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adjustable locator
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A locating component that is moveable and is used for workpieces of varying size. Adjustable locators are frequently used for cast parts.
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angle-plate fixture
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A fixture that positions the locating surface of the workpiece at an angle to the machining table.
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assembled locator
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A locating component that is fastened to the workholding device.
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assembly
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The process by which two or more objects are joined together.
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base plate
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The foundation or frame of a fixture that provides a mounting surface for locators and clamps. The base plate is also called a tool body or subplate.
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blueprint
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A document containing all the instructions necessary to manufacture a part. The key sections of a blueprint are the drawing, dimensions, and notes.
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boring
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The process of using a single-point tool to enlarge a preexisting hole. Boring can also be performed to customize chuck jaws on a lathe for a particular part.
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boring machine
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A turning machine used to enlarge preexisting holes with single-point and multi-point cutting tools.
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bushing
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A hardened steel tube used to guide cutting tools such as drills and reamers.
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cam
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A clamping device consisting of a lever and a circular base with an eccentric pivot. As the cam is closed for locking, increasing pressure from the eccentric base holds a workpiece in place.
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cam clamp
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A clamp that uses a gradually curved surface to lock itself in place. Cam clamps may be dislodged by excessive vibration.
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changeover
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The process of switching a machine from one part setup to another.
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chuck
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A workholding device with three or four jaws that clamp and hold a cylindrical workpiece. The chuck is commonly used to hold a workpiece as it rotates on a lathe.
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clamp
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A workholding device that maintains the position of a workpiece by holding it in place against locators.
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clamping
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The secure holding of a workpiece against locators. Clamping must be strong enough to resist the forces that occur during machining.
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CNC machining center
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A sophisticated machine tool controlled by a computer that can perform mulitiple machining operations in the same setup with a variety of tools.
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collet
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A slitted device that holds a workpiece in place as it rotates. A collet has a hole through which the workpiece passes, and it is designed to hold specific dimensions.
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column
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A large four-, six-, or eight-sided device that accommodates the mounting of fixtures, usually on a horizontal milling machine.
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counterboring
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An operation that enlarges the end of a predrilled hole to allow room for a head of a screw or nut.
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critical surface
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An important surface of the workpiece that determines the appropriate workholder design.
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cycle time
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The time it takes to make one part, or the time it takes to execute a series of operations on a single machine tool.
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drill plate
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The top plate of a jig that contains the bushings.
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drilling
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The process of using a multi-point tool to penetrate the surface of a workpiece and make a round hole.
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external locating pin
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A locating device that uses an outside surface to locate a workpiece.
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finishing
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The final operations performed for obtaining desired tolerance and/or surface finish.
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fixed locator
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A locating component that is designed to locate a workpiece in a fixed position.
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fixture
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A customized workholding device used on machine tools to position and hold a part during various machining operations. A fixture is built to hold a specific part design.
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hydraulic clamping
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A clamping system that uses high-pressure liquids to power clamps and hold a workpiece in place.
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indexing fixture
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A workholding device that pivots to expose additional machining areas.
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indexing jig
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A jig designed to position a workpiece at specific locations around a rotational axis. Indexing jigs can be used for drilling holes around a workpiece.
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indexing workholding device
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A workholding device that either enables metal cutting in regular increments or pivots to expose other available machining space.
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inspection
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The examination of a part to ensure that it meets its design specifications.
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integral locator
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A locating component that is built into the workholding device.
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internal locating pin
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A locating device that uses an internal surface to locate a workpiece.
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jig
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A customized workholding device used to position and hold a workpiece while guiding the location of the cutting tool. Jigs are not as common as fixtures and are not used with CNC machines.
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lathe
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A machine tool that holds a cylindrical workpiece at one or both ends and rotates it while various cutting tools remove material. Turning is a common operation performed on the lathe.
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layout
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A manufacturing process by which the component parts of a product are arranged prior to assembly.
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locating
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The process of positioning the workpiece in a designated location. Locating is also used to describe the precise positioning of the workpiece in the horizontal plane.
