What type of chuck allows for quick attachment of standard size work pieces, particularly for small mass production jobs?

The collet attachment is designed specifically for rapid and precise clamping of workpieces, making it particularly suitable for scenarios involving small mass production. Collets are cylindrical devices that grip the workpiece around its diameter, ensuring a secure hold while facilitating quick loading and unloading. This efficiency is vital in production environments where time savings are paramount, as operators can interchange components swiftly without needing to adjust or realign the workpiece significantly.

Furthermore, collets can accommodate a range of standard sizes, which enhances their versatility for different workpieces without requiring extensive setup time. The precision offered by collet attachments also contributes to maintaining tight tolerances throughout the machining process, which is essential in high-volume production runs.

In contrast, other options such as the lathe drive plate and clamp toe dog may not provide the same level of quick attachment and repeatability for various workpieces. The steady center rest serves a different function, predominantly providing support for longer workpieces to prevent vibration during machining but does not contribute to the quick attachment process itself.