VersatileLock Vises

Shops looking to maximize workholding flexibility will reportedly get it with these Kurt VersatileLock tombstone fixtures. Mounted back-to-back on a subplate, two VersatileLock vises make a very precise and economical two-station tombstone fixture.

Available in multiple models with jaw open capacity from 4 inches to 10 inches for clamping small to larger parts, these VersatileLock vises can be mounted on pallets to fit specific machine table sizes. Because of their narrower profile and lighter weight, these tombstones will fit into smaller machining centers than equivalent tower setups. Assembled at Kurt's factory using very tight indicators, these back-to-back tombstone fixtures utilize standard Kurt vise components that provide rigid, precise and versatile workholding.

The VersatileLock tombstone setup expands the range of existing machining centers, particularly smaller ones with worktable size and weight limitations. The VersatileLock tombstone can be 200 to 300 lbs lighter (depending on model size) than a comparable cluster tower. Also, the cost differential of the VersatileLock tombstone is at least 50 percent less.

The short, compact design of this precise operating tombstone assembly is made possible by the VersatileLock one-piece body and stationary jaw design integrated with Kurt's time-proven Anglock feature. The pull-type jaw clamping design reduces jaw stationary deflection by at least 80 percent. This provides highly precise clamping repeatability of 0.0005 inch.

VersatileLock tombstones have matched stationary jaw to keyway including the body height ±0.001 inch. The one-piece vise body and stationary jaw provides maximum strength while reducing weight. Clamping force for the 6 inch capacity model is 6356 lbs at 80 lbs of input torque. The Anglock design resists any tendency for part lift during machining operations. The 80,000 PSI ductile iron body provides stability to eliminate chatter or vibration from the process.

For maximum versatility, these VersatileLock tombstones can be equipped with Kurt's new DoveLock jaws. They enable fast jaw changes and repositioning with high precision. The tombstone/jaw setup is ideal for short part runs allowing the user to leave the tombstone in the machining center ready to handle multiple part sizes and quantities. Jaw change time over standard jaws is reduced 90 percent to less than a minute, with jaw positioning repeatability of up to ±0.001 inch. The machinable jaws can be rotated 180° and machined on both sides for two different part setups.

"This VersatileLock tombstone and DoveLock jaw assembly really expands a shop owners machining capabilities at a moderate investment," reports Steve Kane, Kurt's global sales and marketing manager. "It's another example of Kurt's advanced workholding technology that brings maximum value to machining processes.