Thame Workholding
About us
Thame Workholding is a trusted British manufacturer that offers expertly crafted off-the-shelf and bespoke workholding solutions.
With over 45 years of experience and a dedicated design team, they provide innovative products that help improve manufacturing productivity and efficiency. They work closely with their product partners to deliver comprehensive solutions, including automation options, further enhancing their customers’ production capabilities.
Thame Workholding are passionate about precision and committed to helping you achieve the best possible results from your machining operations. As a UK-based company, they manufacture their workholding solutions locally, ensuring the highest quality standards and quick response times.
They understand that every machining project is unique, so time is taken to understand your specific needs and work with you to find the perfect solution. Their products are designed to provide precision, reliability, and ease of use, giving you more time to focus on what matters most – producing high-quality parts.
Their solutions include standard products and custom-made options, designed to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for clamping systems, fixtures, or other machining accessories, they’ve got you covered.
Ready to learn more about how Thame Workholding can help take your machining operations to the next level? Contact the team today to discuss your project and get started!
Products & services
Samchully JB Jaw Boring Chuck
Samchully JBM / JBH Jaw Boring Open Center Hydraulic Chuck The world’s first power chuck with a built-in boring ring. No special equipment required to bore jaws. The JB Power Chuck eliminates the need for costly conventional boring rings and pre-machined slugs. A standard hex head Allen Wrench is the only tool required to bore jaws. The JB Chuck features a proprietary rotating sleeve aligned with the chuck’s master jaws allowing machinists to quickly and conveniently bore soft jaws without conventional boring rings or slugs. 100% compatible with Standard chucks (HS, MH Series) Application / Benefits Eliminates boring rings Reduce set-up time for boring soft jaws by 90% Bore soft jaws in fine increments of 0.1mm Extend the life of soft jaws Samchully’s JB range is available in 8 models (JBM-306, JBM-308, JBM-310, JBM-312, JBH-306, JBH-308, JBH-310, JBH-312) Easy adjustment – minimizes downtime up to 90% by eliminating cumbersome calculations and adjustments. Extends the life of soft jaws – Standard hydraulic chuck jaws must be bored in increments of at least one serration pitch, 1.5 mm (0.059”). The JB Chuck’s scroll curve provides much finer adjustment capabilities, allowing customers to bore jaws in significantly smaller increments of just 0.004” (0.1 mm). This feature extends the lifespan of soft jaws by enabling them to be bored up to 15 times more than the jaws of a standard power chuck. Extended jaw boring range – The JB Chuck increases the maximum boring diameter 20% by eliminating the boring ring that attaches to the jaw mounting bolts. Precision – Achieves runout of 0.0004” (0.01mm) with bored jaws. The JB chuck achieves the same level of accuracy you’ve come to expect from a premium quality Samchully power chuck. Robot ready – Standard power chucks are challenging to integrate with automation, as boring the jaws requires manual intervention. The JB chuck has the unique capability of automating this process.
TEC Magic Chuck
TEC Magic Vacuum Chuck (V4 Black Edition) Transform Your Machining with Our Advanced Vacuum Holding Chuck! Unlock unparalleled productivity and precision in your workshop with our state-of-the-art Vacuum Holding Chuck. Meticulously engineered by Thame Workholding in collaboration with the medical prosthesis industry for the manufacturing of acetabular plastic liners used in hip joint replacements. Why Choose The Magic Chuck? Experience the cutting-edge functionality that this chuck offers: Vacuum Component Hold: Ensures your workpieces stay securely in place, reducing the chance of errors. Adjustable Tilt: Achieve optimal positioning for every job, enhancing your machining accuracy. Compatibility That Works for You: Can be supplied for all CNC machine tools, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit. Fully integrates with CNC control systems, streamlining your operations. Suitable for both single and twin spindle machines, perfect for various production needs. Ideal for twin spindle applications, allowing you to produce completely finished parts and dramatically reducing loading errors. Benefits That Make a Difference: Improved Quality and Productivity: Elevate your machining efficiency and output. Quick Component Size Changes: Designed for hassle-free swaps, we offer 9+ common sizes and custom sizes if needed. Long Life, Low Maintenance: Built to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Customisable Design: Tailor the chuck to accommodate various tilt angles easily.
