Five-Axis Workholding Automation Console Supports Precise Positioning, High Clamp Force

Photo Credit: Teknics

Teknics ZeroClamp USA has introduced its Zerolox XP 80Z Zero Point workholding automation console, which is made in Germany. The Zerolox Console provides a universal interface that enables precision positioning for clamping five-axis self-centering vises, pallets and workpieces on three, four and five-axis CNC machines.

ZeroClamp’s Zero Point center cone technology offers high rigidity and accuracy of 2.5 μm (0.0001") repeatability. Thermal growth is always at the center point of the console, according to the company.

The four integrated 90-mm Zero Point clamping units provide high clamping forces of 50,000 N (11,240 lbf) and over 5.5 tons. The console measures 40 mm high by 160 mm² (1.57" × 6.3 in²) and the 90-degree indexing on each unit allows rotation for a second operation or sides four and five.

The console can be used with ZeroClamp’s five-axis self-centering automation ZeroVise M 80/120 A, up to 203 mm/8 in² pallets, fixtures, direct part clamping, dovetail fixtures and 52/96 mm mounting pattern on compatible five-axis vises with an adapter plate.

It is pneumatically actuated with 90 psi required to unlock the console, and includes pneumatic porting for automation. No rotary unions or airlines are required, as it operates without a constant air supply. It can be mounted to a five-axis CNC with or without a riser, four and five-axis rotary tables, tombstones, trunnions and all automation systems.

The ZeroClamp manually actuated five-axis self-centering ZeroVise’s M80/120A are available in 80-mm and 120-mm-wide sizes and come with four integrated size 90 Zero Point clamping studs. The vises are sealed and self-cleaning with a chip-repelling design to keep cutting chips and coolant from collecting and entering inside.

It is well suited for cobots/robots. Reversing the jaws and changing the two quick-change jaw positions does not increase the vise length, allowing the use of short tooling. Quick-change interchangeable jaw options are available.