In this study, flexible fixtures and end effectors are conceptually designed for the holding of thin-walled carbon-fiber reinforced-plastic (CFRP) workpieces in machining processes. Firstly, the fixture scenarios and system requirements for the conceptual designs of flexible-fixture and core units are proposed, including the propounding of the workpiece-holding mechanism and the core-unit requirements. A ball-joint pneumatic system is determined as a locking mechanism of the flexible-fixture system for the machining of thin-walled components. Secondly, conceptual designs of the core units are suggested with the driven requirements from the fixture scenarios. A self-tilting mechanism and an end-effector return mechanism are also proposed. Finally, the prototypes of the core units are manufactured, and the workpiece-holding capacity of each prototype is measured.