Clamping System's Lock-Down Force Prevents Vibration
Kurt Manufacturing Co.’s pneumatic Zero-Point clamping system runs on existing shop air supply.
Kurt Manufacturing Co.’s pneumatic Zero-Point clamping system runs on existing shop air supply. The DockLock Airline system reduces setup time through rapid change-out of large and small machine fixtures. It features a tapered plug design to aid in positioning and clamping.
The system uses a form-fitting clamping design with self-locking clamp segments and tapered plug design. This creates three-surface contact and lock-down force, completely pulling the plugs into the cylinders. According to the company, its design prevents vibration and tilting, important for five-axis and horizontal machining centers. The system applies 2,880 lbs of pull-in force and 9,000 lbs of retention force to hold the docking system in place.
The system’s flanged cylinders and tapered plugs can be incorporated into fixturing systems or integrated into preconfigured base plates and pallets. Additional features include air-blast cleaning to remove debris from the flange, mechanical clamping and air unclamping, compact tapered plug design, and pallet monitoring ports for adding sensors.
Related Content
-
Fixturing Castings Made Simple Through Adhesive Workholding
When a casting proved too malleable for traditional gripping, Thomas/Euclid Industries adopted — and succeeded with — Blue Photon adhesive workholding.
-
Medical Shop Performs Lights-Out Production in Five-Axes
Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.
-
Lean Approach to Automated Machine Tending Delivers Quicker Paths to Success
Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
