Fixturing Tables

 

Fixture table on a white background

Create the precise CMM support structure you need to check custom components, inspect and alter prototypes and continue to lead the way in cutting-edge manufacturing. Whether you’re operating an automotive manufacturing, industrial inspection or oil and gas construction company, find out how a metrology fixturing table can help. Update your custom components or improve the efficiency of your new parts manufacturing process.

Metrology Fixture Table Applications

A metrology table is designed to provide flexibility in your manufacturing and inspection processes. Unlike a permanent fixture, a modular fixture table gives you the freedom to make minor adjustments to your design. This can be helpful if you’re creating a prototype for a new product or offering customizable components to fit each customers’ needs.

Unlike a typical modular fixture plate, a fixturing table is a self-contained unit that can be adjusted to the proper height and conveniently transported around your shop floor.

It’s more portable than a traditional plate, so you can move the workpiece to a new machine or new department without releasing the vacuum clamps or other support components.

Choose a durable base made of aluminum or other sturdy materials to create a firm foundation for your manufacturing process. A sturdy foundation improves the precision of your prototype or custom order.

If you need a new metrology table, or if you’ve never used one before for mobile manufacturing, explore the specifications of a table and find out how you can customize one to fit your facility. Order bulk tables to prepare for a wide range of made-to-order custom components.

Specifications of Fixture Tables

Quality metrology tables, like those manufactured at Rayco Fixture, use a number of innovative features to help you get the most out of your fixture table. Here are some common features to look for:

fixture table

  • Foot-operated floor locks
  • Bottom shelf
  • Custom sizing
  • Engraved X-axis and Y-axis numbers and letters

Foot-operated floor locks keep your work area secure as you prepare to operate a CMM machine. Choose a metrology table with sturdy supports that don’t allow rocking or shifting, even with a heavy load.

A bottom shelf is convenient for storing additional modular accessories, workpieces and other materials. Store these items and product specifications on the same cart to clearly label different variations of prototypes or custom orders.

Tables need to be as diverse as your machines. A fixture table that’s too large or small for your specific project can make it difficult to achieve a finished product in a limited amount of space. Order a custom fixture table or compare standard sizes to find the ideal option for your next line of products.

Engraved indicators on both axes ensure accurate fixture table assembly. If you’re replicating a previous custom order or making a slight alteration to a prototype, these clear indicators help avoid confusion and allow your team to create an accurate holder for your workpiece.

Fixturing Table Options

One of the most common differences between metrology table options is the table dimensions. Choose the length and width that best matches your CMM machine and production facility space.

You can also include the information about your specific CMM machine to order a metrology table with mounting holes. A mounted machine ensures accuracy and creates a self-contained cart for mobile production.

Machines come in different sizes and different mounting options, so be sure to detail the make, model and year of your CMM machine when ordering a table with mounting holes.

The width, amount and thread size of the holes are also all customizable. If you need a specific modular plate on your metrology table, a leading design team can create the ideal table for your purposes.

Fixturing Tables Versus Welding Tables

Metrology fixturing tables are primarily used to hold coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and measuring devices. These tables help technicians and engineers accurately measure, inspect, or modify tooling fixtures or manufactured components.

On the other hand, welding tables are specifically designed for welding as an application. These tables are much bigger. They also feature machined holes that make it easier to use jigs, clamps, and stops, which help securely hold components in place during welding. 

Rayco’s fixturing tables are designed for use with CMMs and are primarily used to attach FARO or ROMER arms. 

Attaching Fixtures

All of Rayco’s fixturing tables are custom-designed based on your application and other requirements. They also feature evenly spaced threaded holes that you can use to attach multiple fixture components, including vises, tension springs, standoffs, angle brackets, and mini towers. 

Each fixture component we carry comes with machined threaded holes in them. It’s important that the thread type of your component matches the threaded holes in your fixturing table.

To attach the fixtures, follow this simple guide:

  1. Find a component (again, be sure the thread type matches your component and fixture table).
    1. ¼-20 = R20 or RA20
    2. M6 = R6 or RA6
    3. M8 = R8; 
    4. M4 = R4 or RA4 
  2. Place thread to hold and screw it down (hand tighten only) 
  3. Repeat the process until your fixture is built.

It’s really that easy! Additionally, because the threaded holes are evenly spaced, you can cinch your component in multiple positions. With our tables, you can clamp several components at a time, making your overall process smoother, more efficient, and more convenient. 

Please note that our standard tables do not include mounting holes. We are happy to add mounting holes to your fixture table at no additional cost.