Trilplaten

Trilplaten is a term found in Dutch technical literature describing a compact workholding or fixture unit composed of three flat plates connected to form a single assembly. The concept is used in manufacturing and engineering settings to provide multi-sided access, alignment, and support for workpieces during machining, assembly, or inspection.

Construction and variants

A trilplaten typically consists of three plates made from metal such as steel or aluminum. The plates may be rigidly joined or connected by adjustable elements, allowing limited relative movement for positioning. In many designs, one plate serves as a fixed base while the other two act as movable clamping surfaces, which can be fitted with T-slots, vise jaws, or clamps. Variants include fixed trilplaten, adjustable trilplaten with sliding or rotating elements, and modular versions that allow additional inserts or stops to be added as needed.

Uses and applications

The main purpose of a trilplaten is to hold a workpiece securely while enabling access from multiple sides. Applications span milling and drilling operations, precision assembly, and inspection tasks where stable three-sided support improves accuracy and repeatability. The three-plate configuration can offer improved rigidity and faster setup on small to medium-sized parts compared with single-plate fixtures.

Advantages and considerations

Key benefits include a compact footprint, increased clamping options, and potential for quicker changeovers. Limitations involve added complexity in alignment, increased weight, and higher initial cost relative to simpler fixtures. Proper design focuses on consistent datum references and compatible clamping strategies to maximize accuracy.

See also

Workholding, fixtures, milling fixtures, clamping systems.

Note

In English-language sources, trilplaten as a Dutch term is not widely used; the concept is typically described as a three-plate or three-sided fixture arrangement.