CNC – Key parts of a CNC VMC/HMC fixture
The construction principle of all fixtures is common. All fixtures consist of locators, clamps and supports, and a body which holds all these together.
A CNC VMC fixture
A locator is used to establish and maintain the position of a part in the fixture by constraining the movement of the part. The locator can also be adjustable if the part has variability in shapes and surface condition, like in a casting.
A clamp holds a part securely in the fixture against cutting forces and other external forces like gravity.
A support prevents displacement or deflection of the part due to clamping and cutting forces.
The body is the major structural element of a fixture. It holds the locators, clamps and supports. It also keeps these at appropriate distances from each other and from the machine tool.
