Ball Lock system

[PROG_MAN_DO]

Is anyone using the ball lock system? If so, what distance between centers are optimum. Do you use the primary and secondary liners, or do you machine the holes to size in an effort to save cost? We currently have the 2 x 2 pattern of keenserts and bushings on most of our tombs. We bought some new tombs, and it was suggested by some of our machinists to look into the ball lock system to reduce set up time. It's clear the ball lock system is much more expensive. Any and all information would be welcomed. Pros and cons, whatever you've got.

 

Thanks

 

 

P.S. I don't know which message icon to use, is that a little wrench for tooling?

[gms1]

We use the Jergens lock system on some of our fixtures here and they work like a champ.

 

Yes we do use the primary and secondary liners and we get excellent repeatability. The only problem we have is folks tend to over-tighten the screws in the top of locks and screws up the threads, or they just completely lose the screws... that makes it real fun to use them.

 

 

Greg

[Müřlıń®]

I have built tooling using Jergens ball lock system and they will work good if you do not get any grit in them at all.

 

I would not reccomend them for machining any type of castings at all.

 

+1 to being very expensive.

[Matthew]

We have made fixtures for one of our customers using the ball lock system, and since we suggested it they have used them on all the fixtures we've made. 3 machine, 6 pallets all have subplates with the same ball lock mounting pattern and 4 of the tombstones now have mounting options for ball locks on the back or one of the unused sides. We've made about a dozen fixtures to mount on these tombstones, and have modified existing fixtures to mount on the subplates. They are very happy with the system. Take a look at the following links, these are some of the fixtures we've made with the ball locks. The first two have interchangable plate to accomodate like parts.

 

The third one is a smaller fixture that mounts on the side of a bigger fixure (I don't have a picture of this one up).

 

Fixture #1

 

Fixture #2

 

Fixture #3

 

I didn't have a specific pattern in mind for the distance between the ball locks. Obviously the greater distance the more accuracy. We used one primary liner and one secondary liner per fixture, 4 ball locks clamps (Two of them went through clearance holes and were for hold down force only, the other two were for location) and we used the back mount receiver bushings.

 

As far as being expensive, they are a little pricey, but inexpensive compared to another pallet for the machine. Our customer at the time had a quote for $7000 a pallet. 4 ball locks clamps, two liners, and 4 receiver bushings would cost less than $1000 CDN.

 

If you have any questions feel free to ask me here or email me. I would recommend this product. Infact, I just got an order last week for another 2 fixtures for this same customer all using ball lock clamps.