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Basics of Manufacturing: Fixture Design

Correctly machining a part requires a fixturing setup that guarantees a definite location or position with respect to a part's datum points or surfaces. This must be repeatable, part-after-part. SME's Fundamentals of Tool Design video series explores both the basics and details of fixtures. Explore this video series and more through the SME store.  
 


What can SME do for you?
 
Our events, programs, and publications help you increase your knowledge and skills, and expand your industry networks.
Here are just some of the ways SME helps advance manufacturing:
 
Training

Close your organization’s skills gap

More than half of the Fortune 500 manufacturers and educational institutions nationwide choose Tooling U-SME for workforce development. Learn more about Tooling U-SME.

 
SME Education Foundation

Find scholarships and other educational opportunities

The SME Education Foundation builds educational programs, develops apprenticeships, and provides scholarships. Here’s how the Foundation can help you get started.

 
White Papers

Download an SME white paper or report

SME has published a variety of white papers and reports on topics ranging from manufacturing education to competency models to workforce development. Download a copy for free.

 
Certification

Advance your career with professional certifications

SME’s professional certifications can help you make the most of all the opportunities advanced manufacturing provides. Get certified.

 
Trends and Technology

Stay informed on the latest industry trends and technology

SME’s perspectives keep you up to date with the newest technologies and innovations that can improve your productivity. Read about what’s next.

 
Events

Meet and learn from industry leaders

SME events connect you with industry leaders, let you expand your network, and show off your technology to potential customers. Find an event.

 


Humans of Manufacturing


HOM: An Olympic Training Center for Hands-On Skills

Gene Sherman, CEO and founder of Vocademy, knew at a young age that he was not destined for a college education and that working with his hands was his future. “My first introduction to the world of making things was taking other people's discarded toys and fixing them to play with.”


 
Membership


Why you should join SME

SME is a community of manufacturing professionals, educators, and students who create the things that make the world a better place to live, work and play. Membership in SME gives you access to workforce training and certification, mentorship programs, jobs, the industry’s top publications and events, networking opportunities, and more.

Who is SME?

Manufacturing has long been central to global economies and prosperity, creating value and opportunity for communities, workers, and their families. SME has supported the manufacturing industry for more than 85 years. Working closely with manufacturing professionals, companies, educators, schools, and communities, we share knowledge and resources that generate solutions to manufacturing industry challenges. Learn more about SME.