Chirag Kanagiyani,
Nitinchandra R. Patel
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of a production tool, which can serve as a jig for drill based processes and as a fixture for milling, shaping and grinding based processes. The proposed tool has ability to machine and to produce parts in a variety of shapes and sizes over a wide range for both the cases, hence it is termed as “jigxture”. Due to this ability it eliminates the need for designing and manufacturing a special jig or fixture and makes production process of small production units more efficient and economical. Facility of variable pitch circle diameter (P.C.D.) enables this tool to machine/drill parts having different P.C.D.s and provision of inclined machining facilitates angular drilling and inclined surface machining. Its virtual prototype is created with the aids of computer [CREO software] and demonstrated in this paper with detailed features and a case study. Where the dimensions of this tool are suggested, for a work-piece with outermost dimensions in the range of 50 mm to 150 mm and maximum permissible height as 80 mm.
Keywords- jig and fixtures, jigxture, fixturing system, variable P.C.D., inclined machining, multipurpose production tool, small production units, decreased tooling cost.