AutoFeed Cut fixtures
AutoFeed Cut depends on the right fixture setup for reliable, repeatable sheet loading and accurate laser cuts. Solid workholding eliminates misfeeds and protects both the machine and your parts.
Browse materials, jaws, straps, and rotary kits.
- Flat fixture cues
- Rotary / clamp limits
- First-article photo notes
Also see beam notes and projects.
Fixtures are critical for repeatability and cut quality
In automated sheet handling, fixturing is what keeps each blank or plate in the correct position every time. If the sheet is not square or slips during loading, the nest will be off, parts will be out of tolerance and you risk costly rework or scrap.
Good fixtures also protect the machine’s drive system and cutting head. A shifted plate or poorly clamped edge can cause collisions or head crashes, especially on thicker stock. Repeatable fixturing keeps your first article identical to your last, even with mixed operator shifts.
Types of fixtures that work with AutoFeed Cut
AutoFeed Cut is designed for flat-bed sheet loading, so the most common fixtures are squared locator stops, edge clamps, removable nest plates and low-profile jaw sets. These keep each sheet or plate aligned with the datum corner and prevent movement during loading and cutting.
For jobs needing rotation or holding odd-shaped stock, rotary chucks or custom straps can be added, but always check clearance against the travel path. Quick-release clamps help for fast setups, while anti-slip pads under nest plates improve grip on oily or thin materials.
- Locator stops for repeatable sheet positioning
- Edge and corner clamps for flat stock
- Removable nest plates for varied part shapes
- Rotary chucks for special jobs
- Low-profile jaws for minimal clearance loss
Setup and first-article fixture check
Before running a new nest, inspect and clean all fixture surfaces. Any swarf or burrs can throw off your reference points, so start by wiping down locator stops, clamps and the bed.
Test-fit one blank using the fixture, close all clamps firmly but without over-tightening, and cycle the tray or loader once to check for movement or misalignment. Watch for any flex or lift as the loader runs. Finally, do a dry run with the sheet in place to confirm clearances.
- Clean fixture contact points and bed
- Fit a blank, close clamps evenly
- Cycle loader and check for movement
- Visually confirm sheet alignment
- Run a dry cycle to check for head clearance
Common fixture faults in autofeed cutting and how to prevent them
Clamping too tightly can mark soft materials or bend thin plate, while loose clamps let sheets creep under vibration. Always use enough force to hold, but never crush.
Avoid stacking small offcuts under clamps, as this lifts the main sheet and throws off focus. Watch for grinding dust or spatter, especially in busy yards: dirt under locators builds up fast and ruins repeatability.
Leaving fixtures too high or too close to the cut path risks head collisions. Keep all clamps outside the programmed nest zone. If you switch materials often, colour-code fixture sets for each thickness to avoid mix-ups.
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