What is "Workholding"

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Workholding refers to the components used to secure and stabilize a workpiece during CNC machining. The goal of workholding is to ensure that the workpiece remains securely in place throughout the machining process, allowing the cutting tool to move along the desired cutting path without deflecting or causing damage.

Workholding might include:

  1. Clamping devices: Devices used to secure the workpiece to the machine table, such as clamps, vises, and fixture plates.
  2. Fixtures: Custom-made components designed to hold the workpiece in a specific orientation or position for a specific machining operation.
  3. Vacuum chucks: Devices that use vacuum suction to secure the workpiece to the machine table, particularly useful for machining lightweight materials, and workpieces with a large surface area.

Proper workholding is crucial for achieving accurate, consistent, and efficient results in CNC machining.