A stamping die can produce thousands of parts a day, and every one of them has to fit on the car. Measuring each part on a coordinate measuring machine is too slow for that. This is where checking fixtures come in. At Hailong, checking fixtures and jigs are part of our core product range alongside automotive stamping dies, and this article explains what they do and how to specify one.
What a checking fixture is
A checking fixture is a dedicated gauge built for one part. It holds the stamped part in the same position it will have in the vehicle, using the part’s datum holes and surfaces, and lets an operator check key features quickly on the shop floor. Typical checks include hole positions, trim edges, flange heights and the surface profile of the panel.
Why stamped parts need them
- Speed: a fixture check takes a fraction of the time of a full CMM program, so parts can be checked during production.
- Repeatability: every part is located the same way, so results can be compared from shift to shift.
- Tryout support: during die tryout, the fixture shows quickly where a panel is out and which die needs correction.
- Production monitoring: regular fixture checks catch die wear or setup errors before a large batch is affected.
Checking fixture or CMM?
The two work together. A coordinate measuring machine gives full, detailed measurements and is the reference for approving parts and verifying the fixture itself. The checking fixture is the everyday tool on the production line. At our plant, fixtures and parts can be verified on a large laser three-coordinate measuring machine, and handheld 3D scanning lets us compare a part directly with its CAD model.
Why buy the die and the fixture from one supplier
When the die and the fixture come from different companies, each team works from its own interpretation of the part data. Differences in datums or tolerances then show up at tryout, and it becomes hard to tell whether the die or the fixture is wrong. Buying both from one supplier avoids that:
- One set of part data and datums for the die and the fixture
- The fixture is ready when die tryout starts, so panels can be checked immediately
- One contact for the whole project, from quotation to delivery
Our technology center designs auto molds, inspection tools and fixtures together, which is why we recommend quoting the stamping die and the checking fixture as one project.
How Hailong builds checking fixtures
Fixtures are designed from the customer’s part data in our technology center, then machined on the same CNC equipment we use for die components. Large fixture bases go on our 2316 gantry machining center, box and plate parts on the HMC100L horizontal machining center, and precision details on vertical machining centers, EDM and grinding machines. Every fixture is verified before delivery.
The work follows the same quality management plan as our dies, with incoming material inspection, in-process checks and control of nonconforming parts. Hailong Group is certified to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. See our quality control page for more.
What to send for a fixture quotation
- 3D data of the part with datum points and measuring points marked
- The features to be checked and how you want to check them
- The number of fixtures needed
- Whether the stamping die is being made by us or by another supplier
Experience with automobile manufacturers
Our mold business has cooperated with dozens of domestic automobile manufacturers, including BAIC Group, FAW Group, FAW Jiefang Qingdao Automobile, SAIC Group, Great Wall, Beijing Benz, Chery and GAC. Hailong is a member unit of the China Die & Mould Industry Association and is recognized as a key backbone enterprise for automobile panel molds.
Talk to our engineers
Send your part drawings or 3D data using our RFQ guide or the contact page. You can also email nora@qdhailong.com or call +86-532-66090318.