What are the key specifications of the Pneumatic Zero Point Plate?

Key specifications include: standard 52mm / 96mm pull stud compatibility, repeatability of ≤0.005 mm, 25 kN clamping force per module (with turbo function), pneumatic unlocking, and integrated functions for clamping checks and cone cleaning.

Which machines is the Pneumatic Zero Point Plate compatible with?

It is compatible with a wide range of machines, including 5-axis CNC centers, vertical/horizontal milling machines, EDMs, and CMMs, making it a versatile component for integrated manufacturing systems.

Main view of the NextasTech Pneumatic Zero Point Plate on a machine base.

Thumbnail 3: Robotic arm interacting with the plate for automation

Thumbnail 4: Close-up of the clamping modules

Thumbnail 5: Plate used in a 5-axis machining application

Quick Changeover System

Pneumatic Zero Point Plate

Name: Pneumatic Zero Point Plate
Brand: NextasTech
Price: 1500.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (89 reviews)

The Foundation for Automation.

Unlock maximum efficiency with the NextasTech Pneumatic Zero Point Plate. This system creates a precise and repeatable foundation on your machine table, allowing fixtures and workpieces to be changed in seconds, not hours. By standardizing your setup process, you drastically reduce downtime, increase machine utilization, and pave the way for seamless automation.

Core Advantages

Micron-Level Repeatability: Guarantees a repeat positioning accuracy of ≤0.005mm, eliminating realignment.
Massive Clamping Force: Failsafe spring mechanism ensures rigid clamping even during heavy cutting.
Seconds to Changeover: Pneumatic unlocking for near-instantaneous clamping, minimizing downtime.
Automation Ready: Integrated ports for air sensing and cone cleaning for reliable robotic integration.

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Main Features

Patented New Product: An innovative, globally debuted product with unique technological advantages.
Standard Compatibility: Adopts 52/96mm standard pitch for universal compatibility with other workholding products.
Ultra-High Precision: Repeat positioning accuracy of less than 0.005mm for the most demanding tasks.
Powerful Performance: Clamping force exceeds 20KN, with a lifting capacity over 330KG.
Enhanced Reliability: Equipped with air tightness testing and cleaning functions for robust operation.
Strengthened Clamping: Air pressure boosting function strengthens clamping force, improving stability.
Convenient Operation: Automatically lifts the vice/pallet when unlocked for efficient operation.

Technical Specifications & Design

Engineered for precision, durability, and seamless integration into automated workflows.

Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Specification (Model: NPZP-150)
Pull Stud Compatibility	Standard 52mm / 96mm pitch
Repeatability	≤0.005 mm
Clamping Force (per module)	25 kN (with turbo function)
Actuation	Pneumatic unlock, Spring lock (Failsafe)
Operating Pressure	6 bar
Automation Functions	Clamping/unclamping check, Cone cleaning
Body Material	Hardened Stainless Steel
Weight (4-module plate)	~25 kg

Close-up of the tapered cones and robust clamping mechanism of the zero point plate.

Precision by Design

The NextasTech system uses pneumatic pressure to unlock, while powerful internal springs drive the clamping slides. This pulls positioning studs into tapered locating cones, creating a secure, vibration-dampening connection with a precisely defined zero point. The "normally locked" state ensures force is maintained even if air pressure is lost, guaranteeing safety.

Built for the Modern Shop Floor

Constructed from hardened, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, our zero point plates are built to withstand the rigors of any manufacturing environment. The system is fully sealed to protect the internal mechanism from chips, coolant, and other debris. Integrated air-blast channels automatically clear the locating cones of any contaminants before clamping, ensuring that the ≤.005mm repeatability is maintained every single time.

An automated cell showing a robot changing fixtures on the zero point plate.

The Gateway to Unattended Machining

By providing a common, high-precision interface on all your machines—from milling centers to EDMs to CMMs—the zero point system unlocks true process optimization. Palletized workpieces can be moved between operations by a robot, clamped with repeatable accuracy, and machined without operator intervention. This is the key to lights-out manufacturing.

