From aerospace to medical, our workholding systems are engineered to boost precision and throughput in any high-stakes manufacturing environment.
Industry-Specific Workholding Solutions
Discover how NextasTech fixtures solve critical challenges across key sectors.
Aerospace & Defense
Manufacture complex components like turbine blades and structural frames with absolute precision. Our zero-point systems ensure flawless repeatability, critical for the tight tolerances and exotic materials common in aerospace.
Reduce setup times for high-mix, low-volume production.
Achieve superior rigidity for machining tough alloys.
Ensure process stability for multi-operation parts.
Automotive
Accelerate production for engine blocks, transmission cases, and chassis components. Our automation-ready chucks integrate seamlessly with robotic loading, enabling lights-out manufacturing and maximizing throughput.
Enable rapid changeovers between different part models.
Provide robust clamping for high-speed machining.
Integrate with pallet pools and FMS for full automation.
Medical Devices
Produce intricate surgical instruments and orthopedic implants with the highest degree of accuracy. Our compact, high-precision fixtures are ideal for the small, complex geometries found in medical manufacturing.
Securely hold small and delicate workpieces without distortion.
Maintain micron-level accuracy across multiple setups.
Facilitate clean and contaminant-free machining.
Mold & Die
Enhance the efficiency of producing high-precision injection molds, dies, and electrodes. Our systems provide exceptional clamping force and accessibility, allowing for complex 3D contouring and fine surface finishes.
Allow 5-sided access to the workpiece in a single clamping.
Provide powerful clamping forces for heavy cutting.
Reduce lead times for mold production and repair.
Semiconductor & Electronics
High‑precision positioning for communication components and semiconductor equipment parts.
Repeatable datums for multi‑op machining + inspection
Stable clamping without distorting thin features
Quick swaps for high‑mix, high‑precision workflows
Lights‑Out Automation
Quick‑change pallets and repeatable positioning for robotic tending, pallet pools, and unattended shifts.
Pneumatic zero‑point plates for reliable swap cycles
Automatic pallet changers to raise spindle utilization
Standardized pallets across multiple CNC cells
Industry deep dives
Aerospace & Defense
For 5‑axis machining of titanium, Inconel, and complex geometries, rigidity + repeatability are the difference between stable cuts and scrap.
Typical challenges
Chatter risk when roughing tough alloys
Multiple operations that must hold the same datum
Tool‑reach constraints on impellers / blisks / housings
Recommended NextasTech approach
Standardize a Zero‑Point System base (±0.002 mm) to keep the same datum between operations.
How do I keep the same datum across roughing + finishing on different machines?
Start with a standardized Zero‑Point System base. Mount fixtures on a Clamping Plate so re‑mounting returns to the same reference without re‑indicating.
What’s the best way to maintain 5‑axis tool clearance?
Use low‑profile referencing plus a Self‑Centering Vise or Dovetail Fixture so you keep access to the full toolpath and avoid collision‑prone jaw geometry.
Optimized for one part, expensive to duplicate across lines
Longer downtime when switching between variants or revisions
Harder to scale when you add machines or shifts
Modular fixtures on a zero‑point base
Quick swap between variants while keeping the same locating strategy
Scales better across multiple machines and shifts
Supports palletization and automation roadmaps
Example: For structured validation, see Verified Case Studies and related automotive fixture reads below.
Typical parts & job types
engine / gearbox housingssteering knucklesbracketshigh‑volume linesvariant changeoversmixed production
Industry FAQ — Automotive
How can we reduce changeover time between variants?
Standardize the base with a Zero‑Point System, then build modular top tooling per variant. The locating stays consistent; only the top tooling changes.
Can NextasTech workholding support automated or multi‑station production?
Yes—pair a repeatable base with options like Quick‑Change Multi‑Station Vises and pallet‑style referencing to support robot tending or pallet pools.
Use controlled clamping geometry (often a Self‑Centering Vise) and standardize the base so you don’t need excessive clamping force after each re‑setup.
How do we keep repeatability on small, delicate parts?
Start from a repeatable Zero‑Point System foundation, then design top tooling that supports the part without distortion. The key is consistent locating + gentle contact surfaces.
Can the system handle heavy mold blocks and large plates?
