What Are Jigs?
Last updated : 2026/7/28
Key Takeaways
Jigs improve machining efficiency, accuracy, and product quality by supporting machining and inspection processes.
Well-designed custom jigs expand machining capabilities while reducing production time and ensuring consistent results.
Custom jigs can be produced from a single piece using sketches, drawings, or 3D CAD data.
Overview
Jigs are specialized tools designed to improve the efficiency of machining, inspection, and other manufacturing tasks. In many production settings, additional support tools are required to make machining, development, or inspection more accurate and efficient. Since the type of support varies depending on the product or process, custom jigs are often manufactured for a specific purpose. Choosing the right material and machining method is critical, as these decisions directly affect both product quality and cost.
Benefits of Using Jigs
Jigs not only assist with machining but also help stabilize quality and improve work efficiency. By securely fixing the workpiece and guiding the tool, machining accuracy increases and variations in quality caused by different operators are reduced. In many cases, the use of jigs shortens machining time and ensures consistent results across production runs.
Jig Type | Role | Jig Examples |
|---|---|---|
Fixing Jigs | Securing the workpiece | Vise, positioning pins, adjustment blocks |
Cutting Jigs | Adjusting the workpiece to the specified size | Positioning devices, shaping tools |
Painting Jigs | Assisting with painting the workpiece | Sealers, masking jigs |
Insertion/Extraction Jigs | Guiding the insertion and extraction position of the workpiece | Pullers, pin extraction jigs |
Caulking Jigs | Assisting in joining workpieces through fastening/press-fit operations | Rivets |
Inspection Jigs | Supporting the inspection of products that are difficult to measure with measuring equipment | Gauges, setting jigs |
Examples of Jig Use in Machining
In machining environments, jigs are often required to hold workpieces, improve accuracy, or expand machining capabilities. For example, when drilling a hole into a bowl-shaped workpiece with a machining center, it is difficult to mount the part directly onto the machine stage. This can cause the hole position to shift during cutting. By designing a jig that fits the curved surface and can be fixed to the stage, the displacement of the hole position can be prevented, ensuring higher precision.
Jig Manufacturing with Yumoto Electric
Support With Material Selection | Quotations and Manufacturing Without Drawings | Production from a Single Piece |
|---|---|---|
Selecting the right material is an important step in jig manufacturing. We help identify the optimal option by considering factors such as machining difficulty, performance requirements, and cost. | Even if formal CAD drawings are not available, we can provide quotations and manufacturing based on hand-drawn sketches or presentation diagrams. We also support estimates from 3D data. | We accept orders starting from a single jig. Short lead times are also supported, so please contact us if your project requires urgent delivery. |
CNC Machining at Yumoto Electric
Yumoto Electric delivers high-quality components fast, worldwide. We provide precision machining for a wide range of metals and engineering plastics. We have experience with over 200 materials including metals such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, molybdenum, and titanium, and engineering plastics including PEEK, PPS, MC Nylon, and POM.
If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
We support R&D teams