Pneumatic Vise Thumbnail 3 - Automation Setup

Pneumatic Vise Thumbnail 4 - Close-up Mechanism

Pneumatic Vise Thumbnail 5 - Heavy-duty Cutting

Automation Clamping Solution

High-Precision Pneumatic Vise

Q: Where can I get CAD files or technical documentation?

If you need STEP/IGES or 2D drawings, please Contact us .

Engineered for Automated Production

The NextasTech high-precision pneumatic vise is a powerful clamping device developed for automated machining and mass production. Its built-in pneumatic-hydraulic booster system generates a strong and stable clamping force using standard factory air pressure. It is ideal for automated loading and unloading with robotic arms, making it an indispensable tool for building automated production lines and increasing efficiency.

Core Advantages

Powerful Boosted Clamping Force: Generates up to 4000 kgf, easily handling various heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Fast and Stable Actuation: Achieves rapid opening and closing in seconds, significantly reducing machining cycle time.
High Integrability: Links with machine tool's M-code via a solenoid valve for easy integration and unmanned operation.
Robust and Durable Construction: Made of high-tensile ductile iron (FCD60) with heat-treated surfaces for long-term accuracy.

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Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification (Model: NPV-160)
Jaw Width	160 mm
Max Opening	300 mm
Clamping Force (at 6 bar)	4000 kgf
Repeatability	≤0.01 mm
Actuation	Pneumatic (Pneumatic-Hydraulic Booster)
Recommended Air Pressure	5 - 7 bar
Body Material	FCD60 High-Tensile Ductile Iron
Weight	65 kg

How to Read These Specs for CNC & Automation

When you compare an air powered vise for CNC milling, the headline numbers (jaw width, opening, clamping force at 6 bar) are only the start. This quick reference links each spec to real outcomes in a robotic CNC cell—repeatability, safety, and stable workholding.

Spec	Why it matters in production	Practical check before you buy
Jaw width & max opening	Defines the part envelope and how reliably a robot can load blanks without collision.	Validate your largest blank + gripper clearance; confirm opening under your chosen jaw set.
Clamping force (at 6 bar)	Controls vibration and part lift during high‑feed roughing, deep pockets, and interrupted cuts.	Match force to your cutting plan; reserve margin for coolant lubrication and fixture stack‑ups.
Repeatability (≤0.01 mm)	Key for automated re‑clamping, pallet swaps, and multi‑op processes where datums must hold.	Ask about jaw seat design, locating keys, and how the vise handles chip contamination.
Pneumatic‑hydraulic booster	Combines fast pneumatic actuation with hydraulic locking for stable force over long unattended cycles.	Confirm booster serviceability (seals/oil) and whether a clamp‑OK signal can be added.
Body stiffness (FCD60)	A rigid body reduces jaw deflection, protecting concentricity and surface finish on hard materials.	Check base flatness, keyway accuracy, and whether your machine table can support the mass.
Air pressure range (5–7 bar)	A stable regulator and clean air prevent drift—critical for a pneumatic self‑centering vise in automation.	Plan an FRL unit + gauge; add a pressure switch to stop the robot if pressure is out of spec.

Pneumatic-Hydraulic Booster Technology

The core of the NextasTech pneumatic vise is its innovative "pneumatic-to-hydraulic conversion" booster technology. Compressed air pushes a large-area piston, which pressurizes a small-area hydraulic chamber. According to Pascal's principle, this amplifies the air pressure by several tens of times, generating powerful hydraulic clamping force. This design combines the rapid response of pneumatics with the powerful locking of hydraulics, operating with only a standard air source and simplifying system configuration.

Designed for Harsh Environments

The NextasTech pneumatic vise features a fully sealed design to prevent contaminants like chips and coolant from entering the internal mechanism. The vise body, integrally cast from FCD60 high-tensile ductile iron, absorbs cutting vibrations, ensuring machining stability and a superior workpiece surface finish.

