OK-VISE® Fixturing Concept

Locking of the sub-plates in this system is done by using the OK-LOCK element. In addition to OK-VISE clamping systems, also old-school traditional vises and other fixturing elements can be used.
One possibility is to bolt OK-LOCK spigots directly to the workpiece, enabling easy access from all directions.

IMG 2009 resize

RPS-L3X2

The RPS-L3X2 model is equipped with 3 pieces of OK-LOCK modules on both sides of the block. Pneumatic release by plug is a typical practice, robot-operated release is also possible.

Examples of RPS System L installations

A unit with 3 pcs of OK-LOCK modules on both sides of the block. Pneumatic release by a plug, optionally robot release possible

Examples of RPS Systems

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OK-LOCK is OK-VISE zero-point positioning system that is used for holding sub-plates and workpieces.

OK-LOCK is operated by admitting compressed air (6 bar) into the positioning modules setting them to a Release position, in which sub-plates can be inserted or removed easily.

ok-lock 1

Examples of the OK-LOCK positioning elements application

  • Integrated in tooling blocks
  • On the machine table of the vertical machining centres
  • Integrated fourth axis
  • Fastening the fourth axis in the trunnion unit such as RPS
  • Use of spigots to clamp the workpiece directly

Brochure

ok lock17OK-LOCK Positioning System

 

 

ok lock b1 rps b1 tooling block 1

Several types of the workholding platforms for workholding operations are offered by OK-VISE through its global distribution network.
OK-LOCK zero-point positioning system, RPS trunnion unit and Tooling Blocks are some of workholding platforms used in the OK-VISE projects.

By choosing a suitable workholding platform speed of setup changes, stabilty, easy access of tooling and utilization of the machine envelope can be greatly improved.

OK-VISE tooling blocks of different shapes and sizes are typically used in horizontal machining centers (HMC). 
In vertical machining centers (VMC), OK-LOCK units and indexers with trunnion units like RPS are typical workholding platforms

Workholding platforms differ in geometry, material, orientation and face-type.

Typically, workholding platforms are customized to meet the customers requirements.
In addition to traditional manual loading and manual clamping, these platforms are suitable for the automated clamping systems, for example, with the robotic loading.

Platforms 1

Platform face-types

There are some typical platform faces where OK-VISE Fixturing components work optimally. OK-VISE fixturing components are normally mounted on following types of platform faces:

  • Blank (pockets for fixture components are machined into solid metal)
  • Grid system (used in the modular systems)
  • T-slot (typical in vertical machining centers)
  • Zero-point and quick-lock systems

The challenge with traditional T-slot is how to achieve easy repeatibility of the fixturing setup in case that setups are changed frequently. Then, we recommend using some extra positioning pins or holes with T-slot.

Fixture plates

The plate concept can be used to build fixtures with all machine types and platforms. When a fixture is built on a plate as a single unit, changing the fixture is faster than in the case of installing several fixture components on a machine table or tooling block.

In most cases, clamping the workpieces to the fixture off-line and then transferring the fixture to the machine is the most rational approach that increases productivity of the production. 
When you are using fixture plates then there can be significant time savings and therefore rapid pay-back when some quick-change system is in use.

Fixture plates can be used to carry dedicated or general purpose fixtures.

RPS accessoriesRPS accessoriesOK-VISE offers wide range of high quality accessories to tailor each individual rotary column to the customer specific needs.

Adapter plates for indexers, fixed stoppers, and corner clamps are available in addition to our low-profile clamps and sub-plates.

By combining these elements, OK-VISE customers can construct a flexible and effective system within their vertical machining center. Each item is designed to comply with the OK-VISE Rotary Pallet System.

OK-VISE rotary columns work as a trunnion unit between the indexer and tail support.

Rotary Pallet System ensures efficient use of the machinable area ultimately leading to reduction of tool changes, minimization of operator interventions, and extension of cycle times.

Use of sub-plates is one of the advantages of this system that allows reduce machine stopping times significantly. This is especially critical in the vertical machining centers.

