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Exploring the Different Types of Workholding Solutions for CNC Turret Milling Machines
Exploring the Different Types of Workholding Solutions for CNC Turret Milling Machines
Introduction
CNC turret milling machines are highly versatile and efficient tools used in a variety of industries for precision cutting, drilling, and shaping of materials. To maximize their potential, it is essential to have a solid understanding of workholding solutions specifically designed for these machines. Workholding refers to the methods and devices used to secure the workpiece to ensure stability, accuracy, and safety during machining operations. In this article, we will explore the different types of workholding solutions available for CNC turret milling machines, highlighting their benefits and applications.
1. Vise-Type Workholding
Vise-type workholding is one of the most common and widely used methods for securing workpieces on CNC turret milling machines. The vise consists of two jaws that can be adjusted to hold the workpiece in place. This type of workholding is highly versatile and can accommodate various sizes and shapes of workpieces. It provides excellent rigidity, ensuring minimal movement during machining operations. Vise-type workholding is commonly used for milling, drilling, and contouring operations.
2. Fixture Plates
Fixture plates offer a more specialized method of workholding for CNC turret milling machines. These plates feature a grid of precision mounting holes that can be used to secure workpieces using bolts, clamps, or custom-designed fixtures. Fixture plates provide flexibility as they allow for the rapid setup of multiple parts, making them ideal for batch production or quick changeovers. They offer excellent repeatability and are commonly used when machining parts that require multiple setups or various machining operations.
3. Collet Systems
Collet systems are specialized workholding solutions that provide exceptional accuracy and concentricity. These systems use collets, which are cylindrical devices with tapered holes that grip the workpiece firmly. Collets offer a high level of clamping force, ensuring stability and allowing for high-speed machining operations without compromising accuracy. They are particularly suitable for machining small components, such as pins, rods, and intricate parts. Collet systems are available in various sizes and types to accommodate different workpiece diameters.
4. Vacuum Workholding
Vacuum workholding is a unique method that utilizes a vacuum system to secure the workpiece to the milling machine table. A specially designed workholding fixture with a sealed cavity creates a vacuum, holding the workpiece in place. This method is particularly useful when clamping or fixturing the workpiece is not feasible due to the part's shape, fragility, or when access to the workpiece is required from multiple sides. Vacuum workholding allows for unobstructed toolpath access, ensuring a clearer view of the machining process and reducing tool interference.
5. Magnetic Chucks
Magnetic chucks provide a strong and reliable workholding solution for CNC turret milling machines. These chucks utilize a magnetic field to hold ferrous workpieces securely. The workpiece adheres to the chuck's surface, preventing movement during machining operations. Magnetic chucks are known for their ease of use, as they require minimal setup and eliminate the need for clamps or bolts. They are commonly used for flat or thin workpieces and are especially beneficial for light milling, grinding, or polishing applications.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate workholding solution for CNC turret milling machines is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient machining results. The various types of workholding solutions discussed in this article offer unique advantages and cater to different applications. Whether it's vise-type workholding for versatility, fixture plates for quick changeovers, collet systems for precision, vacuum workholding for complex shapes, or magnetic chucks for ease of use, understanding these options will empower you to optimize your CNC turret milling machine's capabilities and enhance productivity in your machining operations.
Zhongshan JSTOMI CNC Machine Tool Co., Ltd. is considered as one of the leading supplier of cnc service products in China.
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I. Functional role
Slideways are the “track” between the guide rail and the moving parts. They convert the rotary (or linear) thrust of the servo motor into precise linear motion of the machine table, spindle box or turret, while withstanding cutting reaction forces, shocks and vibrations. Once the slideway fails, the positioning accuracy and surface quality of the whole machine will drop directly.
II. Common structure family
Linear ball slideway
Steel balls are in point contact with the raceway, low friction and fast response, suitable for high-speed and light-load Swiss-type lathes or vertical machining centers.
Linear roller slideway
Cylindrical rollers are in line contact with the raceway, high rigidity and large load capacity, the first choice for heavy-cutting equipment such as turn-mill centers and gantry five-face machines.
Dovetail slideway
Triangular interlocking surface, extremely strong lateral force resistance, often used in grinders or ultra-precision machining units that require micro-feed.
Hydrostatic/hydraulic slideway
Oil film supports moving parts, almost zero wear, used for mirror grinding or heavy-duty boring machines, but demanding on the oil supply system.
On September 3, 2025, China solemnly commemorated the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Behind the pageantry that displayed national strength and a commitment to peace, countless Chinese manufacturers are injecting their craftsmanship and cooperative spirit into the global economy. JSWAY CNC COMPANY is one of them, answering the call for peace and development in its own way.
For two decades JSWAY has focused on high-configuration, high-precision, high-speed CNC lathes and Swiss-type lathes. Products now reach more than thirty countries and regions, illustrating the principle of “peace through development, excellence through quality.”
True high-end manufacturing is not only technological breakthrough but also stability of quality. JSWAY’s plant houses about forty thousand square metres of floor space, producing Swiss-type lathes, turn-mill centres, gang-tool lathes and turret lathes. Critical components are machined on horizontal machining centres, gantry-type five-face machining centres and precision grinders, ensuring consistent accuracy.
An engineering data centre and joint laboratory use laser interferometers, eddy-current displacement testers, wireless rotary axis calibrators, high-precision digital temperature sensors and real-time machine-error compensation systems to upgrade products continuously.