Published 09/14/2026

Use Workholding to Unleash Your Machine Tool

Advanced machine tools demand workholding that supports their capabilities.

Derek Korn

Editor-in-Chief, Production Machining magazine

The SolidStamp system crimps workpiece material with a tooth contour that fits into the serrated edges of the HWR Workholding vise jaws. The company says this saves time compared to dovetail machining. Source: HWR Workholding

For many manufacturers, IMTS plays a vital role in purchasing a new machine, allowing efficient comparison of competing offerings. What’s equally important, though, is the show provides the opportunity to discover and evaluate the workholding that will determine whether an advanced machine or automation system performs to its full potential. That’s the driving message from HWR Workholding as it displays its full portfolio of products.

Poorly matched workholding reveals itself in a variety of ways that limit machine ROI. Unnecessarily long setups lower spindle utilization. Insufficient holding power often requires reduced feeds and speeds. A lack of rigidity can make it impossible to consistently achieve specified tolerances and surface finishes.

Getting the most out of a machine requires understanding of both its capabilities and the parts it will produce, as well as the workholding that will provide the interface. HWR points to real-world examples to make its case.

A high-mix, low-volume shop working with blanks of varying shapes slashed setup times by adopting InoFlex four-jaw chucks with compensating technology. The design enables each pair of jaws to operate independently, automatically centering workpieces regardless of if they’re round, rectangular or asymmetric.

An aerospace manufacturer operating advanced five-axis machines cut setup times and freed multiple three-axis machines by eliminating the use of dovetails. Instead, it now uses SolidStamp to stamp workpieces with a tooth contour that matches a pattern on its SolidGrip vise jaws. Requiring just 3 mm of clamping depth, the solution dramatically increased both holding power and efficiency.

Another aerospace manufacturer adopted SolidPoint modular zero-point workholding to support its use of palletized automation. The ability to rapidly create setups has enabled the company to efficiently automate machining of a diverse range of part sizes and geometries in lots ranging from five to 100 pieces.

A new machine or automation system can be transformational. Those considering such an investment at IMTS should also take the time to evaluate workholding, as it could either enable or limit the scope of machining success.

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