Custom Solution Enables 30-Second Fixture Change

Porta Solutions, a machine tool manufacturer, has developed a custom product for fast change-over of fixtures. It was designed in response to a customer’s need for workpiece changes under five minutes on Porta’s Multicenter multi-spindle machining centers, which are equipped with between two and five milling spindles. The resulting solution enables workpiece change as fast as 30 sec. per station . 

The product is said to be flexible and adaptable to all workpieces through simply replacing the part clamps. Instead of having multiple placements, such as with pallets, this system concentrates on one workpiece at a time. Thanks to the use of a “master fixture,” costs are reduced to the cost of the part clamp. The product is light enough to handle easily without a lifting tool. Additionally, no particular wrench or tool is required. 

The original request entailed small to medium-size lots of complex workpieces requiring fast delivery times.