Vertical Machining Center - VMC
Vertical Machining Centers range in various table sizes and configurations and have three axes — X, Y, and Z. Many vertical machining centers are single tables that may be t-slotted or tapped. Several manufacturers offer machines with dual tables, which allow operators to load and unload parts on one table while parts on the other table are being machined. Another style may have a pallet changer system with (2) or (4) separate tables.
Horizontal Machining Center - HMC
Horizontal Machining Centers also range in a variety of pallet sizes and configurations, such as slotted or tapped. The most common pallet sizes for horizontals are 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 630mm, 800mm, and 1000mm. These machines typically have four axes, X, Y, Z, and B, which is a rotational axis that allows for machining multiple surfaces on parts. Horizontal machining centers typically have (2) pallets but may have a multiple pallet shuttle system.
A basic Ball Lock® Mounting System for these types of machines would include:
Rotary Indexers
Rotary indexers increase the versatility of vertical machining centers, yet they offer one major challenge: set-up is so time-consuming that it may limit the flexibility of a machine. In many cases, machinists dedicate their 4th Axis tool to a single machine to avoid the hassle of an extended set-up and changeover. Ball Lock® mounting plates free up your machine for additional work by allowing a fast and accurate installation and removal of the complete indexer. Avoid hours of set-up! The Ball Lock® System does it in minutes, with repeatability at ±0.0005" (±0.013mm). Low profile, positive clamping, proven over many years of field use. Second, the Ball Lock® System provides your fixture plate changeover. By mounting the round subplate to the indexer faceplate, you'll "plug in" new fixtures in record time.
A basic Ball Lock® Mounting System for this type of machine would include: