DIY fixturing with Modular Fixturing Systems

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 17, 2000

For a modest outlay of approximately £10,000 Wixroyd's new Modular Fixturing Systems offer the ability to build virtually any fixture required for prototype/test runs in 30-40 minutes

It is time to reassess Modular Fixture Systems now that many companies have closed their Tool Rooms and dedicated fixture builders are down to less than 300 in the UK, with many others set for closure and the top 10 stretched to the limit.

By comparison, there are over 2000 fixture building companies in Germany.

There are now some new and much improved alternatives to those rather dated fixture systems of yesteryear.

For a modest outlay of approximately £10,000 Wixroyd's new Modular Fixturing Systems offer all manufacturing companies the ability to: *Build virtually any fixture required for prototype/ test runs etc in 30 - 40 minutes.

*Vastly reduces future fixture costs.

*Replace damaged fixtures almost immediately.

*Reduce expensive fixture storage and working capital requirements - the fixtures can be broken down and used time and time again.

*The universal natures of the parts enable CAD drawings to be stored for quick and easy re-assembly.

*Maximum rigidity of fixtures and accuracy due to the systems unique designs.

*Virtual elimination of special fixture costs - after a very short pay back period (18 months - 2 years).

A typical example of savings between the old methods and Wixroyd's new Modular Fixturing Systems are as follows: Based on a main body component W/C20 Kitamura machine, 2 Beds approx.

2m x 2m.

Old Method: 9 OPS on 5 different machines.

New Wixroyd System: *2 fixtures on one machine, each fixture used twice - rough and finish *2 parts per bed - both beds.

Estimated savings: 23:55 hours/component = 55% total! *made up - 10:09 hours set-time 13.46 hours m/c time Many more examples are available from Wixroyd who are happy to visit customers factories to discuss specific fixture needs and where necessary give a free demonstration of fixture building for customers specific components.