Five-Axis Workholding Options Accommodate Range of Workpieces

Kurt offers a selection of vise configurations and options designed for five-axis machining in industries such as medical, oilfield, aerospace, and mold and die. MaxLock vises, Schenke vises and Leader chucks are available. According to the company, the workholding options accommodate a range of workpiece complexity and size requirements, and are capable of holding workpieces ranging from 0.15" to the size of the worktable.

The Kurt MaxLock self-centering multi-axis vises are well-suited for precision machining of small to medium workpieces ranging to 6.5" long. They are available in reversible 2.5" and 4" jaw widths and feature an adjustable centerline for aligning multiple vises without moving the vise itself or creating complex programming moves. Clamping can be achieved for both ID and OD, and tall jaws are included for increased spindle clearance. Machinable aluminum and steel jaw options are available. The company’s MaxLock multi-axis Anglock vise version features a modular design mounted on 2" grid patterns and locater pins for quick setup. A riser option provides more height off the table and a standard ⁵/₈"-11 screw can be replaced by the user to whatever length is desired.

The Schenke five-axis vise is available in a low or high profile to fit the size of the workpiece and necessary spindle clearance. Providing a clamping force ranging to 8,992 lbs (40 kN), the vise features a tension spindle directly under the workpiece so that jaws do not flare out under tension and the machine table does not distort. The vises accommodate shapes such as round irregular and machined workpieces and offer a clamping height ranging to 225 mm (8.858").

Kurt’s Leader Chuck MMY self-centering chucks are available in two- and three-jaw chuck models, each in four different sizes. The chucks are capable of internal and external clamping for first and second operations in the same machining cycle. Repeatability for the chucks is 0.0002", the company says.