Flexible Installation and Application

The precision-ground base with standard keyways and mounting holes allows for quick, accurate installation on various machining center T-slot tables. It can also be combined with our zero-point clamping system to achieve even faster fixture changeovers, further enhancing production efficiency and flexibility.

Powerful and Versatile Applications

Automated Machining Cells

Perfect for robotic arm loading/unloading systems, enabling long periods of stable, unmanned production.

Mass Production of Parts

Provides consistent clamping in automotive and electronics, ensuring quality and shortening cycle times.

Horizontal Machining Centers

Ideal for pallet changers, allowing multiple workpieces to be machined in a single setup.

Heavy-Duty Cutting Applications

Securely holds workpieces under high-feed, deep-cut conditions, perfect for tasks like mold roughing.

Application Fit Matrix

Use this matrix to decide where a pneumatic‑hydraulic vise adds the most value—especially in lights‑out machining, palletized systems, and robot loading.

Scenario	Why it fits	Recommended add‑ons
Robot‑loaded VMC (high throughput)	Fast clamp/unclamp reduces idle time and keeps cycle timing consistent.	Clamp‑OK confirmation (pressure/position), hard jaws, chip‑blow air nozzle.
Palletized HMC / APC lines	Repeatable locating supports multi‑op part families with minimal touch‑off.	Zero‑point clamping plate, standardized locating keys, quick‑change jaw sets.
5‑axis / multi‑side machining	Self‑centering workholding simplifies symmetric parts and helps keep the datum stable.	Low‑profile jaws, soft jaws bored in place, collision‑safe jaw length limits.
High‑mix, short runs	Quick changeovers + consistent clamping improves first‑part success rate.	Pre‑machined soft‑jaw blanks, setup checklist, QR‑labeled jaw library.
Interrupted cutting / mold roughing	Stable force helps resist chatter during heavy cuts and step‑downs.	Higher pressure within spec, rigid hard jaws, coolant‑resistant wipers.
Automotive & electronics mass production	Predictable clamping supports SPC and keeps dimensional drift under control.	Pressure regulator with lock, periodic verification gauge, spare seal kit.

Selection & Automation Integration Guide

A practical checklist for choosing a pneumatic self‑centering vise and integrating it into robotic CNC cells, pallet systems, and high‑mix production—without sacrificing repeatability.

Need faster changeovers? Mount the vise on a zero‑point clamping plate or a pneumatic zero‑point plate to reduce setup time.

Request a configuration review → Download CAD / checklist

Part family & jaw strategy: match jaw width/opening to your parts; use hard jaws for repeatable clamping and soft jaws for custom profiles (bore in‑place for best concentricity).
Clamping force vs cutting plan: validate force requirements for high‑feed roughing, deep pockets, and interrupted cuts; consider the built‑in pneumatic‑hydraulic booster for stable force.
Repeatability targets: protect ≤0.01 mm repeatability by keeping jaw seats clean, controlling torque, and standardizing locating surfaces across pallets/fixtures.
Mounting & referencing: use keyways/bolt patterns for quick alignment; combine with palletized automation (HMC/APC) for lights‑out operation.
Automation I/O: design clamp/unclamp control with solenoid valves and add confirmation (pressure/position sensors) so the robot never loads on an unknown state.

Jaw Options & Part Strategy

Choose jaws based on how you want to locate the part (OD/ID, flats, or custom profile) and how often you will change part families.

Jaw type	Best for	Tip
Hard jaws	Repeatable clamping in automation and pallet work	Keep seats clean; use locating keys to protect ≤0.01 mm repeatability.
Soft jaws (bore in place)	Custom profiles, thin walls, cosmetic surfaces	Bore at clamp pressure used in production to reduce spring‑back errors.
Serrated / grip jaws	Rough blanks and heavy roughing	Use only where witness marks are acceptable; verify part pull‑out risk.
V‑block or prism jaws	Round stock (shafts, bushings, cylinders)	Pair with part‑present sensing for reliable robot loading.
Fixture jaws / nests	Multi‑part loading and takt‑time optimization	Design for chip evacuation; avoid coolant pools that affect seating.

