DockLock Workholding System

Contact Details

Kurt Mfg. Co., Industrial Products Div.
Address
9445 E. River Rd.
Minneapolis
55433
MN
United States
Phone
763-574-8309
Toll Free Phone
877-226-7823
Fax
763-574-8313
November 13, 2012

Quickly align and setup any part on any horizontal and vertical machining center with Kurt's DockLock zero-point workholding system. With repeatable positioning accuracy to +/-0.0002 inch on a typical part setup, the DockLock system ensures high quality finishes, no scrap parts and substantial setup time reduction. For example, a typical workholding setup change requiring 20 minutes using standard methods is done in less than 2 minutes with the DockLock from Kurt Workholding.

Operation is simple. The DockLock allows the user to locate or remove the workholding from a machine, or move it offline or to another machine and/or back again in just seconds with zero-point accuracy every time.

Available in pneumatic and hydraulic models, DockLock systems may be ordered in standard, automatic and heavy duty models for most applications. The hydraulic DockLock Safe 20 model consists of a patented hydraulic actuated locking cylinder that instantly aligns and locks a vise or fixture with a clamp down force of 2800 lbs per locking cylinder (12,456 newtons) and with a retention force of 9000 lbs per locking cylinder (40,033 newtons).

For other models, the Safe 30 has a clamp down force of 20,000 newtons, retention force of 60,000 newtons, and the Safe 50 has a clamp down force of 30,000 newtons, retention force of 90,000 newtons.

Once positioned, the workholding remains immobile using the DockLock. A uniquely designed collet connection dampens vibration tendencies in the workholding setup, which is an important design feature.

"The DockLock system is a proven workholding system used throughout Europe," reports Mike Chester, Technical Service Representative for Kurt Industrial Products. "U.S. machine operators have grown to like it because of its simplicity and ease of use. The top down design makes the fixture handling process effortless. With few components, the system is easy to keep free of chips and coolant. Also, the system's rugged design requires minimal maintenance and ensures long life through repeated use."

Related Glossary Terms

  • collet

    collet

    Flexible-sided device that secures a tool or workpiece. Similar in function to a chuck, but can accommodate only a narrow size range. Typically provides greater gripping force and precision than a chuck. See chuck.

  • coolant

    coolant

    Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

  • fixture

    fixture

    Device, often made in-house, that holds a specific workpiece. See jig; modular fixturing.

  • machining center

    machining center

    CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.