Applications
The Ball Lock® Mounting System is used as a quick change solution on the following:
- CNC Machines
- Palletized Fixtures
- Stamping
- Fabricating
- Injection Molding
- Packaging Machines
- Assembly Machines
- EDM
- Robotics
- Welding Fixtures
Most Common Applications
VERTICAL MACHINING CENTER-VMC
These machines range in various table sizes and configurations and basically have three axes - X, Y AND Z. Many vertical machining centers are single tables which may be t-slotted or tapped. Several manufacturers offer machines with dual tables which allow operators to load and unload parts on one table while parts on the other table are being machined. Another style may have a pallet changer system with 2 or 4 separate tables.
A basic Ball Lock® Mounting System for these machines would include:
- Standard or custom sub plate
- Standard or custom fixture plates
- Ball Lock® shanks
- Ball Lock® vises
- Sine fixture keys
- T-slot nuts
- Socket head cap screws
Standard or custom sub plates available.
HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTER-HMC
These machines also range in various pallet sizes and configurations, such as slotted or tapped. The most common pallet sizes for horizontals are: 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 630mm, 800mm and 1000mm. These machines typically have four axes – X, Y, Z and B, which is a rotational axis that allows for machining multiple surfaces on parts. Horizontal machining centers will typically have two pallets, but may have a multiple pallet shuttle system.
A basic Ball Lock® Mounting System for these machines would include:
- Standard or custom sub plate
- Standard or custom t-sections and columns
- Standard or custom fixture plates
- Ball Lock® shanks
- Multi-station vises
- Sine-fixture keys
- T-slot nuts
- Socket head cap screws
Various pallet sizes and configurations,
such as slotted or tapped.
ROTARY INDEXERS
Rotary indexers increase the versatility of vertical machining centers, yet they offer one major challenge: set-up is so time consuming that it may limit a machine’s flexibility. In many cases, machinists dedicate their 4th Axis tool to a single machine to avoid the hassle of an extended set-up and changeover. Ball Lock® Mounting System for Indexers provides a double solution. First, Ball Lock® mounting plates free up your machine for additional work by allowing a fast and accurate installation and removal of the complete indexer. Avoid hours of set up. The Ball Lock® System does it in minutes, with repeatability at ±.0005" (±.013mm). Low profile, positive clamping, proven in over many years of field use. Second, the Ball Lock® System provides your fixture plate changeover. By mounting the round subplate to the indexer faceplate, you’ll “plug-in” new fixtures in record time (less than 60 seconds).
A basic ball-lock mounting system
for rotary indexers would include:
- Standard or custom sub plate for the machine table
and faceplate of the indexer - Standard or custom fixture plates
- Ball Lock® shanks
- Sine-fixture keys
- T-slot nuts
- Socket head cap screws
Subplates and fixture plates come with bushings pre-installed.
Lean Manufacturing and Set Up Reduction Applications
Accurately locate and lock fixture plates to subplates in seconds…with no indicating required.
Machining Cast Part
Located part with dowel pins, bolted part to tombstone fixture. Indicated part to zero datum point.
15 minutes
Mount parts to fixture plate while machining other parts. Mount fixture plate to tombstone using Ball Lock® shanks. No indicating required because system provides +0.0005 (±0.013mm) repeatability.
60 seconds
CNC Machine Base
Fixture plate located with dowel pins bolted to machine base. Fixture plate and parts indicated.
7 minutes
Parts are pre-mounted on fixture plate, which is then mounted to machine base using Ball Lock® shanks. No need to indicate.
60 seconds
CNC Vertical Machining Center
New Project. New Machine. No Prior History.
New Set Up
Using Ball Lock® Jig Saw Plate on Multi-Purpose Subplate enables operator to mount two more vises on the fixture. No indicating needed.
80 seconds setting up six vises
Two-Sided Tombstone
Fixture located and bolted to tombstone. Had to be indicated.
12 minutes
Fixture plate mounted and located with Ball Lock® shanks. No need to indicate.
45 seconds
