Workholding

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...

The Fixture Niche
Oddly shaped parts that require custom fixtures are a particular specialty for this CNC machine shop. Here are a few principles it follows for effective fixture design. 

News of Note: October 2018
The NTMA appoints a new president, Röhm acquires Master WorkHolding, Renishaw opens new demo center and more industry news. 

Five Live Centers for Five Applications
It is vital for a shop to select the right machine tool components for the right job, and live centers for lathes are no exception.

Trunnion Machine Smooths Shop’s Workflow
This article looks at an automotive aftermarket supplier that consolidated its multi-machine process into a single machining cell.

Collet Chucks Overcome Distortion for Automated Gear Machining
To accommodate its customers’ need for just-in-time orders of small batches of gears, this company’s automated manufacturing cells rely on collet chucks that overcome a common distortion issue arising from tapping and heat treatment.&nbs...