Magnetic fixturing is a smart, sustainable alternative to traditional clamps, adhesives, and welded jigs in manufacturing environments, especially in metalworking, woodworking, and fabrication. These magnetic systems are durable and reusable and reduce waste generated by disposable components and outdated tooling. Here’s how magnetic fixturing can help your shop cut waste and boost operational flexibility.

What is Magnetic Fixturing?

Magnetic fixturing uses high-strength permanent magnets—typically neodymium or ceramic—to hold, position, or secure workpieces during machining, assembly, or inspection. These magnets can be mounted, embedded into fixtures, or used as switchable magnetic blocks for modular setups.

Unlike bolts, adhesives, or welded jigs, magnetic fixtures are non-invasive and fully reusable. They’re especially helpful when you need fast part changeouts, gentle surface handling, or adaptable setups for short-run or prototype jobs.

The Environmental Benefits of Magnetic Fixturing

Reduces Disposable Fasteners & Adhesives

In many production setups, tapes, glues, clamps, or custom-cut jigs are used once or twice, then discarded or reworked. This generates plastic, metal, and chemical waste.

Magnetic fixturing replaces single-use materials with long-lasting magnets. Whether you're positioning sheet metal, aligning cabinetry, or securing non-ferrous materials with an embedded steel plate, the system can be reused hundreds (or thousands) of times without degrading.

Minimizes Scrap from Surface Damage

Clamps and hard tooling can dent, scuff, or misalign delicate components, leading to rejected parts and increased material waste. Magnetic holding tools apply even, gentle pressure, which is especially helpful for polished finishes, coated parts, or assemblies requiring precise alignment.

Supports Lean, Modular Workflows

Magnetic fixtures are easy to reposition and adjust, allowing teams to quickly adapt setups without remanufacturing templates or cutting new jigs for every job. This saves time and cuts down on material and labor waste during changeovers.

Reduces Energy & Downtime

Switchable or quick-release magnetic fixtures speed up part setup and teardown. With fewer moving parts and no curing or drying time (as with adhesives), machines can return to full production faster and with fewer maintenance issues.

Applications Across Industries

Magnetic fixturing is used across a wide range of industrial applications, including: Sheet metal fabrication and welding, CNC milling and machining, woodworking and cabinetry, electronics assembly, and quality control and inspection setups.

At Apex Magnets, we supply high-strength neodymium magnets in disc, block, and custom configurations designed for industrial use. Whether you’re outfitting a new line or upgrading a workbench, we can help you find the right components for a flexible, low-waste setup.

Choosing the Right Magnets for Fixturing

To build a magnetic fixturing system that performs reliably, consider the following:

  • Pull Force: Choose magnets with appropriate strength for the material and holding surface.

  • Coating: For harsh environments or moisture exposure, select nickel, epoxy, or rubber-coated magnets.

  • Shape & Mounting: Block magnets provide stable contact; disc magnets are great for embedding in custom jigs or work surfaces.

  • Safety: Be cautious when working with powerful rare earth magnets. Keep fingers clear and follow proper spacing when setting fixtures.

Shop Online and Follow Us to Learn More

We offer a vast selection of magnets, so browse them to find the perfect options for your specific needs. Need help with that selection process? Contact us for personalized service and suggestions. We can even help you with custom orders. 

You’ll be among the first to receive notifications about our latest blogs and our latest magnet deals when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter!  

If you need further assistance or have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. 

Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.