TEC Multi Range - Black Edition
For years, our TEC MultiRange has been a machining staple - maximising capacity, reducing setup time, and providing a rigid, reliable foundation. Now, it’s had an upgrade! Introducing the Black Edition ✔️ Hard anodised black finish for improved corrosion resistance ✔️ Sleek, non-reflective look for better visibility ✔️ Same trusted strength & performance – now even tougher Each unit is compatible with zero-point plates for accurate repeatability and reduced handling. With the TEC Multi Range you can Achieve 5-axis capability on your 3-axis machine. The 96mm & 52mm stud pattern fits HWR SOLIDPoint as well as units from Lang, Schunk, Roemheld, Gerardi and others and utilises HWR SOLIDGrip vices. The units are available in different sizes and different angles to suit your requirements.
HWR Inoflex
HWR Inoflex This chuck design offers unbeatable clamping flexibility; its compensating features provide the ability to securely clamp round, cubic and geometrically irregular workpieces when milling or turning. Conventional chucks operate with all jaws moving in the same direction either towards or away from the centre of the chuck whist the Inoflex® chuck operates with the jaws moving together or apart on two parallel axes. Compensation is provided to the diametrically connected base jaws by a sliding gate type gear mechanism.
Bespoke Workholding Solutions
Bespoke Workholding - Designed by us with your goal in mind Thame Workholding are leaders in bespoke workholding products and solutions, with 75+ years experience in design and manufacture we know how to create the perfect solution to overcome your frustrating production restrictions. We pride ourselves not only on finding you the most cost effective and time saving solutions, but also on outstanding quality, turnaround speed, and communications. We understand that you want a company who you can physically speak to and build a relationship with. We work hard to create a two way communication channel so you can feel comfortable that your needs are understood and taken care of. Off-the-shelf products aren't ideal for all applications, and that’s why our team are here to discuss your needs and obstacles. Together with our clients, we've designed time-saving and cost-effective solutions across many industries. Industries such as motorsports, medical, aerospace and even the special forces. You may have seen some of our examples on our social accounts, one of which is the cutting edge ‘Magic chuck’ – a vacuum chuck designed for medical applications, it gently and securely holds acetabular liners used in hip replacement operations. As you know, standard soft jaws are designed to hold standard shaped parts. When you have an irregular shape you need workholding designed to hold it perfectly. Our team of designers will work from your part drawings or 3D models to both design and manufacture the perfect fixture for you. In most cases reducing production time and costs and dramatically decreasing the risk for production errors. The end to end process is completed by our inhouse team at our facility in Buckinghamshire. Producing in-house means we can provide increased communication, reduce turnaround times, full control over quality, and lower delivery fees. Our sales, design and manufacturing teams work together under one roof to provide you with full seamless results.
TEC Chuck Jaws
At Thame Workholding we've developed our standard jaw programme around you, our customers – your requests, applications, problems, productivity, precision, costs and quality. Over the years you have helped us develop this range of Chuck Jaws into what it is today. Our range is manufactured using high-quality machine tools to international quality standards, including ISO 9001. We offer a catalogue of products to improve your turning production, efficiency, and profitability. We hold thousands of Chuck Jaws in stock and available for next-day delivery, including the following ranges: Soft Jaws – the backbone of our product ranges with over 600 sizes and styles. Standard, Pointed, High, Wide, Steel or Aluminium to suit chucks from all over the world and for every application the right jaws for the job. Diamond and Segment Jaws – Developed to spread the clamping pressure around the circumference of the workpiece lowering distortion – Steel or High Tensile Aluminium. Quick Change Jaws – a great system to convert a standard power chuck into a quick jaw change chuck. Hard Reversible Jaws – replacement standard hard jaws to suit most chucks with serrations or slot/tenon Base Jaws – either double or single step types with gripping teeth to cover a large range of diameters. Adjustagrips – Designed to provide maximum grip during 1st. operation work – these jaws allow increased feed rates, depth of cut – ideal for rough castings and raw stock. Indexahex System – A two-piece top jaw system for manual chucks. Offers up to six alternative gripping faces with wrap-around capability and quick changeover from one position to another. Multi-Point Rocker Jaws – Designed to overcome two problems associated with thin-walled components, like rings. Firstly, they give six points of grip equally spaced – this reduces tri-lobing. Secondly, the rocking mechanism compensates for any out-of-roundness – a common problem with castings and forgings.
