Quick tooling change via a zero-point positioning system

Release time:

2022-06-25

The function of the zero-point positioning system is to help users achieve tooling. Fixture with Machine tool Rapid positioning and clamping between components reduce auxiliary time in machining. The system comprises two parts: a zero-point locator (concave head) and a locating connector (convex head). The zero-point locator uses large-diameter, high-rigidity ball bearings to clamp the locating connector; when hydraulic pressure of 60 bar or pneumatic pressure of 6 bar is applied to the locator, the balls expand outward, allowing the locating connector to be freely inserted and removed. Upon pressure relief, the balls retract toward the center and securely lock the connector in place. The repeat positioning accuracy between these two components is 0.002 mm, while the clamping force ranges from 5 kN to 30 kN. During installation, the zero-point locator (concave head) is mounted on the machine tool table, with its position on the table designated as the zero point; multiple locator concave heads (at least two) may be installed depending on the specific machining requirements. The locating connector convex heads are then fastened to fixtures, tooling, or workpieces via locating shoulders and bolts, with each fixture, tooling, or workpiece requiring at least two locating connector convex heads.

When a workpiece needs to be machined, it can be directly mounted onto the machine tool table using the zero-point positioning system, eliminating the need for position adjustment and alignment. The entire process can be completed in under one minute—whereas previously, changing fixtures or workpieces and performing alignment and positional adjustments often took more than an hour, or even longer—thereby significantly reducing auxiliary machining time and boosting the machine tool’s actual production efficiency.

Comparison of Production Costs and Production Efficiency:

Comparison between machine tools equipped with a zero-point positioning system and those without.

Production cost per unit per hour: 720 yuan/h 720 yuan/h
Number of fixture and tooling changes per day: 44
Each costume change takes 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Daily outfit changes take 8 minutes, totaling 120 minutes.
The daily cost of changing outfits is 96.03 yuan, totaling 1,440 yuan.
Annual cost of uniform replacement (based on 240 working days): RMB 23,040 to RMB 345,600
Annual cost savings of RMB 322,560