interchange between systems so that they can be standard- ized throughout the shop. What we are trying to do for our customer is reduce setup time, as much as up to 90% or more depending on the operation,” said Kieta.
DockLock zero point system is able to reduce a typical workholding setup time from 20 minutes using standard methods to less than 2 minutes.
Zero point systems, which are popular in Europe and are beginning to gain a following in the US, are accurate and repeat- able to 2 tenths (0.0002"). Kieta said that the zero point system comprises a receiver module that is mounted to the machine table or mounted in a subplate. Studs can be mounted into the fixture plate or directly in workpiece. Studs locate into the receiver module and are clamped through mechanical spring clamping force so they are securely clamped in place during the machining process. “To release we can use air or hydraulic pressure that is used to release the mechanical clamp. In cases where you are looking to do automation you can link the control to the air or hydraulic actuation or you can do that manually through a valve or a quick disconnect,” said Kieta.
Check Out this Catalog to See What’s New
“When we go to trade shows, we get a lot of interest from customers who want to see our catalog, because they know
that they’re going to see what’s new in workholding,” said Justin Gordon, general manager, Fixtureworks (Fraser, MI). “Our quick change manual clamps, for example, offer a wide range of solu- tions for holding from overhead, underneath, and side clamping for accurate and quick change clamping and unclamping. The One Touch Imao manual clamps are designed for high-volume production and feature high repeatability in continuous use. Sizes range from 250 to 1300 lb (113-590 kg) clamping force for workpieces small to medium in size.” To meet the need for gripping finished workpieces that can’t be gripped with a lot of force, Fixtureworks has intro- duced Sof-Top grippers for delicate work surfaces and Abra- sive Diamond Surface Grippers for smooth or slippery surface with minimal clamping force and surface marking. Sof-Top grippers have a urethane surface to grab onto a painted or finished surface that won’t distort, deform or mark a thin wall or softer material. The diamond surface gripper has a surface comparable to 100-grit sandpaper bonded permanently to a stainless steel pad to provide non-slip gripping and offers a very high coefficient of friction. The diamond surface produc- es a good grip without having to apply a lot of force. “When customers tell us they can’t apply 20–30 lb [9-14 kg] of force on a part before it starts to distort, or a serrated gripper leaves a mark on the part or slips on the part, we have a solution,” said Gordon.
“One of Fixtureworks’ newest clamps is the OD Holding Clamp. “It is a table mounted clamp that is machined out to fit the shape of irregularly shaped workpieces. When the work- piece is clamped, force is applied evenly from all sides of the part,” said Gordon.
Vises Designed for Specific Machining Processes Kurt Manufacturing Co. (Minneapolis, MN) has introduced three new vises, each aimed at addressing a specific machin- ing need. “The two new five-axis self-centering MaxLock vises simplify programming for five-axis machining,” said Steve Kane, global sales and marketing manager. The new smaller models have 2 ½" (63-mm) and 4 ½" (114-mm) jaw widths, in addition to the present 4" (102-mm) jaw width model. “The self-centering design along with Kurt’s Anglock feature aligns parts in the vise and reduces part lift to a minimum by pull- ing parts down and holding them with maximum rigidity for close tolerance repeatability in all axes,” said Kane. For every pound of force forward, there is a half pound of force pulling down with the Anglock feature.