How Circle 5 Cut Setup Time by 30% and Improved Precision with Rapid Holding Systems 

For more than 35 years, Circle 5 has been a trusted leader in manufacturing and prototyping. 
Specializing in machining ferrous and non-ferrous metals, they’ve consistently invested in cutting-edge CNC and EDM technologies to stay ahead of the competition. 

But as their operations grew, so did their challenges. 

Their EDM workholding system was slowing them down — causing long setup times, higher scrap rates, and unnecessary downtime. 

They needed a better solution… and they found it with Rapid Holding Systems. 

The Problems Holding Circle 5 Back 

Before working with us, Circle 5 faced three major issues 

1. Inefficient Setup Times 

“We were using manual chucks on the table before, but now we’ve switched over to multiple pneumatic chucks. It’s been a game-changer for us.” 

The old manual chuck system needed constant adjustment, wasting precious machine time and keeping operators focused on setup instead of production. 

2. Inconsistent Precision 

“With the old system, the turret handle would work its way loose, causing inconsistencies. But now… it’s a lot more rigid and repeatable.” 

Loose handles meant parts could shift mid-process — hurting precision and creating costly rework. 

3. Difficulty with Deep & Complex Machining 

“The biggest issue was getting down into deep pockets and small areas. The custom extensions from Rapid Holding Systems solved that perfectly.” 

Standard workholding simply couldn’t handle their deep cavity jobs efficiently. 

The Solution: Pneumatic Chucks + Custom Extensions 

Recognizing the need for a modern, reliable, and scalable setup, Circle 5 replaced their manual chucks with multiple pneumatic chucks from Rapid Holding Systems — and added custom-designed extensions for their most challenging jobs. 

• Faster, Repeatable Setups – Pneumatic clamping reduced setup time and maximized machine uptime. 

• Rock-Solid Precision – No more shifting parts or loose handles. 

• Deep Cavity Confidence – Custom extensions allowed them to reach and machine complex geometries with perfect accuracy. 

The Results 

• 30% reduction in setup time — more projects completed, faster. 

• Significant scrap reduction — less waste, more profitability. 

• Improved operator efficiency — easier setups mean less fatigue and smoother workflows. 

Watch the full transformation: 

Is Your Shop Facing the Same Challenges? 

If downtime, scrap, and slow setups are eating into your profits, Rapid Holding Systems can help. 
We specialize in custom workholding solutions that keep your machines running, your parts precise, and your profits growing. 

Contact us today to get the right EDM Workholding solution for your machining needs.  

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +519-999-9723