Choosing the right fixturing kit

F O R   C M M   M O D U L A R   F I X T U R I N G

Be sure to plan ahead. The more time and effort you invest in the beginning, the better your return in the long run.

We will help you get the correct fixturing, right from the start, for increased productivity, better return on investment and faster machine paybacks. Choosing the right fixture will be the smartest thing you can do for your CMM investment.

Plan Ahead  / Think Smart = Profitablity

When choosing which R&R Fixture kit you need ask yourself these few questions, and you will soon be on your way to making quicker, easier and  more repeatable part setups that will take just a matter of minutes to fixture.

1) Plate size: What size fixture base plate do you need?

What is the make and model number of your CMM?
Do you want the base plate to fill the measuring range of your CMM?
Do you have a probe rack or calibration sphere on your machine?

You may also determine a plate size by:
- the size of your parts
- how many parts you may need to check at one time

Keep in mind that the parts you are checking today may not be the same size or same parts in the future and it is best to cover your entire measuring range with a fixture plate so you have the capacity to inspect the maximum size and number of parts.

2) Mounting holes: Do you need mounting holes?

Will you need mounting holes in the base plate to secure your fixture down to your machine? R&R makes installation easy by providing a drawing showing the exact location of your fixture plate on your specific CMM and the mounting holes.

3) Thread size: What size thread will be best for your application?

Choose the size of thread will you need on your fixture base plate and components; either Metric (M8, M4) or English (1/4-20).

If your parts are large/more than 50lbs M8 threaded holes (15mm or 30mm on center) are recommended. The M8 thread is larger and can hold more weight and maintain stability.

If your parts are no larger than 4 inches M4 threaded holes (10mm on center) are recommended. The M4 thread is intricate and can hold/secure in a very close proximity.

For all other parts our 1⁄4-20 threaded holes (1⁄2" or 1" on center) works great in any application.

4) Fixturing kit: What type of parts/materials you will be checking?

Choose a kit based on the type of parts you will be measuring.

If holding steel, aluminum, plastic and other nonferrous parts
a MAGNETIC & CLAMPING CMM KIT is recommended

If holding aluminum, plastic, brass, titanium and other nonferrous parts
a CLAMPING CMM KIT is recommended

5) Component set: How many components will you need?

Choose a component set based on the number of parts you wish to fixture at one time.

Set A - holds 1-3 parts at a time and works great with a smaller fixture

Set B - holds 1-5 parts at a time and ideal for most fixtures

Set C - holds multiple parts and is good for larger fixtures or holding parts vertically on your CMM

(Components can also be purchased separately.)

6) Recording setups: Choose how you will document your part setups?

FixtureBuilder software can be used to record setups with a click of the mouse and can be added for an additional charge. »more information

Setups can also be recorded into your software manually.

Setup Examples Gallery

View setup examples using R&R CMM modular fixturing.