Zero-Point Workholding for Faster Changeovers & Stable CNC Setups

Self-centering vises, zero-point systems, pneumatic clamping, and custom fixtures for 5-axis machining, palletized production, and automation.

Since 2009 • 43,600 m² manufacturing base • CMM-verified before shipment

Workholding Solutions for 5-Axis CNC, Automation & High-Mix Production

Setup time and datum drift cost spindle hours on every shift. Our systems cut changeover to seconds, hold position within microns on selected series, and run on hardened wear surfaces (HRC 58-62) that keep their accuracy after years of daily use.

5-Axis Milling & Full Tool Access

  • Low-profile clamping for trunnion tables and 5-side machining
  • Dovetail workholding helps reduce distortion on thin-walled parts
  • Combine with zero-point receivers for fast, repeatable repositioning

Lights-Out Automation & Robots

  • Pneumatic zero-point plates for automated lock / unlock
  • Self-cleaning air-blast channels help prevent chip contamination
  • Ready for pallet pools, robots, and automated pallet changing

Quick-Change Pallets & Pallet Pools

  • Standardize pallets and fixtures to cut changeover time
  • Repeatable locating for multi-operation machining across machines
  • Great for HMC tombstones, VMC quick-change, and job shops

High-Precision Finishing & Repeatable Offsets

  • Selected series deliver repeatability down to ±0.002 mm for stable work offsets and probing
  • Rigid clamping helps eliminate micro-vibration for surface finish
  • Every unit is verified on CMM equipment before shipment

Thin-Walled & Delicate Parts

  • As little as 3 mm dovetail engagement for secure, low-profile clamping
  • Clamping direction minimizes deformation
  • Ideal for aluminum, titanium, and complex geometries

Automotive & High-Volume Fixtures

  • Customized hydraulic fixtures for stable, cycle-time-focused production
  • Pneumatic clamping and multi-station setups for line efficiency
  • Engineering support from concept to production-ready tooling

Not sure what fits your machine? Share your part drawing and machine model — our engineers will recommend a tested configuration.

Talk to an Engineer

Quick-Change Workholding: What Improves in Real Production

A practical checklist of the process metrics that change when you standardize pallets/fixtures with repeatable referencing (especially for 5-axis and automation workflows).

Setup & changeover time

Before: Indicating, aligning, and re-clamping are repeated for each job.

After: Swap a prepared pallet/fixture and start cutting with minimal re-touch.

Tip: Standardize a base/interface first (sub-plate → referencing system → fixture).

Repeatability after re-clamp

Before: Datums can shift due to chips, inconsistent seating, or different operators.

After: Controlled seating on reference surfaces makes re-mounts predictable.

Tip: Protect reference faces; add a simple clean-seat routine.

5-axis tool access

Before: Tall clamps and multiple setups limit tool access and increase collision risk.

After: Low-profile workholding enables 5-side machining with better clearance.

Tip: Model the full stack-up (fixture height, studs, tools, probes).

Automation handshakes

Before: Manual checks are error-prone in robot cells and pallet pools.

After: Clamp-OK / unclamp-OK confirmations support unattended cycles.

Tip: Define interlocks (pressure + position) and a safe recovery state.

Inspection transfer (CMM / QC)

Before: Re-clamping for inspection can introduce measurement error.

After: Keep a consistent reference to move parts between CNC → QC.

Tip: Plan a shared datum strategy across operations and inspection.

Long-run stability

Before: Repeatability drifts when debris builds up or wear isn’t managed.

After: Simple maintenance keeps performance stable over long runs.

Tip: Schedule daily/weekly checks (cleaning, visual wear check, baseline indicator).

Want a recommendation for your machine + part family? Send a drawing and we’ll suggest a workholding stack and a validation plan.

Trusted by manufacturers across 6 continents

3,000+Customers Worldwide
50+Countries Served
15+Years in Production
588Team Members

Serving aerospace, automotive, medical, semiconductor, and mold & die industries worldwide.

Why Choose Nextas?

3,000+ shops in 50+ countries trust our workholding every day. Here's why.

On-Time Delivery

We ship on time—standard products typically leave within 15 workdays.

High Quality & Precision

Micron-level repeatability across selected workholding systems.

CE & RoHS Certified

Meets CE and RoHS standards for export to Europe and beyond.

Responsive Sales & Support

Dedicated contacts, fast quoting, and after-sales technical support.

Our Core Technology

Tapered-pin locking, HRC 58–62 hardened steel, and built-in automation interfaces—here's what's inside.

High Clamping Force & Rigidity

The locking mechanism uses high-precision tapered pins to pull down and seat the pallet firmly, delivering over 25,000 N of clamping force and the rigidity needed to minimize micro-vibration for superior surface finish.

  • Repeatable to ±0.002 mm

    Swap workpieces in seconds—matched pin-and-receiver sets return to the same position every time.

  • Rapid Actuation

    Pneumatic or hydraulic actuation for fast, repeatable lock every cycle.

Technical illustration of the patented locking mechanism.

Built for Endurance and Precision

Critical parts—clamping pins, receivers, base bodies—are made from high-hardenability alloy steel and heat-treated to HRC 58–62. That means the wear surfaces stay accurate long after your initial buy-off.

  • Long Wear Life

    Hardened surfaces hold up through high-volume runs without losing accuracy.

  • Corrosion Protection

    Special coatings protect against corrosion from coolants and environmental factors.

Close-up of high-hardenability steel components.