Automation I/O & Safety Signals

A robot should never load/unload against an unknown clamp state. These are common signals used with an automation‑ready pneumatic vise.

Signal / component	Purpose	Typical implementation
Clamp command	Initiates clamp cycle	PLC output → solenoid valve (5/2 or 3/2), with exhaust silencer.
Unclamp command	Opens jaws for loading	Separate solenoid channel; interlock with door/E‑stop.
Clamp‑OK confirmation	Prevents cutting on partial clamp	Pressure switch or position sensor wired into CNC/robot permissives.
Air pressure monitoring	Detects regulator drift or supply loss	Regulator + gauge; optional transducer for trend monitoring.
Part‑present sensing	Confirms blank is seated	Inductive/optical sensor or robot vision check before clamp.
Chip‑blow / seat cleaning	Protects repeatability over long runs	Timed air blast + coolant management to keep jaw seats clean.

Pneumatics, Setup & Maintenance

Stable air supply and basic housekeeping are what keep a pneumatic vise predictable in automation. Use this as a quick commissioning + upkeep checklist.

For process planning, see our guide: Pneumatic vise for CNC machining.

Request a configuration review → Download CAD / checklist

Air quality: use clean, dry, filtered air (FRL). Keep air supply consistent to avoid cycle‑to‑cycle variation.
Pressure setting: follow the recommended 5–7 bar range; place a regulator close to the machine to reduce pressure drop.
Hose routing: keep lines short, avoid leaks, and consider quick exhaust where faster actuation helps throughput.
Commissioning: run repeated clamp/unclamp cycles, verify jaw parallelism, and record clamp time as a baseline for future checks.
Routine care: remove chips/coolant from sealing areas, inspect wipers/seals, and periodically verify repeatability with a gauge block or reference part.

Maintenance Schedule (Quick Planner)

Simple, consistent checks keep a pneumatic‑hydraulic vise stable in unattended machining. Use this table as a shop‑floor routine.

Interval	What to do	Why it matters
Each shift	Blow off chips from jaw seats; quick visual check for leaks and loose fittings.	Prevents seating errors that ruin repeatability and part datums.
Weekly	Drain FRL bowl; confirm regulator setpoint; verify clamp‑OK signal response.	Stops pressure drift that can cause inconsistent clamping force.
Monthly	Inspect jaw mounting faces; check keyways/bolts; clean exposed sliding surfaces.	Reduces jaw tilt/deflection and protects surface finish.
Quarterly	Verify repeatability with a simple gauge part; review automation logs for alarms.	Catches gradual wear before scrap accumulates in lights‑out runs.
Annually	Preventive seal inspection; refresh booster oil if your service plan calls for it.	Extends service life and avoids sudden clamp‑force loss.
After a crash	Recheck base flatness, jaw alignment, and sensor mounting; perform a clamp/unclamp test.	Restores geometry and prevents hidden errors from propagating.

Real-World Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is High-Precision Pneumatic Vise and who is it for?

The High-Precision Pneumatic Vise is a powerful clamping device designed for automated CNC machining and mass production.

What are the key specifications of High-Precision Pneumatic Vise?

Jaw Width: 160 mm; Max Opening: 300 mm; Clamping Force (at 6 bar): 4000 kgf; Repeatability: ≤0.01 mm; Actuation: Pneumatic (Pneumatic-Hydraulic Booster); Recommended Air Pressure: 5 - 7 bar

Which machines or use cases is it compatible with?

It is compatible with CNC machining centers, milling machines, and can be integrated with ITS systems for automation.

How is it installed or mounted?

