The position of the tension spindle of the Kurt VB 5 AX 100 clamping system does not deflect the jaws.
The new VB 5 AX 100 clamping system for 5-axis machining centers-from Kurt Manufacturing Co. (www.kurtworkholding.com) allows for machining on five sides of a part with one clamping operation. The system provides a clamping force from 5 kN to 40 kN (1,124 lb to 8,992 lb) for obstruction-free machining and allows high-speed, continuous 5-axis cutting motion of sculptured surfaces, pockets and other 3-D features.
Kurt Manufacturing says the VB 5 AX 100 clamping system eliminates jaw deflection and/or part misalignment during machining operations. By locating the tension spindle directly under the workpiece, the jaws do not flare out under tension and the machine table does not distort. The system handles blank workpieces, machined workpieces and round and irregularly shaped workpieces with repeatable accuracy. The system is adjustable to handle any desired clamping width, and it is limited only by the size of the machine table. The system's two clamping jaws, one stationary and one moveable, can be positioned at any desired distance from each other.
Specifications of the Kurt VB 5 AX 100 include a clamping width from 2 mm to 236 mm (0.079 in. to 9.291 in.) that can be extended with optional spindle screws, a clamping depth of 8 mm (0.315 in.), height above machine table of 175 mm (6.890 in.) with extended height options to 200 mm (7.874 in.) and 225 mm (8.858 in.). The system is designed to mount easily on standard T-slot tables, location grid machine tables or custom fixtures.
"This new Kurt VB 5 AX 100 clamping system addresses another advanced technology area of the machining industry," said Steve Kane, sales manager for Kurt Industrial Products. "This is especially important in the high-tech world of aerospace and automotive design where 5-axis machining is a means to speed manufacturing and increase repeatable accuracy. The ability to machine complex shapes, undercuts and difficult angles in a single setup reduces tooling cost and labor time, resulting in a better cost per part in addition to maintaining repeatable accuracy throughout the part run."
The Kurt VB 5 AX 100 clamping system is the latest addition to the VB DockLock Zero-Point Workholding System marketed in the United States, Canada and Mexico by Kurt in partnership with its manufacturer, Vischer & Bolli of Dubendorf, Switzerland (www.vb-tools.com).
