Workholding

Hitting the Zone with Five-Axis Machining
By investing in five-axis machining technology, Advance CNC Machining has done more than just add new capabilities to its roster. It has found a way to achieve something that most of us strive for: a way to work “in the zone.”

ERP Can Be More Than Planning
From accounting and order tracking to scheduling and inventory management, this workholding equipment supplier is only beginning to realize the full benefits of its ERP system.

Collets Vs. Chucks
Find the definition, types and advantages of both CNC collets and chucks for workholding as well as the best applications for each, in this article.

Bar Feeder Basics
Some primary factors are often overlooked when considering how to justify the implementation of a bar feeder for turning operations.

Understanding CNC Collet Chucks
Workholding for turning is usually fairly basic: The selection comes down to chucks or collets. This article looks at when to consider the collet chuck and what kind might be best for a given application.

Fixture Feedback Keeps Automation Accountable
Self-validating hydraulic workholding keeps processes reliable and limits the need for on-machine probing.

The Case for 3D-Printed Workholding: Collapsing Costs and Lead Times
When Precision Metal Products purchased its first 3D printer last year, the company hoped to collapse both tooling costs and lead times. But the technology’s impact is reaching core business operations, enabling the shop to focus on higher-mar...

Discovering the Benefits of Collet Chucks
For shops making all types of parts, collet chucks can provide faster change-over, an increased gripping range, high rigidity and reduced maintenance.

Small Shop Sees Big Gains from Right-Sized Automation
A three-person German machine shop applies quick-change workholding and flexible robotic automation to succeed in a high-mix/low-volume production environment.

Palletization Slashes Setup Time for Racing Shop
Whereas his predecessor had left Big Kaiser’s Unilock pallets in the corner, Charlie Mitchell of Andretti Autosport saw that they could help him reduce setup time on his milling machines in an environment where quick turnaround is essenti...