Is the Future Fixtureless?

Could advanced robotics reduce or eliminate jigs and fixtures in manufacturing?

In each episode of End of the Line, manufacturing veteran Jim Anderton expresses his compelling and unique opinions about the state of the manufacturing sector. He shares his thoughts and insights to help engineering and manufacturing professionals navigate through the challenges of world events, the blending old with new technologies, evolving processes, gaps in skilled labour, in an effort to help maximize productivity of their daily operations.

Jigs and fixtures form a considerable part of the cost and time to production for many manufacturing processes. But what if advanced robotics could reduce or eliminate jigs and fixtures in production? For complex assemblies and large weldments, the technology already exists and promises to reduce unit costs in both high mix low volume, and mass production applications. Jim Anderton looks at how it works.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.