How 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures Save Time and Money in Manufacturing.

daventry3dprinting
May 26, 2025
3 min read

Discover how 3D printed jigs and fixtures can reduce costs, speed up production, and improve accuracy in CNC machining. Daventry 3D Printing helps manufacturers modernise their workflow with rapid, affordable solutions.

How 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures Save Time and Money in CNC Machining

In today’s manufacturing world, time is money and efficiency is everything. Whether you're machining short runs or scaling up production, 3D printed jigs and fixtures can revolutionise your workflow.

At Daventry 3D Printing, we help manufacturers replace costly, time-consuming metal fixtures with affordable, fast-turnaround 3D printed alternatives.

What Are Jigs and Fixtures?

Jigs and fixtures are custom-made tools used to hold, guide, or support workpieces during manufacturing. Traditionally machined from aluminium or steel, they can be slow and expensive to produce, that’s where 3D printing comes in.

Why Use 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures?

Increased efficiency. Fixtures enable faster and more streamlined production since workers can quickly load and unload workpieces. The repeatable setup saves time, allowing for higher production rates.

Cost savings. With enhanced precision and efficiency, machining fixtures help reduce material waste and decrease the need for manual adjustments, ultimately lowering production costs.

Enhanced safety. Fixtures provide a stable and secure platform for workpieces, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to workers during machining operations.

Consistency and quality. The use of fixtures ensures consistent results across multiple workpieces, maintaining a high level of product quality throughout the production process.

Versatility. Fixtures can be designed to accommodate various shapes and sizes of workpieces, making them adaptable for a wide range of manufacturing tasks such as final machining or welding .

Complex operations. For intricate or complex machining operations, fixtures offer the stability needed to the operations that may not be possible with manual holding.

Flexibility in automation. Machining fixtures are compatible with automated manufacturing systems, enabling seamless integration into computer-controlled production lines.

Shorter setup times. With repeatable setups, switching between different workpieces becomes quicker and more efficient, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

Long-term savings. Although fixtures require an initial investment in design and fabrication, their long-term benefits in terms of increased productivity and reduced rework make them cost-effective over time.

CNC Machining Example: From Hours to Minutes

Let’s say you're machining a small run of aluminium parts. Instead of setting up each piece manually, a custom 3D printed fixture positions it perfectly every time, reducing operator input, improving accuracy, and shortening cycle time. In addition to this, the fixture can be running on a 3D printer while the CNC machine is busy on another job, reducing machine time on non profit jobs. If the part changes next week? You print a new fixture. Simple.

Materials We Use:

Some of the materials we use based on the demands of your workflow:

PETG / ABS: For general use tooling such as form vice jaws.
Nylon / Carbon Fibre Nylon / Tough Resin: For high-strength, durable fixtures.
TPU / Flex Resins: For flexible grips, pads, or soft contact points.
PPS /High Temp Resin: For welding fixtures.

All printed in-house on our fleet of FDM and MSLA printers for speed and precision.

Let’s Streamline Your Workflow

If you’re relying on slow, costly machined or fabricated fixtures, there is no time like the present to upgrade. Let us help you cut costs and boost productivity with high-performance 3D printed tooling.