HWR SOLIDGrip
HWR SOLIDGrip The perfect solution for 5-axis machining – the locked in workholding advantage for milling. The HWR Stamping Technology offers exceptionally secure holding for high performance milling with optimal access for 5 face machining, clamping on only 3mm. The stamping technology gives you the highest holding power available at the lowest clamping force. Suitable for steel, aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, exotics, plastic, copper, brass, etc. 200820_683120_77_Z_Bau_Rendering-180-1200x1200 Z_Bau_Produkt_HWR_einfach-1200x1200 SOLIDGrip The SOLIDGrip centring vice ideal for secure 5 face machining. Best accessibility for 5 axis machining Minimum possible collision paths Maximum clamping force at lowest actuation force due to stamping technology Highest repeatability by clamping work pieces in holding teeth contour of jaw – no end stops needed Large clamping range due to reversible jaws Easy and flexible handling due to lightweight vices and integrated Quick·Point Zero-Point clamping stud Clamping depth from 2mm up saving high material costs SOLID Grip is available in several sizes to suit small to large work pieces SOLIDGrip 46 Clamping range up to 120mm with jaw width of 46mm SOLIDGrip 77 Clamping range up to 200mm with jaw width of 77mm SOLIDGrip 125 Clamping range up to 355mm with jaw width of 125mm Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
HWR SOLIDPoint
HWR SOLIDPoint With exceptional positional accuracy, SOLIDPoint provides precise and repeatable multifunctional mounting of different fixtures on machine tables, indexers, cubes, rotary tables and mill-turn machine tools. One of the lowest zero-point-system on the market (height only 27mm) Offers plates which clamp both 52mm and 96mm stud pattern Maximum pull down force 9000kg Highest precision due to repeat accuracy lower than 0.005mm Simple and sturdy mechanical function Manual clamping with one tightening screw Alternatively, hydraulic or pneumatic clamping possible Highly flexible because clamping studs can easily be adapted to other vices, work pieces or devices PNG_0073_661100-Z-Bau-Rendering-V03-scaled-1-700x700 PNG_0034_691145_46_Z_Bau_Rendering-scaled-1-1200x1200 SOLIDPoint offers a quick and accurate clamping system. It is based on two wedge bolts in the pallet that engage with four grooved locating bolts screwed to the vice or fixture. Clamping and unclamping is facilitated by turning a central screw while repeatability is accurate to less than 0.005mm. The pallets may be mounted onto the machine table by four fixing bolts or by edge/corner clamps. In addition, a round version of the pallet is available so that the vice can be moved from a machining centre to a rotary table, lathe or vice versa. The SOLIDGrip vices fit directly onto the pallets, but the special location bolts can be screwed onto any vice, fixture or raw material for use on the pallets. A plain fixture plate is available with the location bolts already fitted. In addition a vertically mounted SOLIDPoint base and a five sided SOLIDPoint cube is available. Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
HWR SOLIDClick
