Weird Parts? This Is the Way to Workhold
If you’ve ever wrestled with an awkward, delicate, or thin-walled part on a machine, you already know the problem: traditional clamping can be more of a liability than a solution. Distortion, vibration, and limited access can turn what should be a straightforward operation into a frustrating balancing act.
But what if you could hold a part securely—without squeezing it at all?
A Different Approach to Workholding
That’s exactly where Blue Photon’s approach stands out. Instead of relying on vises or mechanical clamps, their system uses adhesive workholding technology. It sounds unconventional at first, especially if your mind jumps straight to double-sided tape—but this is something entirely different.
Traditional clamping applies force onto the part, often from the top or sides. That pressure can deform the material, especially during aggressive machining or when removing large volumes of stock in a 5-axis setup. The result? Parts that shift, flex, or lose accuracy mid-process.
Adhesive workholding flips that idea on its head. Instead of forcing the part into position, it allows the workpiece to sit in a more natural, “free” state—while still being held firmly in place.
How It Works
At the heart of the system are specialized grippers made from sapphire encased in stainless steel. These aren’t just for durability—they serve a crucial function.
Think of them like tiny optical lenses.
A UV light source shines from beneath the gripper, and the sapphire transmits that light directly into the adhesive applied between the gripper and the workpiece. Once activated, the adhesive cures in about a minute, creating a strong, reliable bond.
The result? A secure hold that behaves less like tape—and more like invisible fasteners embedded into your part.
Strength That Surprises
If “adhesive” still sounds weak, consider the numbers:
- Small grippers: ~80 lbs of tensile strength
- Medium grippers: ~400 lbs
- Large grippers: up to 600 lbs of tensile strength
And unlike traditional clamping, which is measured in compressive force, this system is all about tensile strength—holding the part firmly against the fixture without distortion.
Machine Like You Normally Would
One of the biggest advantages? You don’t have to baby the process.
You can machine aggressively—just as you would with traditional workholding. Whether you're cutting titanium, Inconel, or other tough materials, the setup is designed to handle real-world machining loads.
And it’s not limited to one type of equipment. This approach works across:
- Milling (including 5-axis)
- EDM
- Turning (lathes)
- Grinding applications
Grinding, in particular, benefits from the stability and lack of mechanical interference—especially with non-ferrous materials.
From Machine to Machine—No Reset Needed
Another standout feature is flexibility. Once the part is bonded, it can move from one machine to another without losing its hold. No need to re-clamp, re-indicate, or risk introducing new errors.
That continuity can save serious time—and reduce setup variability across operations.
Rethinking Workholding
Adhesive workholding might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about machining, but it solves a very real problem: how to hold complex or fragile parts without compromising them.
In practice, it’s less like tape—and more like having a set of invisible screws holding your part exactly where it needs to be.
For shops dealing with “weird parts,” thin geometries, or high-precision work, it’s a solution worth a closer look.