Robots seamlessly changing fixtures using the NextasTech pneumatic zero point plate

Automation Integration

NextasTech Pneumatic Zero Point Plate streamlines robot automation: it synchronizes with robotic arms for fast, error‑free workpiece or fixture swaps, drastically reducing manual setup time. Its stable clamping — providing over 20 kN of force — allows robots to safely handle heavy loads.

The precision interface ensures consistent accuracy so robots can repeat tasks without any re‑calibration. By linking robots to machining tools for smooth, unattended factory workflows, the system enables 24/7 lights‑out operation.

Versatile Application Scenarios

From single-machine efficiency to fully automated production lines, our system adapts to your needs.

Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)

Perfect for pallet pools on HMCs. Prepare fixtures offline and load them onto the pallet changer, ensuring the machine is always cutting.

5-Axis Machining

Raises the workpiece off the table, providing superior tool access to all five sides of a part, eliminating multiple setups.

Automated Production Cells

The core of any flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Robots can reliably exchange entire fixtures for unattended, 24/7 production.

Inspection & Quality Control

Use the same zero point reference on your CMM. Transfer parts directly from CNC to inspection without re-clamping, eliminating errors.

Proven Results: Case Study

Our system enables rapid changeover in industrial manufacturing, boosting changeover efficiency by over 90% and production efficiency by more than 30%.

Case study: Pneumatic zero point plate integrated with a self-centering vice for quick changes.

Case study: A full manufacturing cell automated with NextasTech zero point plates.

Case study: Close-up of a complex part being machined, highlighting productivity improvements.

Selection & Integration Guide

A practical checklist for choosing a pneumatic zero‑point plate (air‑released, spring‑locked) and integrating it into pallet systems, APCs, and robotic cells.

Need pallet automation? Pair it with our Automatic Pallet Changer for higher spindle uptime.

Request a configuration review → Explore Zero‑Point Systems → FAQ → Downloads →

When a pneumatic zero‑point plate is the right fit

You need repeatable re‑clamping for multi‑op CNC machining (e.g., milling → EDM → CMM).
You’re building palletized workholding for an HMC pallet pool or a 5‑axis tombstone/fixture stack.
Your goal is lights‑out automation: robot fixture change, automatic pallet changer (APC), or FMS.
You want a fail‑safe concept: clamp is maintained by springs; air is used only to unlock.

Key details to confirm before purchase

Pull‑stud standard & pitch: 52 mm / 96 mm compatibility across your fixtures.
Module count & layout: 4‑module, 6‑module, or custom patterns for your pallet size.
Repeatability target: ≤0.005 mm class performance for datum consistency.
Clamping force & rigidity: evaluate cutting forces, overhang, and fixture stack‑up.
Pneumatic interface: operating pressure (typically around 6 bar) and air routing protection.
Automation signals: clamp/unclamp confirmation, interlocks, and cone‑cleaning air blast options.

Pallet & fixture interface

Standardize pull studs on every pallet/fixture so operators can set up offline and “drop‑on & clamp” on any machine. Add dowel/locating pins for initial plate alignment and consistent pallet orientation.

Air & I/O integration

Use clean, dry compressed air and place a regulator close to the machine. For automation, add valve sequencing and I/O logic so the machine/robot only starts when clamp status is confirmed.

Process capability check

Validate repeatability over multiple cycles: clamp/unclamp, probe datum, and record deviations. This is the fastest way to prove a zero‑point clamping plate is stable for your tolerance band.

Typical outcomes customers target

Setup time

From manual indicating and alignment to quick-change swaps measured in minutes—or less.

Quality stability

Less re‑touching after re‑clamp, especially for multi‑operation workflows.

Automation readiness

A consistent, robot‑friendly interface across CNC, EDM, and inspection.

Actual results depend on part geometry, fixture stack‑up, cutting parameters, and your automation sequence.

