Workholding

Workholding refers to any device that is used to a secure a workpiece against the forces of machining. The most basic workholding device is a simple clamp, but workholding can also involve complex fixtures that are custom-built for particular parts. Other common workholding devices include vises and chucks, as well as indexers or rotary tables that are able to change the part’s position while it is held, so the machine can reach various features. In most machining applications, workholding also locates the part. On a machining center, for example, a vise or fixture may also provide the precise position and orientation where the machining program expects to find the workpiece.

Workholding

Prioritizing Workholding Density Versus Simplicity

Determining whether to use high-density fixtures or to simplify workholding requires a deeper look into the details of your parts and processes.

ESSENTIAL READING

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Workholding 24 May 2023

Custom Workholding Principles to Live By

Workholding solutions can take on infinite forms and all would be correct to some degree. Follow these tips to help optimize custom workholding solutions.

Measurement 29 Aug 2022

A Case for Combining Workholding with Optical Scanning

Automotive dies and die inserts are often complex, one-off parts with little room for error. Integrity Tool's investments in modular workholding tools and 3D optical scanning have allowed the company to create niche capabilities for its CNC machined parts.

Workholding 30 Jul 2022

When To Use A Collet Chuck

Don't assume the standard chuck is the right workholding for every lathe application.

Basics 5 Mar 2022

Workholding 101

No universal workholding solution exists, so machine shop employees should have a basic understanding of multiple ways they can secure workpieces.

Basics 12 Oct 2021

3 Uses for a Composite Polymer 3D Printer in a CNC Machine Shop

When RPG purchased its metal 3D printer, a polymer printer was part of the deal. Three uses this job shop has found for this fused filament fabrication system.

Workholding 30 Jun 2021

Vacuum Workholding for Thin Parts: First Episode of The One-Person Shop

A new video series looks at technology and practices for thriving as a very small machining business. In this episode, how workholding using air pressure permits rapid setup of parts too delicate to be held in a vise.

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Mate Workholding - Accuracy and Repeatability

Mate Workholding - No Interruptions or Surprises

Latest Workholding News And Updates

Workholding 11 Oct 2024

Dillon Hard Jaws Enhance Small Diameter Machining

Dillon Manufacturing’s extra-long hard jaws feature extended reach, making them well suited for machining small diameters.

Workholding 7 Oct 2024

Mate Workholding System Maximizes Repeatability

The company has enhanced its 52/96 zero-point workholding system with a new vise, collets machinable hard jaws and more.

Automation 10 Sep 2024

Handling Heavier Parts and More with EROWA

Refined machines at EROWA are handling heavier loads, while its precision workholding enhances stability and rigidity.

IMTS 2 Sep 2024

HWR Workholding Systems Facilitate Process Automation

IMTS 2024: HWR Workholding is showcasing a range of workholding systems designed for milling and turning applications.

Workholding 28 Aug 2024

Walter USA Acquires PDQ Workholding

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

23 Aug 2024

Fixtureworks Workholding Products Support Range of Use Cases

IMTS 2024: Fixtureworks highlights a variety of its clamping, fixturing, positioning and workholding products, as well as its machine tools and components.

Featured Posts

Workholding 20 May 2024

Using Automation to Reduce COGS and Stay Globally Competitive

Decade-long, multiphase automation investments lower operating costs and maintain technology lead in an increasingly competitive global market.

Additive Manufacturing 13 May 2024

Chuck Jaws Achieve 77% Weight Reduction Through 3D Printing

Alpha Precision Group (APG) has developed an innovative workholding design for faster spindle speeds through sinter-based additive manufacturing.

Workholding 22 Jan 2024

Machining Vektek Hydraulic Swing Clamp Bodies Using Royal Products Collet Fixtures

A study in repeatable and flexible workholding by one OEM for another.

Workholding 13 Dec 2023

Medical Shop Performs Lights-Out Production in Five-Axes

Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.

Workholding 11 Sep 2023

Shop Doubles Sales with High-Mix, Low-Volume Automation

Robots with adaptive grippers have opened entire shifts of capacity to high-mix, low-volume shop Précinov, doubling its sales.

Workholding 23 Aug 2023

Parts and Programs: Setup for Success

Tips for program and work setups that can simplify adjustments and troubleshooting.

Innovative Manufacturing for the Medical Industry

To any Measurement Question there is an Answer

FAQ: Workholding

What is workholding?

When should you use flexible workholding?

For shops that handle short-run and one-off jobs, flexible workholding is key to producing work cost-effectively. This might involve quick-change workholding that speeds setups, or solutions that leave the sides of parts free for machining, requiring fewer setups.

Source: Choosing Workholding to Meet Machining Challenges

When should you use automation-ready workholding?

As more shops add automation, they will need workholding systems that are compatible with the systems they’ve implemented, whether they’re robots, pallet systems or something else.

Source: Choosing Workholding to Meet Machining Challenges

When should you use ID Workholding?

ID workholding, such as expanding mandrels, has a number of benefits and is suited to a range of applications. These fixtures can provide full access to a part’s OD, providing a rigid, even hold that increases accuracy.

Source: Choosing Workholding to Meet Machining Challenges

What are some tips to consider when using five-axis workholding?

1. Size the Five-Axis Machine Correctly

2. Consider Augmenting Dovetails

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Source: Workholding Considerations for Five-Axis Machining

What is a collet chuck?

The collet chuck is an alternate workholding device that, like the jaw chuck, also uses mechanical force to hold the part being turned. While a collet chuck lacks the capacity for the same wide range of workpiece sizes that a jaw chuck can accommodate, it offers advantages related to speed, accuracy and productivity that may be crucial for certain jobs.

Source: When To Use A Collet Chuck