WORK HOLDING DEVICES
WORK
HOLDING DEVICES
Work holding devices are tools used
to secure, support, and locate a workpiece during manufacturing
operations like machining, welding, grinding, or assembly. They ensure safety,
accuracy, and efficiency by preventing the workpiece from moving.
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1. Purpose of Work Holding Devices:
- Hold the workpiece firmly and accurately
- Prevent vibration and shifting during operations
- Ensure repeatability and consistency
- Improve operator safety
- Speed up production
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Types of Work Holding Devices
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A. General-Purpose Devices:
| Device | Description | Applications | 
| 1. Vise (Vice) | Mechanical device with two jaws to
  hold workpieces | Drilling, milling, benchwork | 
| 2. Clamp | Applies pressure to hold objects
  tightly | Welding, carpentry, temporary
  setups | 
| 3. Chuck | Holds rotating workpieces,
  especially in lathes | Turning, drilling, CNC machining | 
| 4. Collet | A subtype of chuck with high
  precision for small, round parts | CNC lathes, routers | 
| 5. Faceplate | A flat plate used to mount
  irregular workpieces on a lathe | Turning large or odd shapes | 
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B. Machine-Specific Devices:
| Device | Description | Machine | 
| 6. Angle Plate | L-shaped device to hold the
  workpiece perpendicular | Milling, drilling | 
| 7. V-Block | Block with V-groove to hold
  cylindrical parts | Inspection, marking | 
| 8. Fixtures | Custom device designed for
  specific jobs | Milling, drilling | 
| 9. Jigs | Guides the tool and holds the
  workpiece | Drilling, tapping | 
| 10. Mandrel | Shaft used to hold hollow
  cylindrical workpieces | Lathe operations | 
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Difference Between Jig and Fixture
| Feature | Jig | Fixture | 
| Function | Holds and guides the tool | Only holds the workpiece | 
| Usage | Mostly in drilling, reaming | Used in milling, turning | 
| Cost | More complex and costly | Less complex | 
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Selection Criteria for Work Holding Devices
- Size and shape of the workpiece
- Type of operation (drilling, milling, welding, etc.)
- Material of the workpiece
- Precision required
- Production volume
 Conclusion:
Work holding devices are essential
in any workshop or manufacturing process. Choosing the right device increases accuracy,
productivity, and safety.
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