Workholding
Zero-point clamping systems, precision vises, soft jaws, tombstone fixtures, and dedicated fixtures — the complete reference for reducing setup time and achieving consistent repeatability.
Why Workholding Matters More Than Speed
In high-mix/low-volume CNC work, setup time often exceeds cycle time. A part that takes 8 minutes to machine but 45 minutes to set up and indicate produces a cost structure dominated by non-cutting time — the machine is earning nothing while you're tramming a vise.
Zero-point clamping systems eliminate this by referencing every fixture to a common datum pallet. Changeover drops from 30–45 minutes to under 2 minutes, with positional repeatability ≤0.005 mm. The payback calculation is straightforward: if a $5,000 pallet system saves 30 minutes per changeover on a $50/hour machine, it pays back in about 333 setups — often under 6 months in a busy job shop.
For turning operations, soft jaws machined to the exact contour of the workpiece provide more contact area than standard hard jaws, reduce distortion of thin-walled parts, and allow gripping on non-standard profiles that standard jaws cannot hold.
Workholding Guides
Setup Reduction
Zero-Point Clamping Systems: Setup, ROI & Top Brands
How pneumatic zero-point pallets achieve <0.005 mm repeatability, reduce setup time by up to 80%, and compare Schunk, Erowa, AMF, and Jergens.
Read guideTurning
How to Machine Soft Jaws: Step-by-Step
Bore soft jaws to the correct pre-load diameter, choose aluminium vs steel, and set up the boring operation without a reference part in the chuck.
Read guideWorkholding Method Comparison
| Method | Repeatability | Setup Time | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vise | ±0.02–0.05 mm | 15–45 min | General milling | $ |
| Precision Vise (Kurt, Chick) | ±0.005–0.01 mm | 10–20 min | Precision work | $$ |
| Zero-Point System | ≤0.005 mm | <2 min | High-mix production | $$$ |
| Soft Jaws (lathe) | ±0.01–0.02 mm | 20–40 min (make), <5 min (change) | Non-standard profiles | $ |
| Tombstone (HMC) | ±0.005–0.01 mm | 30–60 min (setup) | HMC batch production | $$ |
| Dedicated Fixture | ±0.005 mm | <5 min | High-volume single part | $$$$ |
Featured Workholding Products
Representative products across workholding categories. Specifications are indicative; verify with manufacturers before purchasing.
VERO-S NSE3 138
Zero-Point Clamping Module
- Clamping force: 25 kN per module
- Repeat accuracy: ≤0.005 mm
- Pneumatic actuation (6 bar)
- Compatible: all VERO-S pallets
D688 6" Anglock Vise
Precision Milling Vise
- Jaw width: 6 in (152 mm)
- Max opening: 6.75 in
- Anglock design: pulls down on clamp
- Repeatability: ±0.0002 in
Makro-Grip 5.0
5-Axis Vise System
- 5-sided access when clamped
- Jaw options: 77, 125, 167 mm
- Clamping force: up to 50 kN
- Zero-point compatible base
Ball Lock Mounting System
Quick-Change Fixturing
- Repeat location: ±0.0002 in
- Shanks: 20, 25, 35 mm dia
- Works with any fixture plate
- No pneumatics required
QC100 Vise
Quick-Change Milling Vise
- Jaw width: 100 mm
- Integrated zero-point interface
- 5-axis compatible low-profile design
- Clamping force: 20 kN
One-Lok OP
Single-Station Milling Vise
- Jaw width: 4.5 in (114 mm)
- Air-assisted actuation option
- Low profile: 2.55 in total height
- Multi-Lok compatible for ganging