Installation, Pneumatics & Maintenance

Practical notes for commissioning an air‑released zero‑point pallet plate and keeping repeatability stable over long production runs.

Installation & alignment (quick checklist)

1Clean the machine table and verify flatness/cleanliness where the plate will sit.
2Use locating pins/dowels for initial orientation so pallets repeat the same direction every time.
3Torque mounting bolts in a cross pattern; re‑check after the first thermal cycle.
4Verify pull‑stud height and fixture stack‑up so every module seats fully in the locating cones.
5Run several clamp/unclamp cycles and probe a datum to confirm repeatability before production.

Air supply & reliability

Use clean, dry, filtered air (plant standard). Add a regulator close to the machine.
Protect hoses/couplers from chips and coolant; use strain relief in robot cells.
For automation, wire a clamp‑confirmed interlock so machining starts only when clamped.
Use cone‑cleaning air blast (if equipped) before clamping to prevent chip imprint errors.
Schedule periodic inspection of cones, pull studs, and seals—especially in heavy coolant environments.

Common stability killers (and how to avoid them)

Chips in the locating cones

Use air blast + good coolant management; wipe cones during shift changes.

Inconsistent pull studs

Standardize stud type and installation torque across all fixtures/pallets.

Weak air pressure / leaks

Check regulators, couplers, and hoses; confirm pressure at the plate under load.

Fixture stack-up flex

Reduce overhang, add support, and validate rigidity for your cutting forces.

Need an installation drawing or air routing suggestion? Contact our engineers for CAD + integration advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pneumatic Zero Point Plate and who is it for?

The Pneumatic Zero Point Plate is a high-precision workholding foundation for CNC machines, designed for manufacturers aiming to automate, reduce setup times, and enhance accuracy.

What are the key specifications?

Key specs include: 52/96mm stud compatibility, ≤0.005 mm repeatability, 25 kN clamping force per module, pneumatic unlocking, and integrated functions for clamping checks and cone cleaning.

Which machines is it compatible with?

It's compatible with 5-axis CNC centers, milling machines, EDMs, and CMMs, making it a versatile component for integrated manufacturing.

How is the Pneumatic Zero Point Plate installed?

Installation is typically done via a standard bolt pattern onto the machine table. It connects to the machine's pneumatic interface for actuation and requires locating pins for initial alignment.

Where can I get CAD files or technical documentation?

For STEP/IGES models or 2D drawings, please contact our engineering team.

What's the difference between pneumatic unlock and pneumatic clamp?

Our system is "failsafe." It uses powerful internal springs to *always* be in a locked, clamped state. Pneumatic (air) pressure is only used to *unlock* the plate. This means if your air-line is cut or pressure is lost, the plate remains securely clamped, protecting your part and machine.

How does the "turbo function" for clamping force work?

The turbo function uses a brief application of high-pressure air to momentarily *boost* the force applied by the internal clamping springs. This seats the pull studs more securely and increases the final holding force beyond the standard spring-only clamp, providing maximum rigidity for very heavy machining.

What kind of maintenance do these pneumatic plates require?

Maintenance is minimal due to the sealed design. We recommend periodic inspection of the locating cones and pull studs for wear or damage. The integrated air-blast cleaning function handles most daily debris. A yearly check of air connections and seals by a technician is also good practice for long-term reliability.

Can this plate be used in an environment with heavy coolant and chips?

Yes, absolutely. The system is fully sealed with O-rings and gaskets to prevent coolant, chips, and fine dust from entering the internal mechanism. The integrated air-blast self-cleaning function also actively ejects any debris from the critical locating cones before every clamp cycle, ensuring reliable operation.

What is the advantage of the 52/96mm standard pitch?

This refers to the standard distance (52mm or 96mm) between the centers of the clamping modules. By adhering to this industry standard, our plates are compatible with a vast ecosystem of third-party workholding devices (vises, tombstones, fixtures) that also use this standard. It gives you maximum flexibility to mix and match components.