Fixtuur

Fixtuur is a term used in Dutch to refer to a fixture in manufacturing and engineering. A fixtuur is a reusable device designed to locate and hold a workpiece in a defined position during operations such as machining, assembly, or inspection. Its primary purpose is to ensure repeatable accuracy and faster setup by providing stable, repeatable contact points and restraint.

A fixtuur is distinct from a jig in that it usually does not guide a cutting tool; instead, it focuses on securing and positioning the workpiece. Locating features such as dowel pins, V-blocks, or precision flats establish datum references, while clamps, stops, and restraints keep the part fixed during operation. The combination of these elements aims to minimize part variation and operator influence.

Common components include a base or mounting platform, locating elements, clamps or ties, and datum surfaces. Materials are chosen for rigidity and wear resistance, with options ranging from hardened steel to modular aluminum systems for different load and accuracy requirements. Design considerations cover rigidity, accessibility for tooling, chip clearance, clamping force, thermal effects, and compatibility with existing equipment or modular fixturing systems.

Fixturing comes in various forms, including general machining fixtures, modular or zero-point fixturing, and inspection fixtures. Applications span CNC milling and turning, drilling, welding, assembly lines, and metrology labs. While fixturing emphasizes repeatability and efficiency on the shop floor, it is closely related to the broader field of workholding and is often planned in conjunction with tooling and process workflows.