Abstract: A universal apparatus for holding contoured work-pieces in a selected pre-determined contour during the performance of various manufacturing operations is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a spring metal frame supported by a base, which through the activation of computer programmable linear actuator members can be deformed to a desired pre-determined contour to form a contoured support plane for a work-piece. The spring metal frame portion of the apparatus further comprises a device for indexing the contoured work-piece in the contoured support plane formed by the deformed spring metal frame. The spring metal frame is also provided with a constraining device which comprises a plurality of spaced vacuum cups which are selectively activated to secure the work-piece to the metal frame.