small batches | Low cost, flexible adjustment | Medium carbon steel, stainless |
| Hydraulic Fixture | Oil-pressure driven clamping | High-volume production | Stable force, fast response | Alloy steel, seals | |
| Pneumatic Fixture | Compressed air actuation | High-speed light part machining | Clean energy, fast cycling | Aluminum, engineering plastics | |
| Magnetic Fixture | Electromagnetic/permanent magnetic chuck | Ferromagnetic thin sheets | Unobstructed machining surface | Coils, neodymium magnets | |
| Special Function | Vacuum Fixture | Negative pressure adsorption | Non-magnetic thin-wall parts (e.g., CFRP) | Even force distribution, anti-deformation | Polymer sealing surface |
| Modular Fixture | Configurable standard components | High-mix low-volume | Reconfigurable, reusable | Alloy steel, anodized aluminum | |
| Contour Fixture | Custom cavity matching workpiece geometry | Irregular part positioning | Custom-designed | 3D printed resin, low-melt alloy | |
| Automated | Robotic EoAT (End of Arm Tooling) | Robotic arm-integrated clamping system | Flexible manufacturing lines | Smart sensors, quick change | Carbon fiber, titanium |
| Zero-Point Clamping System | Standardized interface for instant changeover | Rapid product switching | ≤0.005mm repeatability | Hardened steel, ceramic coating | |
| Industry-Specific | Lathe Fixture | Specialized for rotational part clamping | Shaft/disc turning | Dynamic balance design | Ductile iron, bronze |
| 5-Axis Fixture | Multi-angle toolpath clearance | Complex surface machining | Low interference, lightweight | Aerospace aluminum, composites | |
| Inspection Fixture | Precision locating for quality control | CMM measurement | Defined datums, vibration-proof | Granite, stainless steel | |
Key Notes:
Hydraulic vs Pneumatic Selection:
- Hydraulic: >5-ton clamping force (heavy cutting)
- Pneumatic: >0.5s/cycle (300+ parts/hour)
Zero-Point System Advantages:
- Changeover time reduced from 30min to 30s
- Machine utilization increased by 40%
Industry-Specific Recommendations:
- Automotive: Hydraulic + modular system
- Aerospace: Vacuum + contour base
- Medical: Ceramic-coated anti-contamination fixtures
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