Manufacturing Process Optimization Using Fixture Design

This book focuses on fixture design and productivity improvement in small-scale manufacturing, with a specific case study of M/s Delta Industries, Bawana, New Delhi, a small manufacturing unit producing LPG stove components such as burner housing, burner tubes, knobs, metallic gas pipes and industrial burners.The book begins by explaining the importance of fixtures in manufacturing. Fixtures are devices used to accurately locate, support and clamp a workpiece during machining. They help improve machining accuracy, reduce setting time, minimize operator fatigue and support mass production of identical components. The book discusses the structure of fixtures, including base plates, locators, supports and clamps. It also explains important fixture design principles such as handling, location, clamping, clearance, stability, rigidity and ease of construction. Special attention is given to the 3-2-1 location principle and various clamping methods used in machining operations.The book then presents the profile of Delta Industries, which manufactures LPG stove components for original equipment manufacturers. The company was facing production-related problems due to increasing input costs.