Tooling, Jigs, and Fixtures

Additive manufacturing shines in making custom tools and workholding for the shop floor. For example, Markforged highlights multiple fixture use-cases. Welding fixtures often require perfectly aligned clamps, which conventional jigs struggle to achieve for complex shapes. By 3D-printing specialized alignment jigs and welding fixtures in carbon-fiber nylon (Onyx), companies can drastically cut setup time and improve accuracy. In the metal-cutting shop, machinists free up mill time by printing “soft jaws” on Markforged machines instead of machining them from steel. These Onyx jaws grip irregular parts securely without marring the surface and endure hundreds of heavy clamping operations. Similarly, custom fixtures for coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) – blocks that hold parts during inspection – can be printed cheaply and precisely. Markforged notes that 3D-printed CMM fixtures reduce cost and lead time, letting quality teams measure many more parts with the same equipment.

Other examples include printed tool holders and assembly aids: Festo’s case study shows printed clamps, templates and holders (in Onyx or Onyx ESD) used throughout manufacturing. In another Markforged example, a factory printed alignment jigs and inserts with integrated hardware for welding lines. By using composite or metal 3D printing, teams can have ready-built fixtures same-day, avoiding long lead times on custom tooling. In sum, 3D printing tooling and fixtures cuts cost and downtime – setup tasks that once took days or weeks can now be done in hours.