Jigs and fixtures have been an important part of manufacturing ever since the inception of mass production and the manufacture of interchangeable parts. Unfortunately, not very much literature is available that outlines the functions and design characteristics of general-purpose workholders despite the widespread use of these tools. Therefore much of the information has been passed down through word of mouth and on the job training. A number of years ago, the Carr Lane Manufacturing Company set about to resolve this absence of information with the publication of the reference text the "Jig and Fixture Handbook." This volume is a useful addition to any shop library and can help make your jig and fixture designs both more logical and considerably less expensive.

The text is well designed and logically laid out. The 430 pages contain virtually all the information necessary to explain the rationale behind particular designs as well as the simplest means to accomplish the workholder construction. Information about planning, designing, and constructing a range of jigs and fixtures is included. The book contains 10 individual chapters that begin with an overall introduction to jigs and fixtures and finish up with a detailed discussion of modular workholding.

The beginning chapters offer an overview of fixturing in general and how these tools are intended to assist in manufacturing. The general types and styles of jigs and fixtures are discussed as well as the basic parameters of effective and efficient tool design. A systematic and organized approach to designing jigs and fixtures is also presented and thoroughly explained. These design techniques are intended to provide a system of options and alternatives for the designer to consider at each step of the fixture design.

The handbook also addresses basic locating and clamping principles. Many of the fundamental jig and fixture concepts are introduced and fully explained. Everything from referencing and repeatability to locating and clamping guidelines are described. Even many of the common design formulas and calculations are illustrated and explained.

Sizable sections covering locating devices and clamping devices are also included as pictorial reference materials. The specific items are introduced and shown with photographs or line drawings. The function and application of each item is also explained and illustrated. Although all the items listed and described are all the components available from Carr Lane,

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Jig and Fixture Handbook

the information is quite useful for any similar component, regardless of its source. These locating devices and clamping devices sections are useful for identifying many of the components not seen very often. Likewise, once the full function of a component is understood, the designer is more likely to use these components for future tools, rather than custom building expensive specialty items.

Under Construction

The chapter on jig and fixture construction helps to describe both the wide variety of different workholder designs and the basic principle behind their construction. Standard and special-purpose tool bodies are mentioned as are the off-the-shelf components used to construct these tool bodies. Other standard components, such as hoist rings, thread inserts, fixture keys, as well as other standard items are also included within this chapter.

Another chapter includes instructions for designing and building jigs and fixtures around standard general-purpose tooling items, such as chucks and vises. A variety of specialty workholders constructed around these standard items are discussed. Tooling with chuck jaws, collets, and vise jaws are also discussed. Other specialty chapters cover drill bushings, power workholding, and modular workholding to provide a complete well-rounded study of all fixturing topics. In these chapters information is provided for both a general overview as well as detailed setup and application data. The design information included for each of these supplemental fixturing areas is sufficient for a basic level introduction to each topic.

The "Jig and Fixture Handbook" is a reference suited for the novice and experienced tool designer alike. And although the text concentrates on the Carr Lane Manufacturing Company's product line and other fixturing components, the information can be applied to the components from virtually any other manufacturer. This volume may be used as a general reference or as a textbook.