Installation is via standard keyways and mounting holes on T-slot tables. It also has pneumatic/hydraulic interfaces and locating pins for precise setup.

Where can I get CAD files or technical documentation?

If you need STEP/IGES or 2D drawings, please Contact us.

What are the advantages of your pneumatic vise compared to a traditional hydraulic vise?

Our main advantage is integration. Our pneumatic vise has a built-in 'pneumatic-to-hydraulic' booster, requiring only standard factory air pressure to generate up to 4000 kgf of powerful hydraulic clamping force. This simplifies system setup, eliminates the need for an external hydraulic unit, and allows for easy integration with automation lines and machine M-codes via a solenoid valve.

What is the repeatability of this vise?

The NPV-160 pneumatic vise achieves a repeatability of ≤0.01 mm. This is crucial for automated mass production that requires high consistency.

What is special about the FCD60 ductile iron body?

FCD60 is a high-tensile ductile iron. This material provides excellent rigidity and vibration-damping capabilities. During heavy-duty cutting, it effectively absorbs machining vibrations, ensuring stability, a superior workpiece surface finish, and extending the vise's long-term durability.

What air supply and control hardware do I need for automation?

Use clean, dry, filtered air (FRL) and keep pressure stable in the recommended 5–7 bar range. For robotic cells, drive clamp/unclamp via a solenoid valve (PLC/M‑code) and add confirmation using pressure or position sensors.

How do I choose jaws (hard jaws vs soft jaws) for repeatable setups?

Use hard jaws for repeatable production clamping and soft jaws when you need a custom profile. For best accuracy, machine soft jaws in‑place, keep jaw seats clean, and standardize jaw changeover torque and locating features.

Can I combine this pneumatic vise with a zero‑point system for fast changeovers?

Yes. Mount the vise on a zero‑point clamping plate or pallet to speed up fixture swaps and keep referencing consistent across machines—especially useful for HMC pallet systems and high‑mix production.

What maintenance helps keep ≤0.01 mm repeatability over time?

Keep chips/coolant away from sealing and seating surfaces, inspect wipers/seals regularly, and verify repeatability with a gauge block or reference part. Record baseline clamp time/pressure so you can spot drift early.

Resources & Downloads

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Product Data & Evaluation Checklist

For automated clamping, validate clamp force consistency, booster behavior, and cycle stability over long runs.

View verified case studies Request a datasheet / quote

Key specifications

Vise type	Pneumatic vise with pneumatic-hydraulic booster (model dependent)
Clamping	Consistent clamp force for repeat production
Automation fit	Ready for robot/APC workflows with repeatable actuation
Accuracy goal	Stable positioning suitable for production machining
Maintenance	Serviceable seals; accessible air/hydraulic service points
Options	Jaw sets, sensors, and custom mounting patterns

Tip: share your part material, machine model, and target takt time. We’ll propose the right configuration and measurable targets.

Compatibility & standards

Pairs with zero-point plates/pallets for fast automated changeovers.
Suitable for CNC lines requiring consistent clamp/unclamp cycles.
Sensor-ready options can provide clamp confirmation signals.

Measured outcomes (before → after)

Cycle time: less manual handling and fewer clamp adjustments.
Quality stability: reduced variation in clamping across shifts.
Reduced rework: fewer clamp-related surface/position deviations.

Workholding configuration

Define mounting: spigot standard or bolt pattern, plus clearance for air lines.
Jaw plan: soft jaws for delicate parts vs serrated jaws for heavy cuts.
Automation sequencing: clamp confirmation + safe release conditions.

Evidence & proof

Cycle test log/video showing repeated clamp/unclamp stability.
Clamp verification method (sample procedure) and inspection excerpt.
Photos of integration with pallets/plates and line setup.

Delivery & support

Commissioning support for booster tuning (where applicable).
Spare seals and preventive maintenance checklist for high-cycle production.
Optional acceptance video before shipment.