Elements of Fixtures

Generally, all fixtures consist of the following elements:

Locators
A locator is usually a fixed component of a fixture. It is used to establish and
maintain the position of a part in the fixture by constraining the movement of the
part. For workpieces of greater variability in shapes and surface conditions, a
locator can also be adjustable.

Clamps
A clamp is a force-actuating mechanism of a fixture. The forces exerted by the
clamps hold a part securely in the fixture against all other external forces.

Supports
A support is a fixed or adjustable element of a fixture. When severe part
displacement/deflection is expected under the action of imposed clamping and
processing forces, supports are added and placed below the workpiece so as to
prevent or constrain deformation. Supports in excess of what is required for the
determination of the location of the part should be compatible with the locators and
clamps.

Fixture Body
Fixture body, or tool body, is the major structural element of a fixture. It
maintains the spatial relationship between the fixturing elements mentioned above,
viz., locators, clamps, supports, and the machine tool on which the part is to be
processed.