The Core Working Principle of a Self-Centering Vise
The core of a self-centering vise lies in its internal bidirectional lead screw mechanism or tapered lever mechanism. When a wrench or a power source drives the lead screw, the two jaws of the vise move synchronously at equal speeds and in opposite directions.
This means that regardless of the workpiece diameter, its geometric center is always automatically located and fixed on the vise's mechanical centerline. Simply put, it achieves "auto-centering" of workpiece clamping.
Features
Serrated jaws with a 3mm clamping height
Special-shaped soft jaws can be designed to clamp special-shaped workpieces
2. Product accessories (model)
3. Application Scenarios
4 、FAQ
1. How to Select the Proper Size of Self-Centering Vise?
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Machine Tool Compatibility: Ensure the vise fits your machine's worktable and has sufficient clearance.
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Workpiece Considerations:
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The vise's maximum opening and clamping depth must accommodate your workpiece. It is recommended that the workpiece width does not exceed the jaw width.
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Select a model with adequate clamping force based on the cutting forces to prevent workpiece movement during machining.
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2. What is the Difference Between a Self-Centering Vise and a Standard Flat-Jaw Vise?
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Self-Centering Vise: Automatically centers the workpiece, maintaining a fixed centerline. It offers high precision, fast operation, and is ideal for symmetrical parts.
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Standard Flat-Jaw Vise: Provides one-directional clamping. The centerline shifts with workpiece size, requiring manual centering. Accuracy depends on operator skill, but it offers greater versatility for irregular shapes.
3. How to Clamp Non-Axisymmetric or Irregular-Shaped Workpieces?
Machine custom soft jaws to match the contour of the workpiece. This allows for indirect centering and secure clamping of irregular shapes.
4. What Types of Parts are Best Suited for Self-Centering Vises and What is their Accuracy?
Ideal for any part requiring symmetrical machining about a centerline, such as shafts, sleeves, bar stock, and rectangular blocks. The typical repeatability is ±0.02 mm.
5. How is a Self-Centering Vise Used with a Zero-Point Clamping System?
The vise is mounted onto the zero-point system's base plates. This allows the entire "vise-and-workpiece" assembly to be exchanged on the machine tool in seconds, significantly enhancing flexibility in manufacturing.
6. What are Potential Causes if the Machined Workpiece is Off-Center?
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Loss of accuracy in the vise itself.
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Chips or debris between the jaws and the workpiece.
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Excessive dimensional tolerance in the workpiece blank, exceeding the vise's compensation range.
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Excessive clamping force causing distortion of the vise body or workpiece.
7. How to Maintain a Self-Centering Vise to Ensure its Accuracy?
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Regular Cleaning: Use an air gun and brush to remove chips and dirt.
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Regular Lubrication: Apply suitable lubricant to the lead screw and guide rails as specified by the manufacturer.
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Avoid Overloading: Do not use a cheater bar to apply excessive force, as this can damage internal mechanisms.
8. How to Install and Indicate a Self-Centering Vise on a Machine Table?
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Clean the machine table and the vise base.
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Loosely secure the vise using T-slot bolts.
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Use a dial indicator or probe to indicate against the fixed jaw side or base surface. Adjust until parallel to the machine axis, then fully tighten the bolts.
9. Should I Choose a Manual, Pneumatic, or Hydraulic Model?
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Manual: Economical and versatile. Suitable for small-to-medium batch production and maintenance workshops.
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Pneumatic/Hydraulic: High automation, consistent and controllable clamping force. Ideal for high-volume production, automated lines, and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS).
10. Can it be Used on 4-Axis or 5-Axis Machining Centers?
Yes. It is an ideal fixture for multi-axis machining. Mounted on a 4-axis rotary table, it enables multi-sided machining while ensuring all machined features are symmetrical to the center.