What is a Key
Cutting Machine Fixture? These pieces of equipment are crucial for cutting keys, so it is important to select the right machine fixture for your job. Here are some important features to consider when selecting a key cutting machine fixture.
Workholding on tooling plates
A cutting machine fixture must offer good workholding. A simple way to keep the fixture rigid is to use a pallet changer that loads pallets while the machine is working. A pallet changer is a great way to save time and make the set-up process more efficient. It is also a good way to prevent over-tolerance of workholding devices. A modular fixture is also an option to keep setup time down.
Workholding solutions must account for different types of material. A round raw bar, for example, may have an OD tolerance of.005 inches, while a cast part may have an OD tolerance of less than.002 inches. However, a machined part will have a known controlled size. This means that a rigid workholding fixture will cause premature wear on the cutting tools. Workholding on tooling plates for cutting machine fixture can reduce these risks and improve the overall performance of the cutting machine.
Functions of a machine fixture
A fixture is a specially designed device that clamps or installs workpieces in the desired position before cutting. It is typically composed of clamping bodies, connecting elements, and tool setting guides. The clamping devices are installed in the fixture body to hold the workpiece in place while the machine operates. The fixture body also provides reference points for the surface and equipment used to operate the machine. Once installed, a fixture's clamping body will guide the cutting tool in performing its operations accurately.
The primary difference between a jig and a fixture is their design. Jigs are usually light in weight and hand-held, while fixtures are attached to the machine table. Jigs are generally used in drilling, milling, reaming, and turning operations, while fixtures are used for shaping and turning. Both types of fixtures are heavy-duty tools, with jigs being lighter in weight and simpler in design.
Construction of a key cutting machine fixture
A key cutting machine is a tool used for a number of purposes. This device comprises a horizontal fixed shaft and a key blank mounted in a vise at one end. The fixture is journaled for pivoting and sliding around the shaft, with a cutting wheel mounted on an arbor and engaging the key blank as it moves. It is controlled by biasing means, which urge the fixture to move along the shaft.
During design, consider the dimensional accuracy and ease of loading. For higher volume production, consider automating or semi-automatic tooling. Automation and power clamping are good ways to reduce costs per part. Then, consider the tooling for the machine. Choosing the right tooling can help ensure a long-term, reliable fixture. But be sure to consider the following points to ensure a successful key cutting machine fixture.
Types of machine fixtures
A cutting machine fixture is a specialized workholding device. It clamps workpieces and sets the tools in the desired positions for machining. Typical fixture bodies include clamping bodies, connecting elements, and positioning elements. Often, they also include counterweights and balances. A workpiece-holding fixture must be rigid and free of dangerous projections or overhangs. Lastly, it must be able to support thin workpieces properly.
When choosing a machine to produce a particular product, the type of fixture is a vital consideration. In general, workholding devices are designed to minimize vibration and provide a stable and accurate way to generate a machined-feature. While rapid prototyping has made these types of devices obsolete, other types of manufacturing techniques will continue to be used. A cutting machine fixture will help the manufacturer maximize its production, reduce setup time, and ensure the highest quality finished product.