Workholding

Q: 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

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.

Zero Point Workholding: Faster Changeovers, Repeatable Results

German-engineered, air-release workholding from Lyndex-Nikken standardizes how fixtures and vises mount to the machine, enabling fast, interruptible changeovers with repeatable positioning for high-mix CNC work.

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Custom Workholding Principles to Live By

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A Case for Combining Workholding with Optical Scanning

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When To Use A Collet Chuck

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

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Workholding 101

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

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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.

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Reducing Chatter and Strain Through Pressure Monitoring

Loss of fixture pressure can cause problems from chatter to thrown parts. Pressure monitoring helps keep fixtures stable and operations on target.

Workholding 5 Sep 2025

Collaborative Event Showcases Advanced Technology

Emuge-Franken USA, Okuma America Corp. and Open Mind Technologies collaborate to demonstrate the Evogrip Modular Workholding System at Okuma’s Charlotte, North Carolina facility on September 11, 2025.

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SMW Autoblok Clamping Modules Include Automation-Ready Features

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Can Cooperation Out-Compete Competition?

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Workholding 28 Jul 2025

Jergens Combination Pallet Enables Quick-change Versatility

The QL2 quick-change workholding system features dual pattern configuration, making it a single solution accommodating both industry standard mounting options for broader overall application.

Workholding 16 Jul 2025

Get a Grip on Your Workholding Processes

From adhesive fixturing to automated changeovers, these articles show how shops are rethinking workholding to improve efficiency and accuracy. Whether it's collet choice, custom fixtures, or balancing density with simplicity, smarter setups are driving better results.

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Prioritizing Workholding Density Versus Simplicity

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Custom Workholding Shaves Days From Medical Part Setup Times

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Handling Heavier Parts and More with EROWA

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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