707 E-3 / E-6 MetallicManufacturing Training
Step 4 · Fixtures & tools

Process tooling groups

Know the kit for each process. Ship-specific jigs and drill templates live in controlled tooling — these are the common families you will hear on the floor.

Hydroform

Male block, pins, blank outline, diaphragm

  • Male block — hard tool half that defines the contour
  • Pins — locate blank / block to the press tray
  • Blank outline — developed trim shape before or after form
  • Diaphragm — rubber / fluid-cell membrane that applies pressure
Stretch

Stretch die, jaw inserts, side stops, bulldozer

  • Stretch die — form block the skin is pulled over
  • Jaw inserts — grip the blank edges without tearing
  • Side stops — control width and edge walk
  • Optional bulldozer — local push assist on stubborn radii
Brake

V-die, punch, backgauge

  • V-die — bottom tool; opening sets radius/bend allowance
  • Punch — top tool that forms the bend
  • Backgauge — sets flange length / bend line location
Assembly

Clecos, drill cages, bushing plates, microstop

  • Clecos — temporary fasteners to hold stack-ups
  • Drill cages — guide multi-hole patterns
  • Bushing plates — hardened bushings for hole location
  • Microstop countersink — depth-controlled flush prep
Cold work

Sleeve, mandrel, puller, nosecap, reamers

  • Split sleeve — disposable lubricated sleeve in the hole
  • Mandrel — tapered puller that expands the hole
  • Hydraulic puller — power unit that draws the mandrel
  • Nosecap — seats against the structure during pull
  • Start / final reamers — size holes before and after cold work per process
CNC

Vacuum table, tombstone, spar fixture datums

  • Vacuum table — holds sheet / plate for routing and face work
  • Tombstone — vertical fixture for multi-face machining
  • Spar fixture datums — long-part locators tied to engineering datums

Hand tools

Everyday kit for hole prep, riveting, and fastener install.

ToolShop note
Bits #40 / #30 / #21Common drill sizes for rivet and fastener holes — match the drawing
Cleco pliersInstall and remove temporary cleco fasteners
Gun / sets / bucking barsPneumatic rivet gun, rivet sets, and bucking bars for driven rivets
Hole finderTransfer existing hole locations through new skin or patch
Dimple diesForm flush dimples in thin sheet for flush rivets
Hi-Lok toolsWrenches / collars for Hi-Lok family fasteners

Controlled tooling

Drill templates, assembly jigs, and ship-specific fixtures are controlled assets. Public videos show methods — not your E-3 or E-6 tooling package.

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