Jigs, Fixtures, Formers and Moulds in Production

In commercial manufacturing, tools like jigs, fixtures, moulds, formers and presses help ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

They reduce reliance on human skill, speed up processes, and enable reliable results across different scales of production (batch, mass, etc.).

Each tool type has specific uses depending on material, production method, and desired outcome.

A jig is a tool that guides the cutting or drilling tool into the correct position

Often used in repetitive drilling, sawing, or machining operations

Reduces human error by holding and aligning parts precisely

Advantages	Disadvantages
Ensures precision and consistency across parts Reduces skilled labour requirement Speeds up repetitive production tasks	Costly to design for complex components Only useful for one specific task or shape

Uses: Drilling holes in furniture panels, repetitive machining in production lines

Fixtures hold the workpiece firmly in place but do not guide the tool

Used in CNC machining, welding, or any operation where the component must remain still

Usually custom-made for a specific part or shape

Advantages	Disadvantages
Improves safety and part stability Can handle large or complex workpieces Boosts machining accuracy	Not flexible – often only fits one part High cost for unique designs

Uses: Holding metal in place for robotic welding, securing panels for CNC routing

Formers shape pliable materials (e.g. plastic or metal sheet) into a final form

Used in processes like vacuum forming, press forming or bending operations

Can be basic or complex depending on the shape needed

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows fast and consistent shaping Great for batch production Relatively low-cost to make in wood or resin	May degrade over time with heat/pressure Limited to simple or semi-complex shapes

Uses: Plastic packaging, blister trays, seat shells, lamp housings

Moulds are hollow forms into which molten or soft material is poured or pressed to create a solid product

Used in processes like injection moulding, casting, and blow moulding

Can be metal (for high volumes) or silicone/resin (for small runs)

Advantages	Disadvantages
Excellent repeatability for mass production Can produce highly complex shapes Provides great surface finish and dimensional accuracy	High initial cost for tooling Design changes require a new mould

Uses: Plastic bottles, engine components, packaging trays, rubber soles

Presses use force to bend, stamp, form, or assemble materials using dies or tools

Can be hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical

Used in high-speed production for metal forming, embossing or joining

Advantages	Disadvantages
Extremely fast and efficient Works well with automated lines Produces high-strength parts	Equipment is large and expensive Dangerous if not well-guarded

Uses: Car panels, kitchen sinks, coin stamping, metal brackets

Topic test:

Interactive flashcards: