Abstract: A holding device for peripherally holding workpieces of any desired outline is provided, comprising two shape-adjustable jaws arranged opposite one another on a base body. The gripping surfaces of the jaws are constituted a plurality of plungers able to be moved independently against such workpiece by fluid power and arrested in a work holding position. The base body is rotatably supported in a clasping device for turning about an axis perpendicular to the work holding direction and possesses a connection member for the fluid power operation of the fluid power drive of the plungers at least. Furthermore a counter-connection member connected with fluid power lines is adapted to be thrust against the connection member and in the stationary state of the base body is able to be coupled with the same in a certain angular setting, the base body possessing valve means for locking the positions of the plungers in the clamping state thereof after uncoupling the counter-connection member.

Abstract: A profiled clamping jaw for a clamping device has a base body (12) and a clamping surface (14) arranged on the base body and adaptable to the surface profile of a workpiece (54). To make it possible to adapt by simple means the clamping surface (14) of the profiled clamping jaw (10) to the surface profile of the workpiece, the claiming surface (14) is composed of a plurality of pressure pieces (16) movable with respect to the base body (12) and capable of being locked thereon in a determined clamping position.