In machining operations (especially on CNC machining centres and universal milling machines), the calibrated accessories that ensure a workpiece is level, horizontally parallel and raised to the required machining height when clamped in a vice or on the machine table are called parallel sets.
Watch Temak Teknik’s video below explaining the types of parallels, their precision tolerances and the correct way to use them on the machine:
Construction and Technical Specifications of Parallels
- High Precision and Surface Quality: The precision ground parallels are square to 90°, with a height and parallelism tolerance between pairs of 0.01 mm (one hundredth of a millimetre) [00:49].
- High Hardness: They are made from heat-treated tool steel and have a hardness of approximately 60 HRC [01:30].
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Standard Sizes
- Lengths: Generally available in standard lengths of 100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm [00:58].
- Width / Thickness: The most widely used in industry are 5 mm (thin parallels) and 10 mm (thick parallels) wide [01:20].
- Height Increments: Sets contain matched pairs in a range of heights such as 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 35, 40, 45 and 50 mm [03:00].
Applications and Building Combinations
- Raising the Workpiece and Ensuring Parallelism: Placed between the vice jaws, they allow the workpiece to be clamped parallel to the base and at the required machining height [02:50].
- Combinations (Stacked / Side-by-Side Use): When an intermediate size other than the standard heights is required (e.g. 55 mm), the precise height can be achieved by stacking 5 mm or 10 mm thick parallels [03:14].
- Machine and Gauge Calibration: Used as support elements for precise levelling of machine tables, fixtures or gauges [00:35].
Points to Consider When Using Parallels on the Machine
- The Worst-Case Scenario: Cutting or Drilling into the Parallels: In drilling or slotting operations on the workpiece, if the drill/cutter length is not set correctly, both the parallels and the cutting tools will be damaged [02:20]. The clearance under the workpiece (the distance between the parallels) must always be wider than the drill/tool diameter [01:52].
- Chip Cleaning: At every part change, the surfaces of the parallels and the vice base should be cleaned with compressed air. Even a single small chip trapped under a parallel or on the contact surface with the part will compromise the part’s 0.01 mm parallelism accuracy [03:52].
- Seating with a Plastic / Copper Mallet: After the workpiece has been clamped in the vice, it is tapped lightly from above with a plastic or copper mallet to ensure it is fully seated on the parallels [04:45].
- Checking for Movement (Play): Once clamping is complete, check by pulling gently on the parallels by hand. If one of the parallels moves, the part is seated at an angle/skewed in the vice [05:14].









