Unilock Zero-Point Clamping System

December 12014 — The flexible, modular Unilock Zero-Point Clamping System, offered by BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc., is available in a kit specifically designed for all Haas 160mm platter rotary indexing tables.

Equipped with an ISM 160, a single chuck solution for the face of 4th or 5th axis rotary tables, the specially designed adapter rests between the chuck and the spindle face of the rotary indexer itself. Essentially, the design replaces the existing T-slot platter with an adapter, so the receiver goes directly onto the indexer spindle nose, and includes a pre-plumbed air solution. Pneumatic clamping and unclamping of the chuck is then a function of the machine tool controller or manual valves. The adapter plate was designed in conjunction with Productivity Inc.

Unilock zero-point clamping uses spring pressure to drive multiple clamping pins against a tapered clamping knob. Air pressure is used to compress the springs to release the clamping pins off the clamping knob. This clamping process is achieved by venting the air pressure out of the chuck. To facilitate palletization, the clamping knob is attached to a base plate, fixture or directly to a workpiece. The result is quick and repeatable clamping better than .0002" (.005mm), all with a retention force between 1,100-1,540 lbs.

Exterior timing features on the chuck are identical to Unilock MCM 150 and MSM 170 chucks, therefore existing pallets with timing features can easily be shared on this platform. A second locating option, a timing slot, allows a timing pin to match nonstandard pallet sizes or workpieces with a timing notch, and can also be used as a lockout to prevent incorrect loading of fixtures.

Since it only takes a few seconds to open a Unilock chuck and swap out the workpiece or fixture, Unilock can increase the productivity of machine tools running rotary indexing tables, while freeing up machine tool operators and setup personnel to perform other tasks.

Other kits available with the Unilock ISM 160 chuck include a generic adapter plate for direct mounting to other manufacturer's rotary faceplates with T-slots every 60 degrees. All other necessary pneumatics to plumb externally through the spindle of the indexer are sold separately and depend on indexer model.