Rotary pallet system

Examples of RPS Systems

Brochure

rps17RPS-2T - Rotary Pallet System

 

In the RPS 2T, OK-VISE rotary columns are made of aluminium, corner clamps are made of steel. Each of the four sides of this trunnion unit has two T-slots for installation of the accessories like stoppers and clamps.

 

The RPS-2T50 model is the largest among the OK-VISE rotary columns. Its innovative design allows use of the vertical machining centers without the pallet changing systems.

The effectiveness of a machining center is not in the number of columns used, but in the extent to which the capacity of each pallet can be utilized. OK-VISE rotary column and fixturing elements allow for most efficient utilization of the vertical machining center.

img PDF drawings, 2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

The RPS-2T30 is the smallest of OK-VISE rotary columns. It is suitable for the smallest 4th axis indexers.

Two T-slots guarantee easy and effective fixturing. These light-weight modules are easy to install and move from one application or machine to another.

img PDF drawings, 2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

 

Sub-plates

Sub-plates complete the unique structure of the OK-VISE rotary pallet system. Rather than mounting the workholding directly on a column, the workpieces and clamps can be mounted on the sub-plates, which, in turn, are mounted with corner clamps on the column's face. Using sub-plates reduces machine stopping times dramatically and makes loading and unloading of workpieces easier and faster.

Specially fitted aluminium sub-plates are available for each trunnion unit. The thickness of the plate is 22 mm.

SubplatesSubplates SubplatesSubplates

img PDF drawings, 2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

 

Corner clamps

The steel corner clamps are designed for M10 socket head screws and come in two different sizes. The CC-1 model (in the photo) is 49 mm long.

The corner clamps are soft and, if necessary, can be machined to different shapes according to the geometry of the workpiece.

cc-1Corner clamps

 

CC-1 img PDF drawings

2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

 

Fixed stoppers

Our fixed stoppers are specifically designed for OK-VISE rotary columns. Columns can be equipped with unique fixed stoppers optimized for the system. Fixed stoppers sizes provide an opportunity for tailoring them to the workpiece accordingly.

   .Fixed stoppersFixed stoppers

2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

OK-VISE also offers tooling blocks. For the latest tooling blocks specifications please refer to the brochure.

The tooling block code is a series of letters and digits, created as follows:

T coding

RPS-2T sub-plates are 133 mm wide and 300-400-500 mm long. They are made of aluminium. Corner clamps are used for clamping RPS-2T sub-plates to the RPS units.

RPS 2T

Support pin diameter lenght is 50 mm, diameter 50 mm
Support pin has also flande, where the pin is bolted to the end of RPS with 2 pcs of M8 bolts
In case the pins need to be replaced, there are 2 pcs M10 threads in the flange

 

Another RPS product family is RPS-T, which differs from RPS-2T only by the number of T-slots.
For example RPS-50 has one 16 mm T-slot ( for M12 bolt ) on each side and the lenght is 500 mm.

For improved productivity and reduction the production time, ability to clamp maximum number of workpieces on the T-slots or sub-plates of the workspace is as important factor as the machine speed. This capability to advantageously utilize workspace in practice reduces machine downtime and extends the machine cycles, thus boosting productivity without increasing actual number of operating hours.

OK-VISE rotary columns, such as the RPS-2T40 model, come equipped with two T-slots, which makes highest utilization of the machinable area a reality.

img PDF drawings, 2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

 

Adapter plate

Adapter plateAdapter plate

The adapter plate is designed to align and lock the rotary column to a 4th axis indexer. At the same time, it functions as a precise fixed stopper at the other end of the column. The adapter plate is heat treated and has a black oxide finish.

img PDF drawings, 2D and 3D drawings are available on request.

 

The tooling block concepts offered by OK-VISE Oy provide the state-of-the-art features that support effective and efficient fixturing enabling higher productivity of the CNC system.

tooling blocks 2014 a

Brochure

tooling block17Tooling Blocks