Tombstone Fixtures
Multi-sided tombstones that let one 5-axis setup machine several parts per cycle.
Tombstones with faces ground square so parts located on any face come out the same. The point is to keep the spindle cutting while the operator loads the next face.
How we make it: Custom CNC parts service →
5–8 weeks
1 piece
ISO 9001:2015 · AS9100D
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Face squareness | 0.01 | mm |
| Face flatness | 0.01 | mm |
| Number of faces | 2 / 4 / 6 | as required |
| Max size | 630 × 630 × 500 | mm |
| Repeatability | 0.02 | mm |
| CMM report | Per tombstone | included |
Available Materials
- Aluminium 7075-T651
- Cast iron GG25
- Steel S355
- Tool steel locators
Typical Applications
- 5-axis production cells
- Horizontal machining centres
- Pallet systems
- Multi-part fixtures
- Automated cells
Surface Finishes
- Anodised
- Ground faces (0.01 square)
- Painted non-datum faces
- Laser marked ID
Industries Served
- Aerospace
- Automotive & EV
- Industrial Equipment
- Medical
- Tooling & Mould Making
What drives the price of this part
Derived from the callouts on this page. Where a driver is not on the drawing, it is not on this list.
- Tolerance
- Face flatness at 0.01 mm is the tightest callout this family carries. Tightening a callout is a process decision, not a machining decision: below the standard ±0.005 mm the work moves to grinding or jig boring, and the price moves with it.
- Part size
- Max size at 630 × 630 × 500 mm decides which machine the part lands on and how many setups it needs. Size is the driver buyers most often leave out of a first enquiry, and it is the one that changes the quote fastest.
- Order size
- Minimum order is 1 piece, so on a first order setup and programming are spread over very few parts and they are most of the price. Repeat orders at the same quantity are cheaper without anything on the drawing changing.
See how cycle time is calculated in the machining time calculator and what else moves a price in the cost driver reference.
How these parts are inspected
Matched to the callouts above and the instruments actually on the floor.
- Coordinate measuring machine (Zeiss CONTURA G2, two machines, GR&R 8.4% on the critical feature)
- Dimensional report against the drawing, with a 100% check on critical features rather than a sample
- Certificate of conformance and the mill certificate with every shipment
- First article inspection to AS9102, because this family carries an aerospace or automotive certificate
The full equipment list, with counts, is on the capability page; the inspection sequence is on quality and inspection.
Questions buyers ask
- Why grind the faces on a new tombstone?
- So the datum is real. A raw casting or billet face carries 0.1 mm or more of error, and every part bolted to it inherits that offset.
Related part families
Workholding Fixtures
Machining fixtures that locate on the casting or forging datum, repeatable to 0.02 mm.
Modular Fixtures
Grid-plate and modular fixture kits that reuse across part families.
Inspection Fixtures & Gauges
CMM fixtures, check gauges and go/no-go tooling built from your CAD and certified dimensionally.