Rayco Fixture is heading to the 2021 Quality Show in Rosemont, IL from October 26-28! We’re excited to see you all again, and hope you’ll stop by our booth to learn more about what we have to offer! Click below to find our most up-to-date exhibitor information, and stay tuned for information on upcoming discounts!

Dates:
October 26-28, 2021

Location:

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road Rosemont, IL, 60018

Exhibit Hall Times:
10am to 5pm Tuesday, 10/26
9am to 7pm Wednesday, 10/27
9am to 2pm Thursday. 10/28

Booth #808. Floor Plan Link:
https://www.qualitymag.com/quality-show/floor-plan

Assembly fixtures are devices that speed up the production of identical parts. A quality assembly fixture is an integral part of optimizing your machining process. Fixtures must be arranged and set before assembly based on the particular operating tools that will be used. Once set, the right fixtures increase your overall production speed and quality.

At Rayco Fixture, we understand each clients’ needs are unique. Therefore, we provide a broad range of assembly devices to best provide the exact solutions you need for every manufacturing situation, whether you are creating a short run of specific parts or manufacturing a prototype.

What Are Assembly Fixtures Used For?

Assembly fixtures hold multiple components together in precise alignments as they are being assembled. Sometimes these fixture devices are set at automatically derived intervals around objects, and at other times they are manually adjusted. These specialized clamps reduce the human effort needed to manufacture multiple parts that are the same.

It is streamlining production benefits all aspects of your business. We know that efficiency is a precursor to desired outcomes, so we provide multiple assembly fixture systems.

Common Types of Assembly Fixtures

There are many types of assembly fixtures made for a variety of needs. Available fixtures range from specialized models for turning, indexing, tapping and boring to parts for grinding, milling, and welding. Each works differently based on specific manufacturing processes or tasks.

We offer entire kits or individual components to broaden the scope of your existing collection of assembly parts. We focus on providing three of the most common types of fixture sets:

• Vision fixture kit
• Magnetic clamping kit
• Vacuum clamping kit

The individual parts we offer include:

• Three-jaw chucks
• Tension springs
• Hold-down clamps
• Vises

There are also duplex fixtures for simultaneous machining and assembly processes. We offer a choice of sizes so you can best fit your specific workplace and needs. We are also happy to answer questions and discuss your particular needs with you. If you cannot find what you are looking for, ask us. With 43 years in the industry, we can help.

Assembly Fixture Applications

Quality assembly fixtures have numerous applications in the manufacturing process, including:

• Holding pieces steady so precise internal threads can be cut
• Keeping boring tools stable or holding the workplace still for exact results from boring bars during the tedious process
• Keeping odd-shaped objects still during machining

Many industries depend on precise assembly fixtures, including the automotive sector, industrial manufacturing, and heavy equipment repair.

In addition to increasing overall production efficiency, the correct assembly fixtures lower costs by reducing production delays since you can quickly manufacture parts when you need them. Another way assembly fixtures add value to your company is fixtures increase the ergonomics of your tools and equipment. You can create and produce individualized designs that reduce weight, which also leads to streamlined production processes.

Why Choose Rayco Fixture?

As an industry leader, we at Rayco Fixture know how to think ahead and see the big picture without missing any details. Our assembly fixtures are adaptable to many applications in various sectors, and we help you take your processes to the next level of quality.

Our components are manufactured with precision in the United States, from beginning to end. We also offer an unheard-of 30-day return policy on all standard fixture parts. Our quality components are proven to yield surprisingly positive results, including improved Gage R&R readings. You can count on our parts to deliver repeatable results on-demand, when you need them. They are made to last for years so that you can count on them time after time.

Machining applications require the right tools and equipment for the best possible outcome. If you lack the right equipment, you’ll find your work processes become much harder than they need to be. You’ll also be faced with mounting customer dissatisfaction, which can cost you money. 

Fixture clamps are just one essential component that can be used across many industries and applications, from auto manufacturing to industrial plants. This guide goes over some basics of these clamps, so you can make an informed decision when in search of accessories. 

Uses of Fixture Clamps

Clamps are used to hold different pieces in place, which is an important component of the machining process. Along with holding the piece sturdy, the clamp must also facilitate proper movement and flexibility around the component as its being worked. Custom solutions may also be necessary for specific uses that fall outside the norms of the machining process. 

Common Types of Fixture Clamps

There are many clamp designs to choose from, which can make the selection process challenging. Here are a few common clamps and how they work:

Chucks and Collets

These clamps are standard when it comes to milling rounded parts. This often makes for a faster, more efficient process as opposed to machining, which can take longer than milling when you lack the proper clamps. 

Vacuum Clamps

Vacuum clamps apply uniform pressure all around the piece for tight, consistent hold when machining. Vacuum clamps are ideal for oddly shaped pieces, may prove difficult when physically clamping a certain section of the part.

Toe Clamps

Toe clamps provide versatility, as they can be clamped to the side of the piece as opposed to the top. This is quite useful in the event the top of the piece must be machined, which is challenging when a clamp is unable to grip from other sides.

Magnetic Clamps

Magnetic clamps use magnetism to hold pieces in place. They’re quite efficient, as they can hold metal components from a variety of angles. 

Step Clamps

Step clamps get their name from their unique design, which resembles a little flight of stairs. They can be bolted into a tooling plate or used with a t-slot. 

Thread size is another essential factor to consider. Common thread sizes include 1/4-20, M4, M6 and M8, just to name a few. When you have access to a dynamic range of thread sizes, you can easily use clamps with a variety of accessories, such as spring and vises. 

Clamp kits provide a range of solutions in case your machining needs are particularly diverse. Clamp kits can also be custom-designed to meet your specific application. 

Clamping Fixture Applications

If you’re designing a prototype, clamping is a crucial part of the process. With prototype designs, continuous refining and fine-tuning is a must to get the end result right where it needs to be. Clamps hold pieces in place, so they can be worked on conveniently. This is known as modular fixturing, which is useful for many diverse industries. 

Why Choose Rayco Fixtures

With more than 43 years of experience under our belts, Rayco Fixture is proud to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services. We have the manpower and ability to tackle even immense jobs, and you can rest easy knowing we will complete work by the deadline you specify. We also design our products to enhance repeatability, which is crucial for consistent performance. 

Additionally, you can look forward to excellent customer service, including a 30-day return policy on all standard designs. Feel free to contact us today to discuss fixture clamps or any of our other fine products.