Checking Fixture

The Checking fixture is developed based on the special planning and design requirements of the current vehicle model. A gauge is a device with extremely high accuracy and certain requirements for the production environment. By inspecting fixtures, effective control of product quality, size, and shape can be achieved.

fixture testing
Fixture Testing Fundamentals

Fixture Testing Fundamentals

Fixture testing is a tool used to detect various sizes and shapes of products during the inspection process, which is of great help to the quality of products. The checking fixture  standard meets the requirements of the product. The process of fixture testing is to specify the mechanical processing process and operating steps of the product. It is a testing tool specially manufactured according to specific requirements, using reasonable process procedures and operating methods while meeting production conditions. There are several types of process types for fixture testings, such as part processing technology, assembly, and professional technology. However, mechanical processing technology for parts is most commonly used, and each process needs to be selected according to specified requirements. The commonly used process for product processing is usually used in single-piece, small-batch production fixture testings. It is also used in mass-produced products, and frequently manufactured components are automotive parts. A gauge is a testing tool specially manufactured according to the specific requirements of the demand side.

fixture testing

Dimensional Measurement of Fixture Testing

The positional accuracy of the fixture testing plays a very important role, so during measurement, it is not only necessary to ensure the measurement size but also to measure the geometric tolerance. The fixture testing will measure components with curved curves, such as door frames. The important measurement points for door frames include the following:

1.Key points of testing

The shape accuracy required by the fixture testing for detecting complex-shaped products must be higher than the original shape of the product. If the operator needs to manage, that is, by comparing with accurate data, determine whether the data meets the requirements of the product, and issue measurement data. For fixture testings, measuring the shape tolerance of the contact area between the fixture and the component, such as contour and flatness, is very important. For inspection fixtures that form products through welding, it is also necessary to measure the clamp and coordinate position.

2.Difficulties and solutions in measuring the dimensions of large component fixture testings

In the size measurement of large component fixture testings, the coordinates, positional accuracy, and contour accuracy of positioning pins and clamps play a very important role. These measurements often require coordinate management projects and precision in micrometers, so some products cannot be detected with manual tools. Many devices will be widely used, such as surveying and mapping scaling instruments, articulated arm coordinate measuring instruments, and so on.

However, when measuring products, it is necessary to transport large components from the manufacturing site to the surveying and mapping scale, which requires a significant amount of employee time. In addition, there is another issue if you want to measure, you cannot measure immediately on site. The measurement range of the articulated arm type three coordinate measuring instrument is not large, the measuring instrument must be moved during measurement, and the staff must have proficient skills to operate the measuring instrument.

fixture testing

Measurement of Positional Accuracy of Fixture Testing

The fixture testing for longitudinal beams and other frames need to measure the coordinates and positional accuracy of the positioning pins and clamps. The coordinates and positional accuracy of the positioning pins and clamps must meet the requirements, otherwise the shape of the components cannot be accurately measured. Mainly for inspection fixtures assembled through welding or bolts, there should be no errors, even small errors are not allowed. Because errors can significantly reduce the accuracy of the measuring tool. Therefore, the most important thing is to confirm whether the coordinates and positional accuracy of the positioning pin and clamp are within the tolerance.

Standard Requirements for Fixture Testing

1.Correct and Reasonable Use

The reasonable use, correct operation, and scientific management of measuring devices by operators are the keys to extending their service life and ensuring accurate and unified measurement values. If the fixture testing is not properly maintained, it will accelerate wear and damage, affect the accuracy of the measured data, and reduce accuracy and sensitivity. Employees must take good care of the measuring device and refrain from taking any actions that may affect the inspection. Enhance employees’ awareness of the importance of maintaining device quality, achieve careful maintenance, and continuously improve their technical level, helping them become familiar with and master the performance, structure, maintenance techniques, and skills of using measuring devices. Employees should correctly formulate and strictly implement plans and regulations related to the use of measuring devices, as well as maintenance.

