Custom Tooling Fixture Boosts Multi-Size Machining Efficiency

For this project, our team was tasked with designing and building a custom tooling fixture to support high-mix production on a horizontal machining center. Working from the customer’s design package, we reviewed part geometry, tolerances, and machining requirements to develop a fixture that would maximize rigidity, repeatability, and ease of changeover.

The finished fixture was engineered to accommodate seven different part sizes within a single platform. Through precision-machined locating features and adjustable components, operators can quickly reconfigure the setup with minimal downtime between runs—eliminating the need for multiple dedicated fixtures and reducing overall setup time.

Scope of work included:

• Design review and manufacturability feedback

• Precision machining of fixture base, nests, and locating features

• Integration of adjustable elements for multi-size part capability

• Assembly, fit-up, and verification on the machining center

• Final inspection to ensure repeatability and accuracy across all configurations

This fixture now provides the customer with a flexible, production-ready solution that improves throughput, reduces tooling costs, and ensures consistent part quality across every run.