Tired of inconsistencies across low-volume part runs? So were we! That’s why we’ve equipped Summit CNC to make low-quantity, high-precision parts with unparalleled quality.

Through extensive research, we were able to eliminate key obstacles to low-volume manufacturing success and establish processes that ensure superior quality on every size run. 

We’re excited to tell you all about our latest and greatest technology. But first. . . 

One Outdated Technology You Won’t Find at Summit CNC

Summit CNC regularly receives quote requests and orders for tight tolerance parts with GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) specifications. For customers seeking prototyping services or low-volume runs, we identified one problematic approach that negatively impacts repeatability and ease of assembly: using outdated workholding technology.

Outdated workholding technology

Unfortunately, many prototype and low-volume precision machine shops still use outdated workholding technology that can contribute to inconsistencies and imprecise tolerances. And, as you already know, manufactured parts that don’t meet design specifications won’t function in their final assemblies. This very solvable problem results in costly delays for those shops’ customers.

Our commitment to excellence requires that we quickly deliver high-quality parts that meet all specifications. 

While older workholding technology may function just fine for certain applications, it doesn’t ensure the accuracy and repeatability we want to ensure for one-off or low-volume part quantities.

Because Summit CNC frequently machines tolerances of +/- 0.001” or less, we prioritized owning a clamping solution that would provide consistency for every part.

Want High-Precision Parts? Start with High-Precision Workholding

Enter: the KSG VS Machinist Vise from Schunk, a modular machine vise “with pulling clamping and mechanical force amplification.” 

After extensive research, we invested in these Schunk vises to outfit our high-speed machining centers. With the new vises in place, we’re able to ensure consistency for all of our customers’ parts.

Selecting world-class workholding for short-run production

Purchasing new equipment is a big decision for any precision machine shop. But buying these world-class Schunk vises was ultimately a no-brainer for our team.

Schunk’s vise provides an industry-leading +/-0.0001” in clamping repeatability, which increases accuracy up to 10x that of the average machine shop vise. 

The Schunk vise also features a rapid lever actuator and mechanical locking stop, meaning every part gets clamped the same way every time—even if the operator isn’t 100% consistent or if a new operator steps up to the machine. 

Accurate clamping is especially critical for large plate parts with tight flatness criteria. Our Schunk vises enhance workpiece rigidity when we’re machining large pieces of flat stock.

We considered several factors before finalizing our Schunk purchase, which you can explore here:

1. Why not use a fully automated solution? That’s a great question. While automation is the right choice for many high-volume shops, it’s less common in short-run production shops like Summit CNC. As a result, you’ll find several operators on our precision machine shop floor at any given time, hand-clamping stock. We significantly minimize the risk of human error with our Schunk vises, achieving outcomes comparable to automated solutions.

2. Is jaw lift a concern? Traditional vises are susceptible to jaw lift. An operator may torque the stock a few degrees, which doesn’t lift the stock but does cause the sliding jaw to lift on the bias, lifting the part and causing vibration and other issues. Precision vises, like those we purchased from Schunk, do not have this problem.

3. Why not use a torque wrench? If you have operated a torque wrench yourself, you know how easy it is to under or over-torque the wrench due to the lack of any built-in stop. Our Schunk vises have built-in actuators which effectively act as programmable torque wrenches with hard stops built into their mechanisms.

At Summit CNC, we’re proud to ensure accuracy and repeatability on your prototype and low-volume production parts with precision tolerances. Request a quote to work with us!