HWR SOLIDClick / SOLIDLock SOLIDClick and SOLIDLock vices and bases for both quick change and permanent fixed jaw solutions are the perfect answer for accurate 2nd operation fast changeover zero-point workholding. Machinable soft top jaws are available as standard in both aluminum and heat-treatable steel (special sizes available to order). SOLIDClick-main-image-1200x1200 200825_682205_125_Z_Bau_SOLIDGrip-Click_Spannkern_Standard_Ansicht-1200x1200 Description The SOLIDClick centering vice is ideal for clamping your 5-sided first operation creation. Fully machinable and heat-treatable top jaws (steel version). Change between jobs in seconds using the SOLIDClick function. Fix jaws permanently using the SOLIDLock top jaws. Maximum clamping pressure 20Nm (perfect for most second operation applications). High repeatability by clamping workpieces in profiled jaws, machined in situ on your machine. Large clamping range due to vice and jaw sizes available as standard. Easy and flexible handling due to lightweight vices and integrated Ø16 or Ø20 zero-point clamping studs 52 or 96 centres. Clamping depth as standard from 0-50mm (specials available on request) SOLIDClick/SOLIDLock vices and jaw combinations are available in several sizes to suit small to large work pieces. SOLIDClick/SOLIDLock bases are available for our 681000-77, 683000-77, 681000-125 and 68300-125 vice bases Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
TEC TurboClear Fan
TEC TurboClear Fan Unattended Cleaning with the TEC Turboclear Fan The TEC Turboclear fan offers unattended swarf and coolant cleaning for all CNC machines. Simply attach the fan to your machine tool holder, mount it in your machine spindle, and programme it like a face mill for seamless operation. Why Swarf Fans Are a Safer Choice for Machine Operators Using a swarf fan is more effective for machine operators than blowing down workpieces with compressed air. By utilising a swarf fan before opening the machine door, operators can prevent coolant from atomising, thereby reducing the risk of inhalation. Prioritising safety not only protects health but also enhances workplace efficiency.
TEC Powerpull Bar Puller
Powerpull Bar Puller by TEC Precision-engineered in the UK for Unmatched Efficiency Our TEC Powerpull Bar Puller is expertly manufactured in-house at our state-of-the-art facility in Thame, offering superior quality and performance for CNC and automatic lathes. Designed to streamline your operations, this innovative bar puller enables fully automated, unmanned machining, eliminating the need for an expensive and space-consuming bar feeder. Key Features: Effortless Automation: The Powerpull precisely pulls bar stock and tubes into position for seamless, unmanned operation, optimising productivity and reducing downtime. Versatile Jaw System: Equipped with a two-jaw lever chuck featuring variable tensioning jaws, it accommodates a wide range of materials, including bars and tubes, with ease. Flexible Sizing: Available in two body sizes, the Powerpull can handle bar capacities ranging from 6mm to 90mm, making it suitable for a variety of machining applications. Adjustable Gripping Pressure: Allows for fine-tuning of clamping force, ensuring secure handling of different materials without slippage. Robust and Reliable: Engineered from durable materials, this puller provides long-lasting performance even in demanding environments. Custom Solutions Available: Specialised jaws can be designed and manufactured for unique or challenging applications, tailored to your specific needs – contact the sales team directly with your bespoke requirements. Shank Compatibility: Available with a choice of standard plain or VDI shanks, offering flexibility for different setups. Easy Installation: Designed for quick and straightforward setup, ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow. Maximise the efficiency of your CNC lathe with the TEC Bar Puller – the perfect balance of performance, precision, and affordability.
