The leading manufacturer of flat plate workholding systems, we help the aerospace industry and others save millions of dollars by creating standardized workholding solutions. This quick-change technology improves safety and productivity in machining. Our products are routinely used to implement lean manufacturing initiatives in CNC machine shops. You will become significantly more efficient by using our products and standardizing your process, eliminating dedicated fixturing and the costs associated with it (tool design, manufacturing, maintenance, and storage).

Elijah Tooling’s Universal Common Modular Fixtures (UCMF) are subplates typically used in a lean manufacturing environment, especially high-speed machining operations. These unique fixtures form the basis of our quick-change system, where we incorporate patented Invert-A-Bolt™ (back bolt) Workholding Fasteners, ZipBushing™ multi-purpose hole hardware and XZertZ™ Retractable Dowel Pins. These components are installed into the fixture plate below the surface, always ready, with minimum setup time and maximum ease of use. 

UCMF plates are ideal for machining most parts, whether they are from raw stock, castings, forgings, or other configurations. Raw stock, “picture framed”, parts can be located with ZipBushings™ and held by Invert-A-Bolt™ (back bolt) fasteners. Casting, forgings, and other configurations can be held/located using modular fixturing components at the multi-purpose hole locations. 

The Elijah Tooling workholding system can be used to machine many types of parts, substantially reducing dedicated fixtures, tool design, tool build, and tool storage and maintenance. You won't need any other holding or locating components except for those already embedded in the face of the tooling plate/tooling block. The system employs Invert-A-Bolt™ fasteners, ZipBushings™(multi-purpose hole hardware), and XZertZ™ Retractable Dowel Pins to hold and locate a part throughout machining. The row/column designators help machinists know "where they are at". In addition, every system (fixture plate, sub-plate, tombstone, etc.) will repeatably hold/locate to the receiver.

No Obstructions in Machining

All workholding elements (Invert-A-Bolt™ fasteners) and precision locating elements (ZipBushings™ and XZertZ™ Retractable Dowel Pins) are embedded below the surface, minimizing or eliminating obstructions to machining. 

Flexible

Machine almost any size part that can physically fit on the enhanced "superhero" grid plate, and easily machine round, cast, or forged parts. Our grid plates feature 2" grids that facilitate the use of off-the-shelf components. With Invert-A-Bolt™ fasteners, you can hold hog-out parts in unique ways and snug them up close to the part or mill right over the top of them.

Repeatable

Only "dial-up" once. Our tooling plates feature tight tolerances ensuring highly repeatable setups and reducing or eliminating your setup times. Row and column designators make it easy to determine which locators and workholding fasteners to use. Setups are always the same: no dialing in for each new part to be machined. No more extensive setups. No more time-wasting changeovers.

This flush mounted “back bolt” system allows manufacturers to eliminate clamps and bolts when machining parts by securing stock and tooling from underneath. A complete “flat plate” solution contributes to maximum flexibility of the fixturing and provides improved workholding solutions, ultimately leading to greater efficiency, a safer working environment, and less waste. Back bolts eliminate the need for costly clamps and vises while drastically reducing setup times so you can machine more parts faster with less rick of damage. Our fastener-based systems can dramatically affect your pocketbook too! More parts means more efficiency, better cycle time, and the opportunity to increase sales. Invert-A-Bolt™ fasteners are currently in use in over 14 countries. 

Stop wasting time looking for the “right” bolt again. Stop wasting time grinding a bolt to size again. Stop interrupting the machining process to change clamps. Stop warping and stressing your parts with excessive clamping. These fasteners are always available in the fixture, with standardized stick-out. Simply screw the larger diameter (the housing) into the fixture plate and bring the inner diameter (the stud) up into your stock material for a superior workholding solution. Raise and lower in seconds with a torque-limiting pneumatic driver. Flush-mounted means that they are there when you need them and hidden when you don't. You can get them in various stud & housing sizes, depending upon your application. Our workholding fasteners are often found in high-speed horizontal manufacturing, but they fit many other applications as well:

- High-speed machining operations

- Anywhere that would benefit from quick-change capabilities

- Utilization of modular tooling systems

- Assembly jig applications

- Dedicated fixturing systems