Workholding

The term workholding seems very broad, and isn’t an easy thing to tie down. The choice of workholding is driven by the component.

In my first years of engineering (Slack and Parr Apprentice Applications), especially the first year in a training centre, workholding was limited to a chuck, vice or a collet in our ancient 7a Ward.

These horizons were considerably widened when moving around the factory, onto large twin pallet horizontals where cubes and tombstones come into their own. Finally moving into the aerospace side of the division, my eyes widened to the high tolerenced complex parts being manually turned on special fixtures.

As I progressed further, I moved into the Estimating department, controlled by the Ex Drawing Office manager. He taught me the art of drill jigs for compound holes, taper mandrels for gear grinding and much more.

Finally, my time ended in the Machine Tools Dept. Designing multi-spindle drilling and tapping units, and the corresponding fixtures.

I'm sure engineers are aware of all standard workholding equipment, but when the component or process rules out the standard solution, a bespoke workholding device comes into its own. Designed with the process in mind, and understanding the possible outcomes of location, clamping and machining process.

I hope this article gives a little insight into my interests in workholding and my formative years in learning the trade.