Mounting system slashes setup times

The new Ball Lock mounting system from WDS can reduce machine bed setup times from an hour to 60 seconds or less without sacrificing accuracy.

The new Ball Lock mounting system from WDS can reduce machine bed setup times from an hour to 60 seconds or less without sacrificing accuracy.

Using a series of bushes and bearings, the system offers a combined positioning and clamping action with a few twists of an adjustable handle.

The innovative system removes the need for indicating dowel pins, providing the ideal solution for fixing component mounting plates on machine beds and towers.

With increased pressure throughout industry to maximise efficiency of production departments, WDS customers can now benefit through increased production and improved time management with the new Ball Lock machining mounts.

The mounting system is effectively a quick locking shank that doubles as a guiding dowel and securing bolt.

By removing the need for locating dowels and fixture plate indicating, the mounts reduce attachment procedures from a three-step to one-step operation, enabling machine setup times to be cut by as much as an hour.

The new devices replace the four threaded attachment screws, traditionally used in the set up process, with separate shanks that have the same profile as the original bolts, but secure themselves via a series of locking ball bearings.

The Ball Lock shanks are easily pushed by hand through the fixture plate into a recess machined into the subplate or machine bed.

When the plate has been located, turning one set screw on each bolt will create the necessary holding force by pushing a series of bearings into a tapered seat turned in the base plate bushings.

Traditional cap screws normally require ten full turns to provide the necessary force for secure fixture plates to machine beds or towers.

In comparison, the Ball Lock shank from WDS offers up to 9072kg of down force per unit and repeatable tolerances of +/-0.0127mm, all with just two turns of a set screw.

The system is equally effective for securing multiple cast components on one fixture plate for drilling or reaming, further reducing set up times and increasing operator efficiency.

The shanks are made of alloy steel and heat treated to 40-45Re, withstanding temperatures up to 400F.

WDS supplies 18 different locating shanks, including imperial and metric sizes, two types of receiver bushings and two different liner bushings to suit individual requirements.

Additional aluminium fixture plates and keys are also available as well as replacement set screws and bearings.

The Ball Lock range forms part of the WDS catalogue, which contains over 10,000 fixtures, fittings as well as other standard parts.

All the new products being introduced are now in stock at WDS, enabling orders to be dispatched same day for next day delivery as standard.

Customers can also use the WDS website to see full specifications including size ranges, photos and availability before ordering.

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