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Toolcraft LLC

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True Position & Hole Location Gaging, Precision Tooling, Fixturing, CNC Machining, Reverse Engineeri The Toolcraft difference is our people.

With over 50 years in tool making and machining, Toolcraft, LLC is a seasoned company providing customers with the best in quality personnel that are truly skilled in their craft. Toolcraft brings decades of experience to each and every customer project. From the time we receive the initial print, through quoting and the tool making process we guarantee that each component receives our top talent and our attention to detail. Every part, project or assembly is inspected and approved prior to being released for shipping. With literally decades of precision tool making experience there is no part too difficult and no challenge too big. Our facility in Fort Wayne is convenient to major interstates and the Fort Wayne International Airport. We welcome visits from our customers and prospects alike. From jigs, fixtures, precision gages to custom machining, Toolcraft is a full-service tool and machining facility with a difference - our people.

10/16/2026

What Is the Difference Between Jigs and Fixtures?

As explained by 3ERP in “What are Jigs and Fixtures?”, both are manufacturing tools that help improve accuracy and repeatability, but they perform different functions. A jig helps control or guide a cutting tool, while a fixture primarily holds and positions the workpiece securely.

Fixtures are commonly used in both manual and automated machining because stable workholding remains essential even when CNC equipment controls tool movement. Depending on the application, fixtures can use mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or vacuum clamping, while jigs are often associated with operations such as drilling where tool guidance is required.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-jigs-and-fixtures/

10/13/2026

Modern Jigs and Fixtures in Manufacturing

As discussed in “The Evolution and Impact of Jigs and Fixtures in Modern Manufacturing,” jigs and fixtures have developed from relatively simple production aids into increasingly sophisticated tools designed to support manufacturing accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency.

Modern developments include the use of CAD and CAM technologies, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, robotics, and automation. The research also highlights how well-designed jigs and fixtures can reduce setup time, support consistent quality, improve workholding, and adapt to increasingly automated manufacturing environments.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/modern-jigs-and-fixtures-in-manufacturing/

09/30/2026

How Workholding Supports Precision Manufacturing

As discussed in Wiley's “Jigs and Fixtures,” effective workholding is an important part of performing machining and manufacturing operations accurately and consistently.

Jigs and fixtures are designed to locate and hold workpieces in the required position while manufacturing operations are performed. Their design must account for factors such as workpiece location, clamping, rigidity, tool access, loading and unloading, and repeatability. Proper workholding can help manufacturers maintain consistent positioning while supporting efficient production.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/how-workholding-supports-precision-manufacturing/

09/23/2026

How Are Jigs and Fixtures Classified?

As discussed by Market Prospects in “What is the Classification and Function of Tooling Fixtures and Jigs?”, jigs and fixtures can be classified according to factors such as their purpose, construction, application, and the manufacturing operation they support.

Different configurations are designed for tasks such as drilling, milling, turning, assembly, inspection, and other production activities. Regardless of their specific design, these tools help establish reliable workpiece positioning and support repeatable operations, making appropriate tooling selection an important consideration in manufacturing.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/how-are-jigs-and-fixtures-classified/

09/16/2026

What Are Jigs and Fixtures?

As explained by 3ERP in “What are Jigs and Fixtures?”, jigs and fixtures are manufacturing tools designed to help position and secure workpieces so production tasks can be performed accurately and consistently.

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve different functions. A jig typically holds a workpiece while also guiding a cutting tool, whereas a fixture primarily holds and positions the workpiece without guiding the tool. Both can help improve repeatability, reduce production errors, and make manufacturing tasks more efficient.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/what-are-jigs-and-fixtures/

09/09/2026

How Jigs and Fixtures Have Evolved in Manufacturing

As discussed in “The Evolution and Impact of Jigs and Fixtures in Modern Manufacturing,” jigs and fixtures have developed alongside advances in manufacturing, helping producers achieve greater accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Traditional workholding principles continue to play an important role, while technologies such as CNC machining, computer-aided design, automation, and additive manufacturing have expanded how tooling can be designed and produced. Modern jigs and fixtures can support faster production, repeatable positioning, reduced setup requirements, and consistent component quality.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/how-jigs-and-fixtures-have-evolved-in-manufacturing/

08/28/2026

Configuration Considerations for Jigs and Fixtures

As published by The Chartered Engineer in “Configuration – Considerations as to how the Jig/fixture should be setup,” an effective workholding configuration must balance rigidity and reliability with practical production, maintenance, and handling requirements.

Designers should consider repeatable loading, interchangeability, tool clearance, chip removal, automation compatibility, and integration with existing machine clamping systems. Easy cleaning, lubrication, assembly, and replacement of worn components can also help maintain dependable performance throughout the fixture’s service life.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/configuration-considerations-for-jigs-and-fixtures/

08/25/2026

Integrating Lean Manufacturing Into Fixture Design

As published by The Chartered Engineer in “Lean Manufacturing Integration with Jigs and Fixtures,” workholding devices can support waste reduction, standardized production, single-piece flow, and continuous improvement when lean principles are considered during design.

Standardized components, fewer operations, mistake-proofing features, organized storage, and shorter setup or lead times can help create more efficient production. Designers should also evaluate whether a fixture improves takt time, prevents misalignment, or creates a new constraint elsewhere in the workflow.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/integrating-lean-manufacturing-into-fixture-design/

08/21/2026

Location and Clamping in Fixture Design

As published by The Chartered Engineer in “Location and Clamping Systems in Fixture Design,” precise positioning and secure clamping directly affect manufacturing consistency and finished-part quality. The 3-2-1 locating method uses points across three planes to restrict unwanted workpiece movement.

Clamps should be positioned to resist machining forces while avoiding distortion or springing. Designers must consider force direction, workpiece tolerances, bearing points, heat, existing locating features, and the amount of force needed to hold the part safely throughout production.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/location-and-clamping-in-fixture-design/

08/18/2026

Engineering Principles for Better Jigs and Fixtures

As published by The Chartered Engineer in “Jigs and Fixtures Design Guide: Complete Engineering Principles 2026,” effective workholding design combines traditional engineering practices with lean manufacturing and Single-Minute Exchange of Dies principles. Jigs guide tools during production, while fixtures hold workpieces securely in a precise position.

Successful designs require careful consideration of accuracy, repeatability, operator safety, loading and unloading, cycle time, manufacturing losses, and potential return on investment. Developing and comparing several concepts can help manufacturers select a workholding solution that fits the application and production environment.

Read more: https://toolcraftfw.com/industry-news-blog/engineering-principles-for-better-jigs-and-fixtures/

Address

2620 Adams Center Road
Fort Wayne, IN
46803

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12607490454

Website

http://www.toolcraftfw.com/

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