Werkstück

Werkstück is a term used in German manufacturing and engineering to denote the object that is being processed. In English, it is commonly translated as workpiece. The Werkstück is the material or part that is subjected to operations such as cutting, shaping, drilling, milling, turning, grinding, welding, casting, or additive manufacturing. The concept emphasizes the object as the recipient of manufacturing steps rather than the machine or tool performing them.

In production environments, the Werkstück is prepared and secured in fixtures and clamps to ensure proper alignment, rigidity, and repeatability. Its geometry, material properties, and surface finish influence the choice of processes, cutting parameters, and achievable tolerances. During a manufacturing sequence, a Werkstück may undergo multiple operations and move between machines, jigs, and measurement devices before it reaches its final form.

Quality control centers on the Werkstück to verify conformance to technical drawings and specifications. Dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and material integrity are assessed through inspection methods such as metrology and non-destructive testing, with the results determining acceptance or rework requirements.

Etymology: Werkstück combines Werk (work or factory) and Stück (piece or part). It is a standard term in German technical literature, vocational training, and industry, understood across engineering contexts that use German terminology. Related concepts include Bauteil (component) and Fertigungsteil (manufacturing part), which describe elements within broader production processes.