2.Strict Calibration of Measuring Devices

To ensure the quality of measuring devices, all measuring devices of the enterprise must be calibrated according to the items and methods specified in the national calibration regulations. Mainly periodic verification is carried out by qualified metrological units according to the prescribed cycle; Inspection before technical verification of the project and entry into the warehouse; Technical verification before entering the manufacturing department’s tool room.

3.Timely Repair and Scrapping of Measuring Devices

The degree of wear of the measuring device may also vary, and it should be handled separately according to the degree of damage based on the calibration results. Replace the parts that need to be replaced promptly, repair the parts that need to be repaired promptly, and solve any problems promptly.

4.Storage and Safekeeping of Measuring Devices

When operators place inspection equipment, they should pay attention to whether the storage location meets environmental requirements.

fixture testing

Maintenance of Fixture Testing

Quality control and maintenance are integral parts of ensuring the effectiveness and lifespan of the fixture testings used in processing. The operator must conduct regular inspections, and if any equipment damage is found, it should be repaired promptly. Identify the factors that cause the problem, avoid affecting the accuracy and precision of the fixture testing, and avoid any defects in accuracy or precision.

The maintenance of fixture testings plays a crucial role in extending their service life. Employees regularly clean the fixture testings and promptly remove debris or pollutants to prevent affecting the performance of the equipment; In addition, lubricating moving parts helps to minimize friction and wear to the greatest extent possible.

The quality control requirement is for operators to regularly inspect any measuring tool to achieve optimal functionality, verify measurement results based on known standards, conduct functional tests, and check the integrity of components. If there is any wear, employees should promptly repair it. The operator will compare and inspect the measured values according to the specified standard requirements, and perform functional tests or check for signs of wear or damage. One of the keys to maintaining accurate measurements is regular calibration, so traceable reference standards should be used to calibrate inspection fixtures at set intervals to ensure they continue to provide accurate readings.

By using efficient quality control measures and performing regular maintenance tasks, manufacturers can maximize the reliability and functionality of inspection fixtures, while limiting unexpected failures or inaccuracies in the production process, thereby limiting downtime caused by unexpected problems or inaccuracies. Any components or adjustments that require repair should be resolved as soon as possible. The measures taken can be: worn parts will be replaced, parts will be readjusted, or modified based on data detected by operators or quality assurance personnel.

 

The Difference Between Fixture Testing and Fixture

There are still some functional differences between these two tools. Fixtures and gauges are generally used separately and not together. The essential tools in the machining process include fixtures and gauges. Although these two tools may be used, there are still significant differences in performance and product types between these two types of equipment. The measuring tool is mainly used to detect the precision of the size and shape of the workpiece, to ensure that the machining accuracy meets the specified requirements. However, in general, fixtures are used to fix workpieces, ensuring that the product is positioned correctly and has stability during the inspection process, which helps to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the inspection operation. Because the manufacturing of each fixture and gauge will be applied in different application scenarios, the form of each design will also be different depending on the application scenario.

  1. Different Advantages:The advantages of fixture testing technology focus on easy operation, practicality, and convenient maintenance. However, the main advantages of fixture design are high safety, reliability, and efficiency.
  2. Different Application Aspects:Gauges generally measure the shape and positional tolerances of parts accordingly. Parts only need to be inspected online, and operators can either visually inspect or use professional gauges for inspection. There are many structures of fixture testings, mainly composed of positioning components, clamping devices, tool guide components, connecting components, and clamps. They are used to quickly, conveniently, and safely install workpieces, ensuring the positioning and fixation of workpieces during the processing.
  3. Different Definitions:A fixture is a device used to fix the machining object and ensure that it occupies the correct position for construction or inspection; A gauge is a specialized inspection equipment used to detect the size, shape, and positional characteristics of parts.
  4. Different Types:Fixture testing includes measuring gauges, functional gauges, positioning gauges, gauge brackets, etc. Fixtures can be divided into machine tool fixtures, manual fixtures, hydraulic fixtures, robot fixtures, etc.

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