In the fast-paced world of precision machining, factors such as speed, accuracy and repeatability are everything, which is why Kurt Workholding has developed its PFA620 five-axis pneumatic vice.

The Kurt PFA620 is an air-actuated self-centring vice designed for modern five-axis machining centres. Compact, powerful and automation-ready, it is suitable for shops looking to shorten set-up times without sacrificing precision.

The new air vice was recently featured as part of a fully automated, lights-out work cell at the Yamazen open house in Elk Grove, Illinois. At the event, the air vice could be seen mounted on a custom base directly to the platter of a Brother Speedio U500Xd2 machining centre with an integrated robot. 

“The automated access door allows the robot to move parts in and out of machine without an operator present,” explains Andrew Justin, Kurt Workholding sales engineer. “You can load stock into the drawer system and let the machine run for hours unattended until stock is depleted. At this point, you replenish the raw stock and start the cycle over again. The PFA620 mounts to any five-axis platter both through the body and with a custom adapter plate if necessary.”

The PFA620 can be integrated into a rotary union with pneumatics so there are no external air lines: all pneumatics are captured within the base plate and vice. This design allows for maximum access on five sides while not potentially damaging external air lines. New Kurt air vice models will feature porting on the bottom of the vice to eliminate exposed air lines.

Unlike typical pneumatic vices, the Kurt PFA620 offers manual full-stroke adjustment via a hex screw and handle, giving machinists the freedom to quickly adapt to parts of varying sizes.

More information www.kurtworkholding.com