This is my FIRST Blog!!! Yep! And I am excited because we are going to go over how to design a simple weld fixture. Then, with each new post we are going to delve deeper. This is going to be like Weld Fixture Design 101, and then 201 and then 301! So you may notice that some things may be not quite right in this weld fixture. In future blogs we will address that. So sign up to get notified regarding future education and updates.
Weld Fixture Design is both an art and a science. We won’t all agree on what is the right way. I invite you to comment. This way we can learn together.
So lets get started!
Tip #1 Ask the right questions before beginning.
Tip #2 Start w/ those items that touch the product parts.
Tip #3 Use purchased components where possible reducing time, costs, and errors.
Tip #4 Design in adjustability with shims.
The right combinations of shims will give the ability to fine tune the location of your product parts to .005” accuracy before mass production begins.
Tip #5 Review the design for weld access, efficiency and functionality.
Can you eliminate any parts? Is there room for the weld gun? Will you be able to get the parts out after they are welded?
Tip #6 Have the customer or production team review the design.
Make any changes they recommend and get their approval before putting in the holes, shims, fasteners and creating drawings.
Tip #7 Always have someone else check your work.
Get someone else to look over your design and drawings.
In future posts we will go further into the design, address more complex issues, and continue learning together.
This list of tips is not all encompassing. Let me know what you think. What would YOU add? Which of these tips would you like me to explore deeper first?