Improving Speed and Repeatability With Welding Fixture Software

At ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions, we’re always looking for ways to improve every aspect of our manufacturing workflow to save you time and keep costs stable. Most recently, this motivated our investment in new welding fixture software, Nucleo Fixture Design from Camtek.

When you need speed and accuracy in welded assemblies, the fixture behind the process can be as important as the weld itself. Our new software simplifies and speeds up both the fixture design and welding processes, allowing faster production for our customers.

A Better Way to Build Fixtures In-House

In rapid welding services, fixtures can play an important role in holding parts in the correct position so the assembly stays aligned throughout the process. When fixturing is done well, it supports both weld quality and overall throughput. For many projects, the most effective fixture is designed around the specific part or assembly, and developing that solution can take time.

Before using welding fixture software, building a fixture was a more manual process in our facilities. Our team would position the part, take measurements, fabricate pieces, and adjust the fixture as needed. The approach worked, but it could often be time consuming.

With the new welding fixture software, we can start with the part geometry and the welding requirements, and the software can quickly generate a fixture design around those parameters. The software creates the support structure needed to hold the part in the correct position, and those support components can then be laser cut and assembled onto a modular welding table.

Improving Accuracy and Repeatability

Speed is part of the value, but the largest benefit is accuracy. When the software designs the fixture for the part, we have confidence from the start that the setup will hold the workpiece correctly for welding.

For instance, in one recent project, the fixture allowed the assembly to be positioned accurately, tacked in place, and then easily moved to the next stage of welding. Once the parts were tacked, they could be removed from the fixture and completed separately, which helped keep work moving.

This also improves repeatability and enables more efficient production work. A well-designed fixture makes it easier to produce the same setup again and again, which is especially important for welded parts that need consistency across multiple pieces.

Supporting Higher Volumes and Faster Response

Welding fixture software can also help us respond more effectively when volumes increase. If a job requires additional fixtures, we can reproduce them more quickly because the design work is already defined.

There is also a lead time benefit to having the fixturing process both in-house and driven by software. Because we can design and produce fixtures internally, we can reduce the time between project kickoff and production readiness. For customers, that can mean a quicker path to welded parts without adding unnecessary delays.

Improving Our Process for Customers

Better fixtures allow us to build more accurate assemblies, handle more of your repeat work, and keep lead times under our control. But welding fixture software is just one example of our efforts in continuous improvement. In all of our custom metal fabrication and precision CNC machining capabilities, we’re always seeking out process improvements and new technology that can improve results for our customers.

If you have a project with a welded assembly and you’re looking for fast, consistent results, we’re ready to help! Contact ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions today to discuss your next project.