“Chips equal money” is a saying in manufacturing that reflects the impact that effective and efficient machining has on a company’s bottom line. Time and energy spent on tasks other than machining quality parts cost a company money. Workholding plays a major role in efficient machining by decreasing the time spent on workpiece set-up and increasing the effectiveness of the machining process.

Workholding is the process of locating (or positioning) and securing a workpiece for the machining process. Both of these goals are accomplished through the use of a workholding device, or workholder. The size, shape, complexity of the workholder are determined by the size, shape, and complexity of the workpiece. Workholders share common components, no matter the size, shape, or complexity. The structure, or body, holds the other components and in some cases helps to secure the workpiece. The locating elements position and secure the workpiece. Cap screws, brackets, or similar devices are used to secure the workholder to the machine. Clamps, screws, or jaws are used to hold the workpiece in place against locating elements.