Why the right workholding system is crucial for 5 axis cnc machining
The importance of workholding in 5-axis cnc machining
5-axis machining allows simultaneous movement along multiple axes, giving you greater access to complex geometries. But all of that technology and capability means little if your workpiece isn’t held securely and strategically. Poor workholding can lead to:
- Limited tool access, defeating the purpose of 5-axis flexibility
- Vibrations and deflection, causing loss of precision and poor surface quality
- Inefficient material removal, especially during roughing operations
- Longer setup times, reducing your overall productivity
This is especially true during the rough machining phase, where aggressive cutting forces demand a vise that delivers maximum holding power without compromising accessibility.
What makes a good 5-axis workholding system?
To optimize your machining process, your 5-axis vise needs to meet some crucial criteria:
- Compact design
A low-profile and compact vise body reduces the risk of tool interference and allows the spindle to reach more sides of the workpiece in a single setup. - Excellent accessibility
A vise that enables full 5-axis access minimizes repositioning and maximizes efficiency. This is critical for reducing cycle times and boosting part accuracy. - Extreme holding power
Especially during roughing, your workholding solution must ensure zero movement under high cutting forces. A vise with high clamping force and stability is essential. - Modular and repeatable setup
The ability to quickly set up and swap out parts with minimal adjustment time contributes to a lean manufacturing process and reduces downtime.

The ideal solution: The LANG Technik 5-axis vise
If you're looking for a 5-axis vise that checks all the boxes, LANG Technik USA offers the ultimate solution for 5-axis machining centers. Here’s why machinists across the U.S. are making the switch to LANG:
- ✅ Ultra-compact build – Maximizes tool clearance and machine envelope
- ✅ Excellent accessibility – Allows full access for 5-sided machining
- ✅ Unmatched clamping force – Ideal for raw part clamping and heavy roughing
- ✅ Quick-change compatibility – Seamlessly integrates with LANG’s workholding ecosystem
- ✅ Made in Germany – Trusted in the U.S. – Premium engineering backed by a responsive U.S. support team
Whether you're roughing aluminum blocks or machining high-tolerance aerospace components, the LANG 5-axis workholding system delivers the stability, speed, and precision your shop demands.

Conclusion: Boost your 5-axis productivity with smarter workholding
Investing in a high-quality 5-axis vise isn't just about clamping a part—it's about maximizing your machine’s potential. Don’t let inferior workholding hold you back. Choose a system that’s built for high-performance machining from the start.
Ready to upgrade your 5-axis workholding game? Discover the LANG Technik USA 5-axis vise today and experience the difference in precision, speed, and efficiency.
Questions and answers
How large may the workpiece to be clamped in the Makro•Grip® 5-Axis Vise be?
Ultimately, too many machining parameters play a role here to be able to answer this question exactly. For clamping pre-stamped workpiece blanks in the Makro•Grip® 5-Axis Vise, the rule of thumb is: Width = 3x jaw width and height 2x jaw width. This should be possible without any problems in any case.
Will a workpiece hold on only 3 mm clamping depth?
Absolutely, yes. The clamping depth of 3 mm is sufficient to securely fix the workpiece on the support surface of the clamping jaw. At the same time, the low clamping edge requirements allow for perfect accessibility from all sides. The machinist can save material and also benefits from a smaller chip removal volume for second operations.
What are the widths of the base bodies of the vises?
Vises from LANG Technik are available in the base body widths 46 mm, 77 mm and 125 mm. These are in turn available in different lengths, which define the respective clamping range.
Can the Makro•Grip® vises also be used in automation?
Yes, the base bodies of selected Makro•Grip® vises are prepared so that they can be stored on an automation trolley and picked up directly by the Fanuc CNC-robot: Makro•Grip® 77 = base body length 130 mm / Makro•Grip® 125 = base body length 210 mm. Likewise, Avanti and Vario•Tec vises can be used in the same lengths.
For more questions and answers on this topic, see the following page:
FAQ