Final answer:
Vice jaw plates are used to protect a workpiece from damage by providing a softer grip and can be customized to fit irregular shapes. They are essential in maintaining precision in machining operations and prevent marring or deformation of the workpiece.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of vice jaw plates, also known as soft jaws, is crucial when securing a workpiece in a vice without causing damage. These plates are made of softer materials such as aluminum or plastic and are attached to the jaws of the vice. The primary purpose is to provide a gentler grip that prevents marring or deformation of the workpiece, especially if it is made of a softer material like brass or copper.
Vice jaw plates can also be equipped with custom features such as grooves or protrusions to accommodate irregularly shaped parts. This ensures a firm hold without applying excessive pressure that could warp or damage the part. By using these plates, precision and quality in machining operations are significantly improved as they contribute to maintaining the integrity of the workpiece throughout the operation.
Overall, vice jaw plates protect the workpiece from the mechanical stresses of clamping and can be essential for precision work, where surface damage or even slight alterations to the geometry of the part can render it unusable.