Precision CNC vices are used to hold workpieces with high accuracy on machining centres (CNC) and on vertical/horizontal and universal milling machines. Offering high repeatability (in the 0.003–0.005 mm range) and rigidity, these vices are essential for heavy cutting and tight-tolerance operations [00:21].
Watch Temak Teknik’s video below on the principles of using precision CNC vices, jaw design and the steps for correctly fixing the vice to the machine table:
Key Features and Design Details
- Precision-Machined and Ground Surfaces: All surfaces, slideways and jaws of the vices are ground and precisely aligned with dowel pins [00:12].
- Stepped/Pin-Type Quick Adjustment: Pin-type or stepped quick-positioning mechanisms are provided to shorten the long opening and closing times of the spindle screw [01:26].
- Interchangeable Jaw Design: The jaws can be removed and reversed to obtain different height levels, or prismatic/V-groove replacement jaws can be fitted to hold cylindrical parts [01:34], [01:58].
- Ground Tenons (T-Slot Compatible): Ground tenons on the underside of the base locate in the T-slots of the machine table, quickly aligning the vice with the axis in a vertical or horizontal position [03:47].
Correct Use and Workpiece Clamping Rules
- Clamp at the Centre: The workpiece should not be clamped at the very end of the jaws; clamping at the ends causes distortion and loss of concentricity. The part should be positioned at the centre of the jaws, or offset no more than ~10 mm from the centre, so that the clamping pressure is balanced [02:14], [02:29].
- Fixing to the Machine Table at 3 Points: When mounting the vice on the machine table, clamping with clamping claws at a minimum of 3 different points is essential for rigidity [03:15], [03:22].
- Alignment with a Dial Indicator: Even when the tenons are seated in the T-slot, a parallelism check should be carried out by placing a dial indicator against the vice jaw before heavy machining operations [04:13], [04:56].
- Workstop and Lock Nut: In series production, the workstop on the vice should be set so that parts are clamped in the same position, and its lock nut should be fully tightened to prevent loosening [07:36], [07:52].