workpiece

A workpiece is a distinct piece of material that is subjected to manufacturing processes to achieve a desired final shape, dimensions, or features. It is the primary object to be machined, formed, or assembled in a production sequence. Workpieces can be raw stock such as bars, billets, plates, sheets, blocks, castings, or forgings, as well as parts produced by additive manufacturing that will be further processed or finished.

During processing, the workpiece is secured in a fixture, chuck, vise, or gripper to provide stable support and precise alignment. Subtractive processes remove material (milling, turning, drilling, grinding, etc.), while formative processes deform material (bending, stamping). Additive processes build material layer by layer, creating the workpiece's final geometry or near-final. The operation chosen depends on material, geometry, tolerances, surface finish, and production volume.

Dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications govern the acceptability of the finished workpiece. Typical inspection tools include calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines. Quality control verifies that dimensions, straightness, roundness, and surface texture meet requirements.

Materials used for workpieces include metals (steel, aluminum, copper), plastics, ceramics, and composites. Workpieces may undergo preparatory steps such as cleaning and heat treatment, and may require finishing steps such as deburring or coating to achieve the desired properties and surface quality.