Witte Vac-Mat™
Witte Vac-Mat™ What is VAC-MAT ? It is a thin soft polymer mat with many spaced out vacuum points, suckers in different sizes with a fine hole in each centre and a raised lip. On the underside there are six lugs which locate in the special VAC-MAT™ chuck. On the mat under surface there are grid shaped grooves which distribute the vacuum to each of the small holes. A lip right around the outside edge ensures no leakage. What size is VAC-MAT™? All VAC-MAT™s are 2,5 x 200 x 300 mm. The tolerance lies at +/- 0,04mm and concave up to 0,1mm. To increase the size of the working area, the modular VAC-MAT™ chucks are connected to one another and VAC-MAT™s are simply placed on. Is VAC-MAT™ reusable? The working life of a VAC-MAT™ depends on the number and size of cuts made into the mat during machining. Operating temperature for VAC-MAT™? VAC-MAT™, available in RED, BLUE and GREEN versions can be used at 40°C without any limitations. Why WITTE VAC-MAT™ is the right choice for you. Application Wide spectrum of different workpiece forms can be clamped • Milling • Drilling • Grinding • Five sided treatment including milling into the VAC-MAT™ Advantages • Strong hold down force • Clamping surface with a high friction value • Milling through of outer and inner contours • Precise and exact cut outs due to the fact that the workpiece can be milled through into the VAC-MAT™ leaving a clean cut edge Handling • Set up time reduced to seconds as fitting of single rubber seals become obsolete • Surface friendly material which avoids scratching of workpiece surface area • No extra clamping fixture needed
WITTE Grid Vacuum Chuck
Grid plates are suitable for batches of rectangular or square parts which have no through holes, especially where a high degree of parallelism is required. The work piece is clamped to the fixture by the vacuum created within the sealed grid pattern area; this fixture will accept heavier machining then most other types of vacuum fixtures. Standard and special size grids are available. Special Benefits: maximum holding forces universal use secure clamping of unmachined workpiece surfaces compensation for minor unevenness and bulges on the workpiece clamping surface using sealing cords Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
WITTE Slot Chuck
This vacuum clamping system works with a rubber adaptor mat allows holes, pockets and opening to be drilled without loss of vacuum. Multiple components can be machined once the rubber adaptor mat has been prepared. The advantages of Witte’s slotted vacuum plates are their low overall height and in combination with the rubber mat, their suitability for use in high-speed cutting for milling small contours, openings and breakouts. Areas of application light cutting work, such as milling Drill engraving Special Benefits low height Wide range of possible uses thanks to the (mandatory) use of generally reusable rubber adapter mats Can be used in high-speed cutting (HSC) using rubber adapter mats that can be milled plane-parallel for milling small contours Clamping of smaller workpieces possible Handling Simple positioning of workpieces thanks to height-adjustable stop bars limit the vacuum area with rubber adapter mats Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
Witte Vacuum supply
Pumps, units, workstations and liquid separators With a wide range of pumps, units, workstations and liquid separators we are able to offer an efficient and effective vacuum supply for all applications. Vacuum suction from 5 to well over 1,000 cubic meters / hour. All come with ease of maintenance Compact design with easy accessibility Security of the Thame/Witte repair service
Rotor Live Centres
Rotor Live Centres Rotor Tool AG Ltd is a Swiss-based company specialising in the design, and manufacturing of high-precision tools, precision centres and pneumatic chucks. Their live centres, also known as revolving tailstocks, and foot stocks, are designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of machining operations by providing a precise and stable centring point for workpieces. Rotor Tool’s live centres can be used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy, and are known for their high precision, durability, and versatility. They offer a range of models with different features and capabilities. Options available Main-Line Available from MT 1 – MT 7 and metric Cones 80 and 100 Accuracy 0.005 (5 microns) Surface hardened body and through-hardened Spindle Body models; SMALL (light pieces and higher turning rates) STANDARD; SUPER Lifetime Lubrication – no re-greasing necessary Over-Pressure Security through a disc spring Available with or without forcing/extracting nut Main-Line Type DA Pressure indicator with different colour rings Spring loaded centering tips Available from MT 1 – MT 7 , cylinders and VDI shafts Speed-Line High precision, capable of high turning rates Accuracy 0.002 (2 microns) Versions available for tubes Highly suitable for turning and grinding machines Optimal protection against splash and dirt (cap) Lifetime Lubrication – no re-greasing necessary High-Precision Line Lifetime Lubrication Accuracy 0.002 (2 microns) Available with or without forcing/extracting nut These products are exclusively available within the UK from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
Versabuilt Robotics systems
Fully integrated plug and play Robotic automation solutions The Versabuilt Robotics systems are fully integrated, plug & play systems for leading machine tools including Haas, Mazak, DMG Mori machines to name a few. The systems are controlled entirely from the Versabuilt VSC control unit and come in both Mill and Lathe versions. Our packages include a Universal Robot UR10E 6-axis robot, mounting stand, software interface for direct control through the machine tool, electrical interface box, safety guarding, and all necessary solenoids, hardware, and cables. The Mill Automation System with MultiGrip automation work holding allows your machinists to easily add new parts just by cutting vise soft jaws and entering parameters on a web page. Only MultiGrip has an effective solution to the difficult problem of Op 1 to Op 2 transfer in CNC milling automation resulting in longer automation run times, and more production with less labour. The Lathe Automation System is a Standard Automation System that requires no robot programming to use. Your operators can add new parts simply by entering parameters on a web page. The DuoGrip Gripper accommodates pipes and pucks of virtually any shape using exchangeable gripper fingers.