Ready for Robots and Automated Cells

Built-in air-blast self-cleaning and sensor feedback ports let you integrate directly with robotic loading, pallet pools, and lights-out cells — no extra retrofit work required.

  • Air-Sealed & Self-Cleaning

    Keeps chips and coolant off the seating surfaces so you stay in tolerance around the clock.

  • Integrated Sensor Ports

    Sends clamp/unclamp confirmation signals so your PLC knows the pallet is seated before the cycle starts.

Nextas system integrated in a robotic CNC automation cell.

Our Manufacturing Strength

Nextas Co. Ltd. was established in 2009 and has focused on industrial workholding solutions ever since. Nextas operates its own 43,600-square-meter manufacturing base, including an R&D center, manufacturing workshop, assembly workshop, and quality inspection room. We are equipped with world-class precision machining equipment such as Hardinge (USA) and OKUMA (Japan), as well as grinding machines from Okamoto (Japan) and Moore (USA), supporting high-quality batch production.

2009 Established in
588 Personnel
43,600 Production Base (m²)
Okamoto(JP) Precision Grinding Machine

Okamoto(JP) Grinding Machine

Matsuura(JP) 5-Axis Machining Center

Matsuura(JP) 5-Axis Center

Okuma(JP) Vertical Machining Center

Okuma(JP) Vertical Center

Hardinge(US) Precision Lathe

Hardinge(US) Precision Lathe

Brother(JP) 4-Axis Machining Center

Brother(JP) 4-Axis Center

Moore(US) Jig Grinder

Moore(US) Jig Grinder

Quality Certifications

We hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications—here are the certificates.

Quality Management System Certification (ISO 9001)

Quality Management

Environmental Management System Certification (ISO 14001)

Environmental Management

Occupational Health & Safety Management System Certification (ISO 45001)

Occupational Health & Safety

Certificate of Conformity for Nextas Products

Certificate of Conformity

Workholding Selection Checklist

Confirm these details before choosing a fixture, baseplate, or quick-change system.

Before you choose, confirm:

  • Machine & access: 3-axis / 5-axis / HMC, tool reach, collision envelope.

  • Part mix & changeovers: Batch size, weekly changeover frequency, pallet strategy.

  • Tolerance & repeatability: Datum scheme, probing plan, target repeatability.

  • Material & cutting forces: Aluminum vs. titanium/Inconel, roughing loads, chatter risk.

  • Coolant & chips: Flood vs high-pressure, sealing, corrosion resistance.

  • Automation readiness: Robot interface, sensors, air/hydraulic supply, M-code logic.

  • Workpiece protection: Thin walls, surface finish, soft jaws/pads where needed.

Common goals → Typical Nextas setup

Fast changeovers & pallet pools: Combine Zero-Point Systems with the Pneumatic Zero-Point Plate and an Automatic Pallet Changer.

5-axis access in one setup: Use a Self-Centering Vise on a Zero-Point Clamping Plate (or a Dovetail Fixture for maximum tool clearance).

High-volume stability: Standardize with a Customized Hydraulic Fixture and a dedicated chuck (E-Series / R-Series).

Delicate small parts: Choose a Pneumatic Vise for consistent clamping force and repeatable positioning.

Automation roadmap: Start with the Automation Series when you need pallet flow, robot handling, and a scalable path toward FMS.

Repeatability across machines: Adopt shared reference pallets and zero-point positioning to move jobs between VMC/HMC cells without re-indicating.

Need a quick recommendation? Share your drawing, material, machine type, and target tolerance—our engineers will propose a stable, production-ready setup.

Get a setup recommendation
Open the full engineering checklist for a more detailed breakdown.

Workholding Guides, Case Studies & Engineering Notes

Browse practical, shop-floor-oriented articles on zero-point clamping, pallet changing, pneumatics, and automation—written to help you choose the right interface and avoid costly rework.

Our Global Footprint

Exhibition Highlights

We exhibit at major machine tool shows every year — come see our systems in person next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the repeatability of your zero-point systems?

Selected product series deliver repeatability down to ±0.002 mm, and every shipment is verified on certified CMM equipment before it leaves our factory.

What materials are your core components made from and what is their hardness?

Clamping pins, receivers, and other wear parts are made from high-hardenability alloy steel, then heat-treated to HRC 58–62. That hardness keeps the seating surfaces accurate over thousands of cycles.

How does the self-cleaning function work in your automation chucks?

There are air-blast channels built into the chuck body. When the system unclamps, a burst of high-pressure air blows chips and coolant off the tapered pins and receivers. That way the next pallet seats cleanly every time—important if you're running unattended.

Do you offer customized workholding solutions for unique applications?

Yes. We do a lot of custom work alongside the standard product line. Send us your part drawing, machine model, and production volume and our engineers will propose a fixture design. We handle everything from concept to finished hardware.

For 5-axis machining of thin-walled or delicate parts, what workholding do you recommend?

Take a look at our Dovetail Fixtures. They grip just 3 mm of stock in a dovetail profile, so the clamping force goes downward instead of squeezing the walls. You get 5-side tool access with very little risk of distortion—works well for aluminum housings, titanium brackets, and similar thin-walled parts.

How does your Self-Centering Vise maintain accuracy over time?

The centering accuracy is ±0.005 mm, thanks to a hardened, precision-ground leadscrew and nut. The nut is also adjustable for backlash—so after years of use, you can take out any slack and bring the vise back to its original accuracy instead of replacing it.