Pneumatic zero-point positioning systemThe core of a pneumatic zero-point quick-change system is a precise pneumatic-mechanical locking unit. Its working principle can be simplified into a three-step cycle: "Locate - Lock - Release".
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Time-Consuming Steps in Traditional Setup |
How the Pneumatic Quick-Change System Saves Time |
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| 1. Moving & Aligning: Requires multiple people to lift heavy fixtures onto the table and roughly align them with T-slots. | Palletization: Fixtures are permanently mounted on lightweight pallets. A single operator can easily push the pallet into the system, where it self-centers. |
| 2. Aligning & Indicating: Must use a dial indicator or probe to repeatedly adjust the fixture's plane and center, taking minutes to tens of minutes—the most time-consuming step. | Eliminated: The extremely high repeatability ensures the position is absolutely identical every time it's locked. The workpiece coordinate system does not need to be re-established. |
| 3. Manual Tightening: Requires multiple wrenches to manually tighten several bolts in a cross pattern. This is labor-intensive and inconsistent. | Eliminated: One-button pneumatic locking provides uniform, repeatable clamping force far exceeding manual capability. |
| 4. First-Article Verification: After a changeover, a test part is usually cut and measured to confirm the coordinate system. | Greatly Reduced / Eliminated: The guaranteed positioning accuracy allows programs to run continuously; trial cuts can often be skipped for direct batch production. |
一、Zero-point system selection
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Main body material: alloy steel, HRC58° Base plate material: S136H, HRC32° Repeat positioning accuracy: 0.005 mm Plane accuracy: 0.005 mm Maximum clamping force: 17 kN Maximum air pressure: 1.2 MPa |
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K20.3  |
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K20.3-1  |
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K20.3-2 
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K20.3-C1
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•The three shafts can be used individually or in combination, and bottom air intake can be selected.
•Maximum clamping force 17KN*1
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K20.3-C2
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•3-axis equipment use
•Maximum clamping force 17KN*2
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K20.3-C4
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•For use with 3-axis equipment, customizable mounting holes are available. •Maximum clamping force 17KN*4
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K20.3-C6
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•For use with 3-axis equipment, customizable mounting holes are available. •Maximum clamping force 17KN*16 |
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K20.3-L2
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•Used on 3-axis equipment, 90-degree operation •Maximum clamping force 17KN*2 |
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K20.3-L4
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•Used in 3-axis machining centers, can be used both side and vertically. •Maximum clamping force 17KN*2
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K20.3-486
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•Used for 4-axis equipment, single-plane zero-point positioning, customizable. •Maximum clamping force 17KN*2 |
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K20.3-C4-F2
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•Used in 4-axis equipment, with dual-sided zero-point positioning, customizable. •Maximum clamping force 17KN*2 |
二、Manufacturing zero-point tooling pallets
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Chuck A pull stud (K20.3-A/K40-A) |
Full 360° contact with a 25 mm diameter for positioning and clamping.
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Chuck B pull stud (K20.3-B/K40-B) |
Two symmetrical contact points on the outer circle with clearance, allowing only unidirectional positioning and clamping. |
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Chuck C pull stud (K20.3-C/K40-C)
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Outer circle diameter smaller than the locating hole, providing clamping only without positioning. |
pneumatic slip rings |
Installed at the rear end of a four-axis rotary table, it solves the problem of air tubes getting tangled and twisted when the four-axis rotary table rotates. |
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Air valve control switch |
三、Zero positioning chuck use case
Engine box clamping case
Automobile 4-cylinder engine clamping case
3C product batch processing
四、FAQ
Q: I need to customize a non-standard pallet. What should I pay attention to?
A: ① The non-standard pallet size design must not exceed the main body of the zero-point clamping system. Excessive clearance will severely affect machining rigidity. ② Precise drawings are required, including the dimensions and positions of the rivet mounting holes, locating pin holes, and fixture mounting interfaces.
Q: What happens if the air pipes of the zero-point clamping system leak?
A: The zero-point clamping system has independent "clamping" and "releasing" air circuits. In the event of an air outage, the system will default to a locked state (or be forcibly released according to settings), greatly improving safety and meeting modern machine tool safety standards.
Q: What is the biggest advantage of a pneumatic zero-point system compared to other mechanical zero-point systems?
A: The biggest advantages are "extremely fast changeover speed" and "clean energy." Pure pneumatic drive makes the clamping/releasing process take only 1-3 seconds and eliminates the need for hydraulic oil, thus eliminating the risk of oil leakage contaminating the machine tool and working environment.
Q: What is the typical repeatability accuracy of this system?
A: The AMF system achieves extremely high repeatability, typically down to 0.005mm, ensuring that workpieces can be switched between different machine tools or workstations without needing to be recalibrated.
Q: How much tension force can an AMF chuck provide? What is the significance of this for machining?
A: Tension force is typically several thousand to tens of thousands of Newtons (e.g., over 15,000N). This high tension force ensures a rigid connection between the workpiece and the pallet, and between the pallet and the machine table, withstanding the enormous overturning torque from heavy cutting and high feed rates, effectively suppressing vibration, and improving machining quality and tool life.
Q: How should preventative maintenance be performed during daily use?
A: Daily: Check air pressure stability and clean the contact surfaces of the pull studs and chuck taper holes. Weekly: Check for leaks in the air lines. Every six months or as needed: Inject the specified special grease into the chuck's lubrication nozzles.
Q: What are the possible causes of positioning deviations after workpiece machining?
A: ① Dust, chips, or burrs are present on the tapered surface of the rivet or chuck. ② The rivet is worn or damaged. ③ There is gap or wear on the pallet locating pin. ④ Insufficient air pressure leads to a decrease in clamping force.
Q: How to troubleshoot when the system cannot clamp or release properly?
A: ① First, check if the air pressure is normal. ② Check if the solenoid valve of the control signal is working properly. ③ Check if the air path is bent or blocked. ④ Check if there are foreign objects stuck in the rivet and chuck holes.
Q: Do the contact surfaces of the rivet and chuck require special care?
A: Yes, this is the source of accuracy. They must always be kept clean. Before each clamping, carefully clean the tapered surface of the rivet and the tapered hole of the chuck with an air gun and non-woven cloth. Any tiny particles can affect accuracy or even damage the mating surfaces.