Yes—use a rigid Zero‑Point Clamping Plate and size the interface to your load and moment requirements. We can recommend layouts for large footprints.
How do we flip a part and still keep the same reference?
Standardize the base with a Zero‑Point System, then build fixtures that allow 180° flips (or multi‑side access) while keeping the same locating scheme.
precision componentsalignment partssensor / communication modulessmall fixturestight tolerancesrepeat batches
Industry FAQ — Semiconductor & Electronics
How do we improve repeatability without spending time re‑indicating?
Use a repeatable base such as a Zero‑Point System. The goal is to make re‑mounting deterministic so verification is faster and more consistent.
Is this suitable for small parts and automation cells?
Yes—repeatable positioning is especially valuable for small parts. Combine a stable base with appropriate top tooling, and keep the interface consistent for robot tending or pallet pools.
Standardize the base with a Zero‑Point System, then use pallets/plates as the common interface. Keep locating consistent so the robot sees the same reference every cycle.
What’s a good first step toward lights‑out production?
Start by making changeovers repeatable. Once the base and fixture interface are standardized, you can add pallets, probing, and job sequencing to expand unattended time safely.
Want to publish your own results? We can help you document the process with photos, parameter lists, and measurable outcomes.
Common CNC Applications & Operations
A practical guide to where quick‑change workholding and rigid fixtures make the biggest difference—especially in 5‑axis, tight‑tolerance, and automation‑ready workflows.
Note: Documentation options depend on project scope and customer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide custom workholding for an application that isn't listed?
Yes. The industries shown are our most common, but our engineering team specializes in creating fully custom fixtures. We can design a solution for any unique workpiece, machine, or production challenge. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
How do your systems handle machining tough aerospace alloys like Titanium?
Our zero-point systems and dovetail fixtures are designed for maximum rigidity. They use high-grade, hardened steel and a high-force locking mechanism (over 25,000N) to create an extremely stable connection that dampens vibration, improving tool life and surface finish even in tough materials.
Can your pneumatic chucks provide feedback to our robot for automated loading?
Absolutely. Our automation-ready chucks (like the E-Series) feature integrated sensor ports. These can be used to confirm the "clamped" or "unclamped" status, sending a signal back to your PLC or robot controller to ensure safe and reliable automated pallet changes.
We machine small medical implants. How does your workholding prevent part distortion?
For delicate parts, we recommend solutions like our 5-axis self-centering vises or custom low-profile fixtures. They are designed to apply clamping force evenly and securely without deforming the workpiece, maintaining the micron-level tolerances required for medical devices.
How can your system speed up our mold repair process?
Our zero-point system is ideal for mold and die. You can mount a mold, perform machining (e.g., EDM or milling), then remove it for inspection or spotting, and return it to the machine with perfect ±0.002mm repeatability. This eliminates the need to re-indicate the mold, saving hours of setup time.
How do your systems integrate with pallet changers for high-volume automotive production?
Our zero-point chucks (like the E-Series) are designed for automation. They can be mounted directly to the machine table or on tombstones and are actuated pneumatically, allowing an Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) or robot to swap pallets in seconds. The integrated sensing confirms the pallet is locked before the machine cycle starts, ensuring seamless "lights-out" production.
Are your workholding solutions suitable for an EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) environment?
Yes, many of our systems are built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, making them ideal for both wire and sinker EDM applications. The micron-level repeatability of our zero-point system is a significant advantage, allowing you to move a workpiece from a CNC mill (for roughing) to an EDM machine (for finishing) and back for inspection, all while maintaining a single, precise datum.
Can you support both manual and automated loading?
Yes. Many customers start with manual loading and later move to pallet/robot workflows. We design with repeatable reference surfaces and predictable clamp states so your process can scale.
What information should I prepare for a fast quotation?
Part drawing (or sample), material, machine model, and target quantities. If you have a current setup time and pain points, include those too.
Do you provide after‑sales support if our process changes?
We can help with adjustments for new tooling, revised tolerances, or higher volume. Keeping the locating strategy consistent usually makes upgrades straightforward.
Have a Specific Application in Mind?
Our engineers are ready to help you design the perfect workholding solution for your unique challenge.