Jigs and fixtures are devices in machining which help reduce human efforts for producing various parts on a mass scale. In this guide, we’ll discuss different types of jigs, what are their advantages, and what industry relies on them the most.

The Advantages of Jigs

Jigs are mostly used for guiding cutting tools to improve and maintain higher levels of precision. These tools also help maintain accuracy and precision in repeatable processes, improving the overall quality of the finished product. The main advantages of jigs are:

• Increased production levels
• Greater interchangeability
• Requires less skill-intensive labor
• Assures higher accuracy
• Reduces production costs

What Are the Most Common Types of Jigs In Manufacturing?

Different types of objects may require a number of processes in machining, so the types of jigs (and fixtures) vary significantly. Here are some of the most common types of jigs:

Template Jig

Template jigs are the most common and basic type of jigs used to produce and machine a small number of simple parts. They’re mostly used as layout guides for locating holes and contours and are usually secured to the workpiece or fixture via thumb screws or clamped directly with C-clamps.

Plate Jigs

Plate jigs are redesigned or upgraded versions of template jigs, as they typically include a method of fastening to the part that’s supposed to be processed. In addition, the plate generally provides the mounting, supporting, clamping points, and positioning of the drill bushing. As a result, the plate jigs can identify parts correctly and consistently.

Channel Jigs

As their name implies, channel jigs are formed as channels and allow the machining of parts on three sides, or three surfaces, without repositioning the jig or the workpiece. Generally speaking, the workpiece is mounted into the jig and seldomly removed before all the machining is done. As a result, Channel jigs offer more stability and support, especially for thinner parts, and tend to save a significant amount of time but are costly to produce.

Leaf Jigs

Leaf jigs are comprised of a plate jig and a backup plate that provides additional support for thinner parts that would otherwise bend or distort under tool pressure. Both plates are connected with a hinged lead, and the part is loaded onto the backup plate, and the plate jig, also called the leaf that carries the bushings, is lowered onto the workpiece and secured via a cam latch.

Box Jigs

These are used in a similar way to channel jigs but are typically formed as a box or a framework around the workpiece. Box jigs also provide good support for frail workpieces or excellent tolerance control.

Ring Jigs

Ring Jigs are the box jigs of circular flanged parts, used to drill holes or guide machine tools on circular flanged parts.

Diameter Jig

These are meant for drilling holes in radial and cylindrical workpieces and must be capable of work-holding spherical and cylindrical shapes.

In Which Manufacturing Industry Are Jigs Used the Most?

Jigs are used in industries that rely on operations such as drilling, reaming, counterboring, and tapping, so they’re mainly used in the machining industry. However, industries such as construction, mainly carpentry and plumbing, may also use jigs for some operations.

Summary

Jigs are designed to help maintain a repeatable and accurate manufacturing process for manufacturing parts on a mass scale. If you want to learn more about jigs, visit Reid Supply and their extensive library of guides and other technical literature.