Custom Fixture Design for Manufacturing
A Process Can be Made Faster and Less Expensive by Using a Custom Fixture
Custom fixture design will help you to get the most from your process improvement efforts, if you understand this key concept and how it relates to your efficiency goals. A fixture is the most fundamental physical device that facilitates automation—in effect, it’s any mechanical part or assembly that may or may not use custom electronics to manage a manufacturing process with minimal human input.
Custom fixture design can be a simple, one-process item, or it can be more complex. In many cases, a process can be made faster and less expensive through use of a single custom fixture. Other times, the equipment manager can capture a synergistic effect by implementing multiple fixture designs that work together. And, these can be rolled out gradually, so they prove ROI at each step.
These include:
Use of a single fixture does not necessarily mean you’ve completely converted a process into a hands-free, fully automated one. That being the case, many important engineering considerations go into each example of custom fixture development.
Does the custom fixture design incorporate appropriate ergonomics to minimize operator fatigue?
Will the fixture design integrate seamlessly into the existing process with no overhead?
Will the fixture work effectively within an overall vision for process automation?
Does the fixture design add clear, measurable value in terms of money saved and quality?
What’s the Key to Exceptional Fixture Design?
Manufacturers around the world are dealing with tighter operational constraints and greater quality demands. By nature, manufacturing is a global industry: To stay competitive, companies need to make and maintain a commitment to recognized international quality standards.
With that in mind, the worst thing that can happen is the implementation of ineffective equipment that has to be rolled back. To be truly effective, fixture development has to come from engineers who fully understand the needs and complete context of the manufacturing environment.
At Nexus Automation, our team of experienced engineers starts the process by asking the right questions. Our goal is to develop your ideal fixture—one that will add value immediately and well into the future. That requires full engagement with your existing process.
To learn more about what fixture development can do for you, contact Nexus Automation today.