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.
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.
