Engineering Excellence with Experience and Innovation
Fax: 770-489-9707
Engineering Excellence with Experience and Innovation
Fax: 770-489-9707
In aerospace manufacturing, repeatability is the cornerstone of quality. Every hole drilled, every rivet placed, and every component bonded must be executed with exact precision, part after part. At West Cobb Engineering, we support this requirement through our advanced CFRP composite jig and fixture assemblies.
We combine competence with deep industry expertise to design and manufacture tooling that solves the unique challenges of modern flight. By transitioning from traditional metals to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), we provide our partners with jigs and fixtures that offer superior stability, ease of use, and long-term durability. Our commitment to integrity means we deliver solutions that don't just meet standards—they set them.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, jigs and fixtures serve distinct, critical roles in the manufacturing process. A fixture typically holds a workpiece in place, while a jig guides the manufacturing tool—such as a drill or a router—to the correct location on that workpiece.
The margin for error in these applications is non-existent. A guide tool that is slightly out of tolerance can compromise the structural integrity of an aircraft. Therefore, the tooling used must be stiffer, more stable, and more accurate than the parts they are helping to create. We specialize in delivering this high level of precision, ensuring that your manufacturing processes remain robust and reliable.
Historically, jigs and fixtures were constructed from steel or aluminum. While effective for legacy applications, these heavy materials struggle to meet the demands of modern composite aircraft manufacturing. CFRP composite jig and fixture assemblies represent the evolution of tooling, offering distinct advantages that directly impact production efficiency and part quality.
One of the most significant challenges in aerospace manufacturing is thermal expansion. When composite parts are cured in an autoclave, or even when shop temperatures fluctuate, materials expand and contract. If a metal jig expands at a different rate than the composite part it is guiding, it can lead to internal stresses, warping, or misplaced features.
CFRP jigs possess a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is nearly identical to the composite parts being manufactured. This thermal matching ensures that the tool expands and contracts in unison with the part, maintaining absolute dimensional accuracy throughout the entire curing cycle.
Weight is a constant enemy on the factory floor. Heavy metal jigs require cranes, forklifts, and multiple operators to position, slowing down production and increasing the risk of workplace injury.
Our CFRP composite jig and fixture assemblies are significantly lighter than their metal counterparts—often by 50% or more—without sacrificing strength. Operators can position guides with greater agility, leading to a more responsive and efficient workflow.
Despite their light weight, carbon fiber composites offer exceptional stiffness and tensile strength. A jig must remain rigid under the pressure of drilling or trimming to ensure the tool does not wander. West Cobb Engineering utilizes high-modulus carbon fiber to create assemblies that are incredibly rigid and harmonically stable, ensuring that your tooling investment provides value over a longer lifespan.
Aerospace components often feature complex aerodynamic curves that are difficult to replicate with standard metal stock. Composite manufacturing allows us to mold jigs directly to master patterns, capturing every contour and surface detail with perfect fidelity. This "net-shape" capability ensures that the jig fits the part seamlessly, providing superior support and guidance during manufacturing operations.
Designing and building effective composite tooling requires more than just raw materials; it requires a partner who understands the engineering principles behind them. West Cobb Engineering is that partner. We approach every project with a mindset of credibility and responsiveness, working to understand the specific nuances of your application.
Our process starts with comprehensive engineering. We analyze your CAD data to design jigs and fixtures that optimize accessibility and accuracy. We consider factors such as resin flow, thermal mass, and operator ergonomics to create a tool that is accurate and extremely practical.
We operate at the leading edge of manufacturing technology. Our facility is equipped with large-scale 5-axis CNC machining centers, allowing us to produce master patterns and trim final tools with micron-level precision. Our composite fabrication teams are experts in layup and infusion techniques, ensuring void-free laminates and consistent material properties.
o Trust is good, but verification is better. We employ advanced metrology solutions, including laser trackers and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), to inspect every jig and fixture we produce. We certify that every guide bushing, locator pin, and reference surface is positioned exactly according to your specifications. This rigorous quality control process is why we are trusted by top-tier aerospace and defense contractors.
Whether you are manufacturing commercial airliners, military jets, or space exploration vehicles, the quality of your tooling defines the quality of your product. CFRP composite jig and fixture assemblies from West Cobb Engineering provide the accuracy and stability necessary to navigate the complexities of modern aerospace manufacturing.
We invite you to experience the difference that a dedicated, professional tooling partner can make. We are ready to listen to your needs and deliver solutions that drive your business forward.
Ready to upgrade your manufacturing capabilities with superior guide tools? Contact West Cobb Engineering today. Let our team of experts demonstrate how our composite solutions can ensure precision for your most critical applications.