A clamping apparatus applies a force to a workpiece during processing. The clamping apparatus includes a base defining a work area configured to receive a joined structure having multiple elements. The base defines a recess in the work area. An adjustable mechanism is configured to releasably couple to the base and apply a adjustable downward force to the joined structure to bend the joined structure downwardly into the recess during a process. A resilient plunger is part of the adjustable mechanism. The resilient plunger extends downwardly from a top plate of the adjustable mechanism, and the resilient plunger is configured to contact a top of a first element of the joined structure to apply the downward force.