Two Kurt VersatileLock Vises mounted back-to-back vertically make a precision and economical tombstone fixture. By equipping the fixture with Kurt's DoveLock quick-change jaws, multiple set-ups take less than a minute. This workholding set-up is suitable for frequent part changes and varying quantity requirements. No need to remove the tombstone from the machining center.
"Shops looking to maximize workholding flexibility will get it with these Kurt VersatileLock tombstone fixtures," said a Kurt spokesperson. "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" to 10" 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 set-ups. 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 set-up 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" capacity model is 6,356 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 set-up is suitable 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 set-ups.
"This VersatileLock tombstone and DoveLock jaw assembly really expands a shop owner's machining capabilities at a moderate investment," said 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."
"VersatileLock tombstone assemblies and all Kurt vise products are backed by Kurt's lifetime warranty for workmanship and materials," said a Kurt spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Kurt Manufacturing Company
9445 East River Road NW
Minneapolis, MN 55433
877-226-7823
workholding@kurt.com
www.kurtworkholding.com