Meaning
Mechanical interface allows for the rapid and repeatable mounting of fixtures onto a machine table with micron level precision. Using zero point workholding eliminates the need to manually indicate the position of a part every time it is loaded into the machine. This system relies on pull back studs that lock into standardized receivers.
Positioning Accuracy
High precision pins ensure that the fixture returns to the exact same location every time it is swapped. Because the zero point workholding system is extremely stiff, it can handle the high forces generated during heavy milling or turning. The reliability of this positioning means that the first part of a new batch will be within tolerance without a long setup period.
Setup Reduction
Moving the preparation of the next job to a workbench outside the machine allows the spindle to keep turning. A zero point workholding system can reduce the time spent on tool changes from hours to minutes. This efficiency is particularly valuable for shops that handle a high variety of parts in small quantities.
Machine Utilization
Maximizing the amount of time a machine spends cutting material is the only way to recover the high cost of the equipment. The zero point workholding system allows for the easy transfer of a part from a milling machine to a separate measuring station without losing the reference point. This seamless movement between different stages of production increases the total throughput of the shop.
The cost of not using this technology is a machine that sits idle while an operator struggles with manual alignment.
