Patent ID: 7568275

Claim:
An isothermal, vibration damping work holder apparatus for precision dry machining of work pieces, in a machine tool having a base and a datum bed of high Thermal Coefficient of Expansion (TCE) material, while reducing vibration-induced inaccuracies or defects, for precision assembly of high TCE parts requiring mechanical fastening components, and for maintaining the bed of said machine tool both substantially isothermal with reduced vibration propagation, comprising in operative combination: a) at least one vibration-damping, low thermal conductivity, low Thermal Coefficient of Expansion (TCE) polymer composite material work holding body member configured for accurate, rigid structural support of work pieces for dry machining, assembly, or for support of a machine tool bed; b) a work piece holding system comprising at least one of vacuum conduits provided in said work holding body, and mechanical clamping elements, for securely retaining in proper position at least one work piece while being dry machined or assembled; c) at least one channel for passage of heat conductive fluid there-through provided in said work holding body on a face thereof that mates with at least one face of said work piece or said machine tool bed; d) at least one heat transfer plate made of high thermal conductivity material provided in association with said channel disposed to be maintained in intimate thermal contact with at least a portion of said work piece, or said machine tool bed to maintain said work piece or said machine tool bed substantially isothermal while reducing error-inducing vibration propagation.