Lights Out Pneumatic Vice Actuator
Now available with a Orange Vise Adapter go to the Specifications tab below to learn more. This high precision pneumatic vise actuator/closer helps automate your CNC machine tending process by allowing a Robot to load and unload the workpiece without a human operator. Works with almost any existing 6″ milling machine vise saving you the high cost of new hydraulic vises and pump systems when you need to quickly automate your existing processes! Great for cobots! Now with 50 ft-lbs working torque! Specifications Orange Vise Adapter Kit Includes: Includes adapter plate with Magnets, Socket Adapter, and Magnetic socket Quick tool-less installation and removal after initial adjustment Works on all 3-Axis Orange Vises including dual station vises Adds 1.700″ of protrusion in the (Y-Axis) to the Actuator setup. Specifications Repeatability of <.0002”* Clamping force Repeatability of < ½ ft-lb Clamping torque adjustable to 50 ft-lbs (see datasheet for details) 225 degrees rotational travel Optional IP67 open switch (sensor) for a closed loop workholding system Quick, tool-less installation and removal after initial adjustment (see video) Fits most manually operated 6″ milling machine vises with 3/4″ hex handle Does not un-clamp if power or air pressure is lost Fast shipping from stock for standard vise models
Air Vise
Air Vise (4”, 6” and Rotary table versions available) The table vice is ideal for maximising efficiency, run smaller parts and change operations frequently. A unique T-Hook allows the jaws to disengage in an open position for rapid changeout. The one touch open and close feature provides consistent and repeatable clamping. The small footprint supports mounting multiple vices on a single table. The 6″ jaws allow for slightly larger parts to be run or allow multiple parts to be done at once. Ease of integration without the need to modify existing fixturing or labour-intensive set ups. This pneumatic vice offers time and cost savings while increasing consistency. Footprint – 6” x 6” (152 x 152mm) Jaw Width options – 6” (152mm) or 4” (101mm) Maximum Operating Pressure – 200 psi Throat Depth – 15/16 in (24mm) Workholding hardware, fixture keys, jaw shim and fittings included Features “ReadyQuick” 4”or 6″ Wide Self-Cantering 7075 T-6 Hard Anodized Soft Jaws Adjustable, Consistent, Repeatable O/D and I/D Clamping Force Easy Integration with Robotic Command Controls or M-Codes Operation Small Footprint Optimized for Chip Evacuation Exclusively available from Thame Workholding, please get in touch for further information.
HWR Pneumatic zero point systems
Available for both 52 and 96 stud pattern, and compatible with all other 5-axis vices by using suitable studs. The 653003 provides the opportunity to automatically load any SOLIDGrip 5-axis vice or any other 5-axis vice or material with the 52mm stud pattern Measuring 158 x 158mm x 50mm high this compact unit allowing for multiple units to be used on larger machine tables Operates with a minimum of 7 Bar air pressure, Benefits from assisted holding force (boosted) to 60kN if required by the supply of an additional air feed The 683080 provide a suitable pneumatic base for any 96-stud system.
FXL-50 Magnetic Chucks
FXL-50 magnetic chucks securely clamp workpieces from 100x100mm with low material thickness. The 50x50mm poles generate a magnetic field that penetrates approximately 12mm into the workpiece, making them ideal for thinner and smaller materials. The design engages more pole transitions for uniform clamping. The nominal holding force is 160 N/cm² (4kN per pole).
FX Lifting Magnets
The FX lifting magnets feature a universal design that ensures a wide range of applications. They perform effectively with large air gaps as well as with thin flat and round materials, all while maintaining a compact design and low dead weight. These devices are known for their robustness and excellent price/performance ratio, making them the top choice for users looking to move massive sheets and blocks.