---
title: "Designing Test Rigs, Jigs & Fixtures: Additive Manufacturing"
description: Discover how additive manufacturing accelerates the design & production of test rigs, jigs & fixtures—delivering lower costs & better-performing tooling.
---

[3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing News ](https://ame-3d.co.uk/news)

# [Designing Test Rigs, Jigs & Fixtures: Additive Manufacturing](https://ame-3d.co.uk/news/designing-test-rigs-jigs-and-fixtures-a-hidden-advantage-of-using-additive-manufacturing)

 Written by [AME-3D](https://ame-3d.co.uk/news/author/ame-3d-admin) | Dec 9, 2025 9:15:00 AM

When people think of additive manufacturing, they often picture rapid prototypes or show-piece models. But one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — uses of 3D printing is in the creation of **test rigs, jigs and fixtures**.

For engineers and product development teams who need reliable, repeatable and cost-effective tooling, additive manufacturing offers a powerful advantage. At AME-3D, we see more and more customers turning to AM not for their parts, but for the tools they use to test, assemble or validate those parts.

Here’s why.

## **Why Jigs and Fixtures Are Perfect for Additive Manufacturing**

Jigs, fixtures and bespoke test rigs are almost always produced in low volumes. They’re typically one-offs, or small batches created when a new component needs to be tested or assembled. That makes them an ideal fit for additive manufacturing.

### **1. No tooling required**

Traditional machined fixtures often require time-consuming programming, custom setups or even dedicated tooling. With AM, you can go straight from CAD to print — giving engineers a tool in hours or days, not weeks.

### **2. Complex geometry comes at no cost**

Fixtures often need to cradle parts, align odd shapes, or incorporate internal channels and locating features. AM allows complete design freedom: ergonomic shapes, undercuts, integrated clamps, or textured grip surfaces all become possible without increasing cost.

### **3. Perfect customisation**

Because rigs and fixtures are built around a specific component, custom fit is everything. 3D printing allows you to create housings, nests and alignment features shaped to the exact geometry of the end-use part.

### **4. Rapid design iterations**

As product designs evolve, fixtures need to evolve too. With AM, you can quickly update your CAD, reprint and repeat — supporting fast-paced development cycles without slowing teams down.

## **How Designing for AM Changes the Way You Create Fixtures**

Designing jigs and fixtures using additive manufacturing unlocks possibilities that simply aren’t practical with traditional machining.

### **Rethinking geometry**

AM removes constraints like tool access, draft angles, fixed radii or multi-part assemblies. This means designers can create tools that perfectly suit their purpose rather than compromising to suit a machine or cutting tool.

### **Embedding functionality into the tool**

Designs can include:

- Internal cable channels
- Integrated clamps or fasteners
- Lightweight lattice structures
- Textured or soft-touch surfaces
- Identification labels or QR codes
- Built-in datum points or stops

These features improve ease of use while reducing assembly and material costs.

### **Improving ergonomics**

Fixtures can be designed around human interaction: shaped handles, reduced weight, better balance and improved usability. This is especially valuable for repetitive manufacturing tasks or operators working with delicate components.

## **Material Choices Make a Big Difference**

The choice of material influences durability, accuracy and how the fixture will be used. At AME-3D, we select materials based on performance, handling and the required lifespan.

**SLS Nylon (PA12)**

- Strong and lightweight
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Suitable for industrial environments and repeat use

**SLA Resins**

- High precision
- Ideal for tight tolerances or fine-feature rigs
- Great for electronics or component test nests

**Vacuum Casting Resins**

- ABS-like and PC-like materials available
- Rubber-like options for soft-touch grips, overmoulding available
- Ideal for producing multiple identical fixtures

**Hybrid tools**  
We often combine processes:

- Machined metal inserts for wear points
- 3D printed bodies for geometry
- Cast grips or housings for comfort

This gives customers the right balance of strength, accuracy and ergonomics.

## **Real Benefits for Engineering and Production Teams**

Designing test rigs, jigs and fixtures via additive manufacturing gives teams tangible, measurable advantages:

### **1. Repeatability and accuracy**

Fixtures ensure test conditions are consistent. Custom AM fixtures are shaped exactly to the part, improving data quality and reducing human error.

### **2. Faster assembly and inspection**

A well-designed fixture can reduce assembly steps, improve alignment, and make inspection standards clearer.

### **3. Lower cost per tool**

One-off machined fixtures can be costly. AM drastically reduces price without compromising quality.

### **4. Speed to test**

When deadlines are tight, 3D printing enables same-week — tooling production.

### **5. Better outcomes for iterative design**

Every time your part changes, your fixture can change with it. AM gives you flexibility conventional methods struggle to match.

## **Where AM-Based Fixtures Make the Biggest Impact**

We see the greatest benefits in industries with fast-paced development and high precision requirements:

- Automotive assemblies
- Electronics & PCB testing
- Industrial machinery
- Consumer product testing
- Aerospace development
- Medical device prototypes
- R&D labs
- Quality assurance teams

Whether it’s a go/no-go gauge, alignment jig, or a complex functional test rig, AME-3D supports the full development cycle.

## **Why Partner with AME-3D?**

At AME-3D, we don’t just print a fixture — we help **design it to work better**.

Our team blends:

- CAD expertise
- Additive manufacturing knowledge
- Vacuum casting and finishing capability
- Engineering insight

This allows us to take a concept or requirement and turn it into a functional, ergonomic, and reliable tool that supports testing, assembly or QA.

By keeping design, prototyping and low-volume production under one roof, we help customers move faster, reduce costs and maintain control over quality.

## **Conclusion**

Additive manufacturing offers a powerful, often underutilised advantage: the ability to design and produce test rigs, jigs and fixtures quickly, affordably and with total design freedom.

Whether you’re building a functional test rig, a custom assembly jig, or a fixture to improve repeatability, AM gives you a smarter, faster way to get there. And with an experienced design-for-manufacture team behind you, the results are even stronger.

AME-3D is here to support your tooling needs — from concept and CAD to finished, production-ready fixture. [Get in touch with our experts today.](https://ame-3d.co.uk/about/contact)

[View full post](https://ame-3d.co.uk/news/designing-test-rigs-jigs-and-fixtures-a-hidden-advantage-of-using-additive-manufacturing)

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