The Use of Tombstones and Fixturing Plates in CNC Machining
- Date:
- Views:16
- Source:SwiftMach
In the competitive world of precision CNC machining, maximizing efficiency and throughput is paramount. While advanced multiaxis machines capture much of the spotlight, the true unsung heroes of highvolume production are often the workholding solutions: tombstones and fixturing plates. These foundational tools are critical for transforming a machining center into a highly efficient manufacturing cell, directly impacting cost, speed, and quality.
cnc machining bronze A tombstone is a modular, cubelike fixture, typically made from precisionground aluminum or cast iron, that is mounted directly to the machine table. Its multiple faces provide ample space for mounting multiple parts simultaneously. This setup is ideal for complex parts that require machining on several sides. Instead of stopping the machine to refixture a part for each operation, the CNC program can simply command the machine to rotate to a new face, drastically reducing noncutting time and enabling lightsout, unattended production runs.
Fixturing plates, or tooling plates, are flat, modular plates with a grid of threaded holes or Tslots. They offer unparalleled flexibility for securing a wide variety of parts. Dedicated fixtures, vises, and custom jigs can be mounted to these plates in optimal positions to maximize the number of parts per cycle. This modularity is perfect for mixedpart batches or for accommodating design changes without the need for entirely new, expensive fixtures.
The strategic use of these workholding solutions offers immense benefits:
Increased Productivity: Machining dozens of parts in a single cycle instead of one or two dramatically increases throughput.
CNC Machining Services Improved Accuracy: By minimizing the number of handlings and refixturing events, the potential for human error and cumulative tolerancing errors is significantly reduced. Parts located on the same tombstone or plate maintain consistent datum references.
Enhanced Flexibility: A welldesigned tombstone or fixturing plate can be reconfigured for different product lines, making it a longterm asset that adapts to evolving production needs.
For businesses seeking a reliable manufacturing partner, expertise in advanced workholding is a key differentiator. Our company specializes in designing and implementing optimized CNC machining processes that leverage tombstones, fixturing plates, and custom solutions. We understand that the right setup is the foundation of delivering highquality, complex parts at a competitive price and with faster lead times. By partnering with us, you gain access to this operational excellence, ensuring your projects are not just machined, but manufactured intelligently for growth.