Swift-fix Workholding System for Metrology

Hexagon Metrology announced Swift-fix, a fixturing and work holding system for the metrology and manufacturing industries, is available in the U.S. market. The system works with a wide range of measurement equipment including portable articulating arms, CMMs, laser scanners, and optical and multisensor vision machines. Swift-fix is designed to securely hold parts in the optimal position for inspection without distortion to the workpiece.

The Swift-fix modular systems allow fixtures of varying sizes and complexity to be constructed, then taken apart and reused for other projects. The foundation of the system is the "stand off" which screws into the base plate and is available in several diameters and lengths. Kinematic base plates come with a connection kit to join multiple base plates together for holding larger parts. A wide range of accessories are available to suit every type of component holding. These also connect to each other so exact heights can be reached. For added stability, Swift-fix threads are thicker than the industry standard.

Swift-fix kits include stand offs, nylon cones, spring clamps, tension clamps, toggle clamps and universal joints. Components are sold separately in three different kits, bronze, silver and gold, to match the needs of the project at hand.

"An effective part-holding strategy is a crucial aspect of any dimensional inspection process," says Eric Bennett, product manager. "Part holding is made even more challenging due to the complexity of many of today's manufactured components, striking a balance between securely holding the part without deforming it or excluding probe access to measurement features are the critical requirements. Swift-fix provides the ideal system for managing these sometimes disparate needs, providing both the flexibility of a modular system with the robustness of dedicated fixturing."