In modern machining, it is not only the machine that determines success, but above all the right clamping strategy. One of the key questions here is:
Single clamping or multiple clamping?

The answer to this question has a direct impact on productivity, costs per component and the utilisation of your milling machine. In this article, we show you when which clamping method makes sense and how multiple clamping solutions from GRESSEL help you to exploit hidden potential.

Single clamping: maximum flexibility for complex tasks

Single clamping remains the first choice when it comes to flexibility and ease of use. It is particularly suitable for:

• Prototypes and individual parts
• Small batch sizes
• Frequently changing component geometries
• Very complex or difficult-to-access workpieces

The advantage is obvious: the workpiece is easily accessible, programmes can be quickly adapted and set-up processes are manageable.

If variety is more important than output, then single clamping is the right solution economically.

Multiple clamping: when productivity counts

As soon as components are manufactured on a recurring basis or quantities increase, multiple clamping becomes significantly more important. Several workpieces are clamped simultaneously and machined in a single pass.

The result:

• Significantly reduced set-up times
• Longer spindle running times
• More parts per machine hour
• Consistently high repeat accuracy

In series and small series production in particular, multiple clamping ensures that the machine continues to produce and does not stand idle.

When is multiple clamping really worthwhile?

Multiple clamping is not only worthwhile for large series.
In practice, it has been shown that multiple clamping solutions quickly pay for themselves even with medium quantities, especially if:

• Set-up times account for a large proportion of the total production time
• identical workpieces occur regularly
• expensive machine hours should be used optimally
• unmanned or automated shifts are planned

This is where multiple voltages become a real competitive advantage.

GRESSEL multiple clamps – solutions for every requirement

GRESSEL offers a wide range of precise and reliable multiple clamping devices tailored to different manufacturing strategies:

Double clamp D2
The ideal introduction to multiple clamping. Two workpieces per clamping, compact design and high precision, perfect for small series and limited space.
Catalogue chapter D2

Multiple clamping vise M1
Flexible use for multiple workpieces. Particularly suitable for increasing quantities with consistently high process reliability.
Catalogue chapter M1

Pyramids
Ideal for 5-axis machining. Multiple workpieces, optimum accessibility and multi-sided machining in a single clamping operation mean efficiency and stability.
Catalogue chapter pyramids

Tombstones
The solution for maximum machine utilisation. Multiple levels and a high number of parts per clamping make this ideal for series production and automated processes.
Catalogue chapter Tombstones

The right clamping strategy is crucial
Single clamping and multiple clamping are not opposites, but complement each other.
While single clamping offers maximum flexibility, multiple clamping ensures cost-effectiveness and process reliability.

If you want to not only operate your milling machine but also utilise it to its full potential, multiple clamping solutions are a must. With the D2 double vise, M1 multiple clamping vise, pyramids and tombstones, GRESSEL provides the right solutions to turn every machine hour into measurable added value.

Are you unsure which clamping solution is right for your application?
Our experienced sales engineers will be happy to assist you personally, from analysing your production to finding the optimal clamping solution.

https://www.gressel.ch/en/contact-person/ We provide practical, solution-oriented advice.