Revolutionizing 5-Axis Machining: Why the Emuge-Franken EvoGrip Centering Vise Is a Game-Changer for Precision Manufacturing

Discover how the EvoGrip system delivers nearly 17k lbs clamping force while reducing setup times by 80% – and why it’s becoming essential for competitive machine shops.

The Challenge Every Machine Shop Knows Too Well

You’re running a critical part for an aerospace customer. The setup took 45 minutes, the first-article inspection passed, and you’re finally in production. Then the part shifts during the final operation, scrapping hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars worth of material and pushing delivery back two days.

Sound familiar? Workholding failures are one of the most expensive problems in precision manufacturing – and they’re almost always preventable with the right clamping system.

Enter the Emuge-Franken EvoGrip: Engineered for 5-Axis Excellence

The EvoGrip centering vises from EMUGE are manually operated direct clamping devices which clamp the workpiece centrically. The compact design enables multi-sided machining with five axes and makes clamping devices of this type universally applicable.

What Makes EvoGrip Different?

1. Massive Clamping Force in a Compact Design A modular and very slim system design with a maximum clamping force of up to 17k lbs means you can hold complex parts securely without the bulk of traditional vises that interfere with tool access.

2. True Centering for Precision Work Unlike standard vises that can introduce runout, the EvoGrip system centers your workpiece automatically. This is critical for 5-axis work where even small positioning errors compound across multiple operations.

3. Optimized for Multi-Sided Machining The compact design compared to the possible workpiece size offers ideal accessibility and allows the use of short tools for reduced vibrations and higher cutting values.

Real-World Applications: Where EvoGrip Excels

Aerospace Components

• Complex aluminum housings requiring multiple setups
• Titanium brackets with tight tolerances
• Any part where setup repeatability is critical

Medical Device Manufacturing

• Surgical instruments requiring mirror finishes
• Implant components with complex geometries
• High-precision fixtures and jigs

Automotive Tooling

• Prototype parts requiring quick turnaround
• Production fixtures with demanding accuracy requirements
• Complex engine components

The EvoPoint Advantage: Taking Efficiency to the Next Level

The perfect addition to the EvoGrip is the EvoPoint zero-point clamping system. The EvoPoint features high accuracies, excellent holding forces and it can be combined with the centering vise system thanks to its modular design.

When you combine EvoGrip with the EvoPoint zero-point system, this combination with the EvoGrip centering vise reduces set-up times by up to 80%. That’s not a typo – 80% reduction in setup time.

What This Means for Your Bottom Line:

• More spindle time: Less time setting up means more time cutting chips
• Consistent quality: Repeatable positioning reduces first-article inspection time
• Operator efficiency: Your machinists spend time making parts, not fighting workholding

Technical Specifications That Matter

• Maximum Clamping Force: 75 kN (16,860 lbs)
• Design: Modular, compact profile for 5-axis accessibility
• Operation: Manual (pneumatic and hydraulic versions available)
• Compatibility: Adapts to existing zero-point systems, machine tables, and fixtures
• Accuracy: Designed for automated part handling with minimal operator intervention

Why Chapman Customers Choose EvoGrip

At Chapman, we’ve seen the transformation that happens when shops invest in proper workholding. The EvoGrip isn’t just another vise – it’s a system that pays for itself through:

• Reduced scrap rates from improved part security
• Faster job turnaround with dramatically reduced setup times
• Ability to take on more complex work that competitors can’t hold effectively
• Improved operator confidence leading to higher productivity

Making the Business Case

Traditional Setup Time: 30-45 minutes per job EvoGrip + EvoPoint Setup Time: 6-9 minutes per job

For a shop running 20 setups per week, that’s 7-12 hours saved weekly – equivalent to having an extra machinist without the salary.

Integration and Support

Flexible adaptation options enable the use of our standard clamping devices on existing zero-point clamping systems, machine tables, swivel brackets, cubes and pyramids. This means EvoGrip works with your current machine setup, not against it.

Watch EvoGrip in Action

The best way to understand the EvoGrip advantage is seeing it work. The demonstration video shows the smooth operation, secure clamping, and accessibility that makes this system so effective for complex parts.