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.
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ESSENTIAL READING
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How to Implement Zero-Point Workholding
The value of zero-point workholding systems is that your machine stops being tied to your setups. Once you see it that way, the day-to-day uses are easy to find.
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Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.
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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.
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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.
Read MoreWhen 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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Latest Workholding News And Updates
Bison Vise Enhances Process Reliability for Automated Production
IMTS 2026: Bison USA Corp. introduces the 6740 self-centering power vise, available in pneumatic and hydraulic configurations designed to provide consistent clamping performance and process reliability in automated production environments.
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SMW Autoblok Chuck Automates Jaw Changes for High-Mix Production
IMTS 2026: SMW Autoblok features the KNCS-matic quick jaw change chuck, offering automated jaw replacement via industrial robot and compatibility with the company's Motiact MX-S mechatronic grippers.
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Erowa Workholding System Automates Handling of Large, Heavy Workpieces
Erowa Technology Inc. showcases the Giant Tooling System (GTS) modular workholding solution alongside two compact automation robots — the ERC80 and ERC150.
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Vektek Pressure Monitoring System Supports Multifixture CNC Automation
IMTS 2026: Vektek introduces the Guardian 2.0, an industrial-grade pressure monitoring system designed for continuous oversight of clamping pressure across complex, multifixture environments.
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Dillon Collet Pads, Jaws Expand Range of Machinable Part Geometries
Dillon Manufacturing's collet pad top jaw systems accommodate a wider range of part geometries, offering quick changeovers, Carbinite coating for improved grip and reduced cycle times.
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Hainbuch Workholding Systems Enables Quick Changeovers
IMTS 2026: Hainbuch's Centrotex system enables complete clamping device changeovers in under a minute, with repeatability of 0.003 mm or less between the machine adapter and clamping device.
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Featured Posts
How to Counter Jaw Lift and Wear
Jaw lift is a natural force that pushes parts ever so slightly out of the vise. Uncontrolled, it can throw ultra-precision parts out of tolerance. Careful planning can counter its worst effects.
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He Built a Machine Shop on a Working Cattle Farm (Video)
Jeff Lewis has spent his entire life on 380 acres in Cox's Creek, Kentucky — farming it, raising a family on it, and building a precision CNC shop that now machines die inserts for major automotive OEMs. This is how all three things ended up in the same place.
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How to Implement Zero-Point Workholding
The value of zero-point workholding systems is that your machine stops being tied to your setups. Once you see it that way, the day-to-day uses are easy to find.
Read More
Lang Technik USA Scales Up (And Down) In New Facility
Lang’s new Wisconsin facility, which will become the first U.S. manufacturing site for the company, showcases larger modular workholding products and more compact automation.
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Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.
Watch
Skipping the Dovetail Saves Setup Time for High-End Parts
Relying on crimping and sacrificial frames instead of dovetails cuts operations from Novo Modo’s high-end, high-mix work. What’s more, it supports the shop’s tight features and tighter tolerances.
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FAQ: Workholding
What is 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Workholding Supplier Categories
- Self-Contained Chucks
- Dividing & Indexing Heads
- Actuators, Hydraulic & Pneumatic
- Gear Chucks
- Vises & Vise Jaws
- Mandrels
- Guide Bushings (for Swiss Lathes)
- Angle & Sub Plates
- Special Chucks
- Collet Type (for Workholding)
- All Other Workpiece Handling, Loading & Feeding Equipment
- Indexers & Rotary Tables
- Collets for Workholding
- Clamps & Fixturing Devices
- Precision Chucks
- Steady Rests
- Centers, Live & Other
- Pedestal Type Fixtures & Tombstone Blocks
- Magnetic Chucks
- Fixturing Systems
- Custom Workholding
- Chuck Jaws & Collets
- Index Chucks
- Power Chucks
- Diaphragm Chucks
- Arbors, Expandable Workholding
- Vacuum Chucks
- Jaw Type
