Workpiece support used in the nesting process (see nesting equipment) at CNC-machining centers.

The protection board consists of a breathable material (usually MDF) and becomes unusable within serveral processing courses. Its lifetime can be extended by milling. However, often, this is not economically. For the nesting process, the protection board is put onto the machine table. The large plate that is to be processed is put on top of the protection board. In the machine table, a high vacuum is generated, which sucks the air through the protection board. Thus, the workpiece is properly fixed during the process, and, at the same time, the machine table is protected from being damaged by the milling.

Alternative term

• Saving plate