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locating nest
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A fixed locator that completely surrounds the dimensions of a workpiece. The workpiece rests within the locating nest.
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locating pin
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An assembled locating device that can be used to locate either an outside workpiece surface or an interior hole. Locating pins are available in numerous shapes and sizes.
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locating point
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A point on the workholding device that is meant to contact the workpiece while it is being positioned.
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location dimension
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A dimension that establishes the position of shapes relative to each other. For example, a hole center that is 3 inches from the edge specifies a location dimension.
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locator
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A workholding device used to position a workpiece within a jig or fixture. Locators establish a relationship between the workpiece and the workholding device.
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lot
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The number of parts made in one setup.
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machine tool
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A power-driven machine that uses a cutting tool to create chips and remove metal from a workpiece.
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manual clamp
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A clamp that is secured by hand by the operator. Cam, screw, and toggle clamps may all be manually operated.
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milling machine
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A machine that uses a multi-point tool to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece. Milling machines are commonly used to machine slots, grooves, and flat surfaces in rectangular workpieces.
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modular fixture
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A workholding device that uses standard reusable components to construct a customized workholding device.
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plate fixture
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The most basic type of fixture that contains mounted clamps and locators on a plate for holding the workpiece parallel to the machine table.
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pneumatic clamping
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A clamping system that uses high-pressure air to power clamps and hold a workpiece in place.
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power clamping
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A clamping system that converts hydraulic or pneumatic power into mechanical clamping forces.
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reaming
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The use of a cutting tool to smooth or enlarge a previously drilled hole.
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repeatability
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The ability of a workholding device to position workpieces in the same place, part after part.
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rest button
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A short locating pin that is used to both support and locate a workpiece.
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screw clamp
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A type of clamp that locks securely in place by the turning of threaded devices. A screw clamp is often slow but secure.
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spindle
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The part of the machine tool that spins or rotates. On the mill, the spindle holds a cutting tool. On the lathe, the spindle holds the workpiece.
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spring locating pin
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An adjustable locator with a metal or plastic bulb that is used to push a workpiece up against fixed locators on the opposite side.
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spring stop button
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An adjustable locator with a metal button or tang that pushes a workpiece up against fixed locators on the opposite side. Spring stop buttons exert more force than spring locating pins.
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strap clamp
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A type of clamp that reaches over the workpiece to hold it in place. Strap clamps are often used when extra toughness is required.
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supporting
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The secure location of a workpiece that typically contacts the bottom surface of a workpiece. Supporting is one of the three roles of a workholding device.
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swing clamp
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A clamp containing a swinging arm that moves to facilitate the quick loading and unloading of workpieces.
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tapping
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The process of cutting internal threads in a hole with a rotating multi-point tool.
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testing
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The examination of a part to ensure that it performs its intended function.
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threaded adjustable locator
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A locating device consisting of a threaded screw that adjusts to the varying dimensions of workpieces.
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toe clamp
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A type of clamp with a serrated surface that reaches forward and down to grip the workpiece.
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toggle clamp
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A type of clamp that operates on a pivot and lever system. Toggle clamps lock just past the center of the pivot points.
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tolerance
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The unwanted but acceptable deviation from the desired dimension.
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tombstone
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A large two-sided rectangular device that accommodates the mounting of fixtures.
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vise
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A workholding device with one fixed jaw and one moveable jaw. Vises are often used to hold simple rectangular or cubic workpieces on a mill or machining center.
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V-locator
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A fixed locator that uses an angled interior to position and center the cylindrical surface of a workpiece.
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ways
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Two precisely measured, parallel tracks that support and guide the movement of the carriage and cross slide of the lathe.
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workholding
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The process of securely supporting, locating, and clamping a workpiece for a manufacturing operation.
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workholding device
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A device used to position and hold a workpiece. The workholding device references the tool performing the operation on the part being held.
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workpiece
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A part that is being worked on. It may be subject to cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.
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