Machine Vices
Precision Clamping

Single clamping (C series) has one fixed jaw and one movable jaw — the standard configuration. Double clamping (DC series) has a fixed center jaw with two movable outer jaws, allowing you to clamp two identical workpieces simultaneously in one setup. The DC series effectively doubles your throughput on parts that are small enough to fit side by side.

PFL vices are available in a large range of standard sizes, from compact models suitable for small CNC mills to larger versions for heavy-duty production machines. The naming convention (e.g., PFL125C) indicates the jaw width in millimeters. Custom sizes, including non-standard jaw widths, body lengths, and opening ranges — are available upon request. Contact us with your specific requirements.

Yes. PFL vices are excellent for surface grinding because all reference surfaces are precision ground to tight flatness and parallelism tolerances. The controlled clamping tension is particularly important in grinding, over-clamping a thin part causes it to spring back after release, producing a concave surface. With a PFL vice, you can apply just enough force to hold the part securely without introducing clamping distortion.

The PFL sine table mounts underneath a PFL vice, creating an angular clamping system. You set the desired angle by placing calibrated gauge blocks under the sine bar, the sine of the angle multiplied by the center distance gives the gauge block height. The workpiece is then clamped in the vice at that precise angle. This combination is used for grinding tapers, inspecting angular features, and machining compound angles.

Standard workshop vises are designed for general clamping where accuracy is secondary to holding strength. PFL vices are precision instruments, every surface is ground, the jaw travel is guided on precision-lapped ways, the lead screw is protected from contamination, and the body is stress-relieved to prevent distortion. A typical workshop vise might have 50–100 μm of jaw lift and squareness error; a PFL vice holds this to approximately 5 μm.

Yes. PFL offers soft jaws in aluminum, copper, brass, and nylon that can be machined to match the exact profile of your workpiece. Soft jaws distribute clamping force over a larger contact area, preventing marking or deformation on finished surfaces. They are particularly useful for holding already-machined parts during second-operation work.

With proper use and maintenance, PFL vices deliver decades of precision service. The hardened steel body and ground guideways resist wear far better than cast iron alternatives. The protected lead screw stays clean and accurate. Periodic cleaning, light lubrication of the lead screw, and careful use (avoiding hammer blows on the handle) will ensure the vice maintains its original accuracy for many years.

Yes. PFL manufactures custom vices to customer specifications. This includes non-standard jaw widths, extended body lengths, special mounting patterns, integrated locating features, and application-specific jaw profiles. If your workholding requirement doesn't fit a standard catalog size, contact us with your drawing or specification and we'll provide a quotation.

All PFL machine vices are designed and manufactured in Switzerland by PFL Antralux SA. The complete production process, from raw material selection through CNC machining, heat treatment, precision grinding, assembly, and quality inspection, takes place at PFL's facility in Le Landeron, Switzerland. This vertical integration ensures full quality control and consistent precision across every unit.