Vices & Zero Point

Machine Vise / Precision Vise A Machine Vise / Precision Vise, used on vertical machining centers and CNC machines, is a mechanical workholding system designed to clamp the workpiece securely, rigidly, and repeatably during machining operations. The vise holds the workpiece between a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, maintaining its position against the cutting forces generated during machining. It can operate with manual, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping systems. In precision machining vises, high parallelism, squareness, and repeatability are especially important. On vertical machining centers, vises are commonly used for milling, drilling, tapping, slotting, and face machining operations. On CNC lathes and turn-mill machines, the primary workholding system is generally a chuck or collet; however, vise-type clamping solutions may also be used for special fixtures and milling applications. The main advantages of machine vises are high rigidity, fast and secure clamping, high repeatability, ease of use, and adaptability to different workpiece geometries. Zero Point Clamping System A Zero Point Clamping System is a modular clamping and positioning system designed to mount workpieces, fixtures, vises, or tooling units onto a machine quickly, accurately, and repeatably. The system generally consists of a zero point clamping module mounted on the machine table or clamping surface, together with pull studs / clamping studs attached to the fixture or workpiece. When the fixture or workpiece is positioned on the module, the system locks the studs with high clamping force and locates the setup precisely at the same reference position. On vertical machining centers, zero point systems are commonly used for the quick changeover of vises, fixtures, pallets, and workpieces. On CNC lathes and turn-mill machines, they can also be used for the fast and repeatable exchange of chucks, fixtures, pallets, or special workholding equipment. The main advantages of zero point systems are very short setup times, high positioning accuracy, excellent repeatability, reduced machine downtime, and suitability for automation. For this reason, they provide significant productivity benefits, especially in applications with frequent changeovers, small-batch production, and automated manufacturing.