Abstract: A clamping device and associated method for clamping a foam carving block for use by a carving system to produce a positive mold during the manufacturing of orthotic and prosthetic devices. The clamping device includes first and second elongated clamping jaws that are selectively movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the clamping jaws clamp the foam carving block therebetween when in the closed position. The clamping device is further operative to automatically center the foam carving block when the foam carving block is clamped. The clamping device also includes a mechanism for automatically generating indexing holes in the foam carving block for use in subsequent manufacturing processes for the orthotic or prosthetic devices.