Production tooling fundamentals: What is the primary purpose of fixtures in manufacturing operations?

Introduction / Context:
In production engineering, jigs and fixtures increase productivity and consistency by providing repeatable location and rigidity. Although the terms are sometimes used loosely, they have distinct functions that every manufacturing professional should know.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional definitions: jigs guide tools; fixtures locate and hold work.
• Common machine tools: milling machines, lathes, grinders, planers.
• Goal: accurate, repeatable, and safe operations.

Concept / Approach:
A fixture is a production device that firmly holds, supports, and locates the workpiece during an operation, but does not guide the cutting tool. A jig holds and additionally guides the tool (e.g., a drill bush in a drilling jig). Recognizing this distinction ensures correct selection and terminology across processes.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard manufacturing texts present the classic definition: “Jigs guide the tool, fixtures do not.” Thus, for milling and turning where the tool path is set by the machine, fixtures are employed to locate and clamp the job.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (a) Describes a jig, not a fixture.
• (c) Describes gauges/inspection fixtures, not production workholding fixtures.
• (d) Incorrect because a correct definition exists.
• (e) Irrelevant to the manufacturing definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Calling every workholding device a “jig”; overlooking the importance of proper locators and fool-proofing; underestimating clamping-induced distortion, which fixtures must minimize to maintain tolerances.

Final Answer:
for holding and locating the work in milling, grinding, planing, or turning