Plain and simple: What is a zero point clamping system?

What is a zero point clamping system? 

A zero point clamping system is a clamping device in a cnc machine tool. It connects the machine table with the machine vice, the workpiece or another clamping fixture. By using a zero point clamping system, clamping devices can be set up and removed from the table easily, quickly and precisely. It therefore provides an efficient possibility of optimizing setup times. The aim is to shorten machine tool downtimes in order to make better use of machine capacities. The machining time of the workpieces on the CNC machine can be used more effectively by using a zero point clamping system, if a second (third, further, ...) pallet can be set up outside the machine during the machine runtime.

The key part of a zero point clamping system are clamping bolts / clamping studs / pull studs which are integrated on the bottom side of the clamping device or the workpiece. These are clamped by a pull-down effect in the zero point plate with high repeat accuracy.

But what exactly makes a good zero point clamping system? A good zero point clamping system is characterized by its repeatability and high pull-in forces. At the same time, it should be flexible in use and adaptable to the requirements of a machine table. Other important features that define a good zero point clamping system are user-friendliness, robustness and a certain modularity / expandability.

There are purely mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electromechanical zero point clamping systems. These can be used both in manual machining and - and this is the current trend - in automated manufacturing processes.

Overall, the zero point clamping system is a useful tool for increasing efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing processes.

Zero point clamping system from LANG

Application areas and installation options

Are you looking for a precise, versatile and reliable zero point clamping system for your milling operations? The modular zero point clamping system from LANG Technik meets exactly these requirements and combines setup time savings, modularity and simple, robust mechanics. It can be used in almost all milling machines - no matter whether vertical or horizontal machining center. Thanks to its large number of variants and the possibility of adapting the zero point plates to the conditions of the machine table, maximum flexibility is guaranteed. It is enormously modular and can be expanded with additional clamping modules, such as elevations or adapter plates. LANG's product range includes zero point plates with a predefined hole pattern (matching the common groove spacing) as well as zero point plates that can be provided with holes according to requirements. The zero point clamping system is used

• on all machine tables of 3-axis and 5-axis cnc machines,
• but also on horizontal clamping towers,
• clamping pyramids,
• clamping bridges and
• CNC rotary tables and 4th axes.

Mechanically and pneumatically actuated zero point clamping system 

By default, the zero point clamping system is operated mechanically. A lateral tightening screw with internal or external hexagon sets a rod system inside the zero point plates in motion, which clamps the inserted vise or the workpiece by pull-down.

In automated production, LANG Technik relies on a pneumatic solution that is either controlled by the machine tool or opened and closed externally via a pneumatic interface on the CNC robot.

Technical details and advantages of the zero point clamping system

• Minimal time required for the setup process
• Repeatability < 0.005 mm
• Can be installed on all milling machines
• Simple, mechanical operation
• High degree of customizability
• Zero point plates made of case-hardened steel
• Robust, durable and practically maintenance-free mechanics
• With 27 mm one of the flattest zero point clamping systems
• Additional expansion modules for 5-axis machining
• 2 different grid dimensions 52 and 96 mm, with matching clamping studs Ø 16 mm and Ø 20 mm
• 4 zero point units per single plate, up to 16 zero point units for multiple plates
• Direct clamping of workpieces
• Automatic, pneumatic actuation possible

What types of zero point plates does LANG Technik offer?

The different versions of the zero point clamping system can be used to cover large areas of machine tables as well as to equip the smallest CNC rotary tables. In the following we list the most different types:

Single plates:

• Available in round, rectangular, square design
• Plate size from Ø 116 mm to Ø 246 mm
• Or from 104 x 104 mm to 246 x 192 mm
• Also available as version for feedthroughs
• Go to product category: Single plates

Multi plates:

• Available in round, rectangular, square design
• Plate size up to 384 x 384 mm
• Clamping across two or more plates possible by adding further plates
• Go to product category: Multi plates

Combo plates:

• Available in round, rectangular, square design
• Combine the two grid dimensions 52 and 96 in one zero point plate
• Go to product category: Combo plates

Modular plates:

• Up to 5 clamping spots / 3 zero point plates can be mounted in line and mechanically clamped with one tightening screw
• Can be combined up to a length of 960 mm
• Go to product category: Modular plates