Pascal Engineering Showcases CVH Centering Vise for High-Precision and Repeatable Milling Operations!

Pascal Engineering Inc. is presenting its CVH double-acting centering vise at IMTS 2026, introducing a workholding solution designed to improve accuracy, repeatability and machining efficiency in milling operations performed after lathe turning. Developed to address the growing demand for higher precision and shorter setup times, the CVH centering vise enables manufacturers to maintain consistent workpiece positioning while reducing tooling interference and simplifying machining processes. By combining automatic centering with flexible workholding capabilities, the system helps manufacturers achieve improved dimensional accuracy and higher productivity across a wide range of precision machining applications.

Workholding plays a crucial role in determining machining quality, particularly when components undergo multiple operations on different machine tools. After turning operations are completed on a lathe, transferring a workpiece to a machining centre often requires repositioning and new workholding arrangements, increasing the possibility of alignment errors and longer setup times. Pascal Engineering has developed the CVH centering vise to overcome these challenges by ensuring precise and repeatable workpiece positioning throughout the machining process while reducing manual setup requirements.

At the core of the CVH system is its double-acting centering mechanism, which simultaneously moves both jaws to automatically position the workpiece at the exact centre of the vise. Unlike conventional vises that rely on movement from only one side, the synchronized action of both jaws maintains a constant workpiece centre regardless of dimensional variations on the outer profile. This automatic centering capability ensures highly repeatable positioning and allows manufacturers to maintain accurate datum references even when machining components with irregular external shapes. As a result, operators can achieve greater consistency while reducing setup errors that may affect part quality.

The CVH centering vise has been engineered to deliver both precision and durability in demanding production environments. It operates within a hydraulic pressure range of 1 to 7 MPa and offers a proof pressure of 10.5 MPa, providing secure and reliable clamping performance for a variety of machining applications. To accommodate different production requirements, the vise is available in standard and long-stroke configurations, with optional jaw arrangements that allow manufacturers to optimise workholding for specific component sizes and geometries.

One of the major advantages of the CVH system is its ability to minimise tool interference during machining operations. By securely centering the workpiece and allowing optimal tool access, the vise enables manufacturers to use the shortest practical cutting tools, improving rigidity and reducing vibration during machining. Shorter tool overhang contributes to a more stable cutting process, allowing higher machining accuracy, improved surface finishes and extended tool life. The stable workholding conditions also support greater process reliability during demanding milling operations.

The system has been specifically designed to simplify the transition between turning and milling operations. A notable feature is its compatibility with the same soft jaws used during the lathe turning process. Instead of manufacturing a separate set of soft jaws for machining centres, operators can mount the existing soft jaws directly onto the CVH centering vise. This significantly reduces tooling preparation time, lowers tooling costs and simplifies production planning while maintaining accurate workpiece positioning throughout multiple machining stages.

The reuse of existing soft jaws also supports one-chuck machining, enabling manufacturers to process a wide variety of workpiece shapes without requiring extensive fixture changes. Self-cut soft jaws further enhance flexibility by allowing customised workholding solutions for different component geometries while maintaining excellent positioning accuracy and repeatability. This capability is particularly beneficial for manufacturers producing small batches, complex components or high-mix production runs where frequent changeovers are common.

By combining automatic centering, reduced tool interference and simplified workholding, the CVH centering vise offers manufacturers a practical solution for improving machining efficiency and part quality. The system helps reduce setup time, minimise fixture-related errors and enhance overall productivity while maintaining the precision required for modern manufacturing applications.

At IMTS 2026, Pascal Engineering is demonstrating how advanced workholding technology can contribute to greater machining accuracy and process reliability. The CVH double-acting centering vise reflects the company’s commitment to developing innovative workholding solutions that support faster production, lower operating costs and consistently high-quality machining results across a broad range of milling and precision manufacturing applications.