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Parallel (engineering)
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<p>A parallel is a rectangular block of metal, commonly made from <a href="/facts/Tool_steel/CwCoRyqj">tool steel</a>, <a href="/facts/Stainless_steel/IDdo8bEx">stainless steel</a> or <a href="/facts/Cast_iron/lASt55k2">cast iron</a>, which has 2, 4 or 6 faces <a href="/facts/Surface_grinder/Gwer9Gw3">ground</a> or <a href="/facts/Lapping/CXVRF336">lapped</a> to a precise surface finish. Parallels are used when machining with a <a href="/facts/Milling_machine/PVXTgNyz">mill</a>, <a href="/facts/Drill/qTvmmAlo">drill</a> or any other machining operation that requires work to be held in a <a href="/facts/Vise_(tool)/JWJRfIkA">vise</a> or with <a href="/facts/Clamp_(tool)/YwDNJyFY">clamps</a> - to keep work parallel or raised evenly such as in a milling vise to give adequate height for the cutting tool/spindle to pass over. </p>