What is the purpose of using jigs and fixtures in manufacturing?

Using jigs and fixtures in manufacturing primarily serves the purpose of holding and supporting workpieces and tools in the correct position. This is crucial in ensuring precision and repeatability in the manufacturing process. By maintaining the proper alignment and positioning, jigs and fixtures help to reduce errors and variations that may occur during operations such as drilling, milling, or assembly.

When workpieces are securely held in place, it allows for greater efficiency and accuracy, ultimately leading to higher quality products. The stability offered by these devices also contributes to reducing the time operators spend on handling and repositioning parts, thus streamlining the overall manufacturing process. Additionally, keeping tools aligned with workpieces can prevent damage to both the tools and the parts being manufactured, further enhancing production efficiency.