With hundreds of zero-points across the table or pallet of a vertical or horizontal machining centre, Sinco MultiZero workholding offers ultimate modularity and exceptionally high precision for securing multiple components for milling and drilling. The Slovenian-made systems are sold into the UK and Irish markets under an exclusive agency agreement with 1st Machine Tool Accessories, Salisbury.
Central to Sinco’s approach to boosting CNC machining efficiency are the innovative workpiece clamping setups enabled by its MultiZero base plate. It has an array of precisely spaced, conical, zero-point sites across its entire surface, set at 50mm or 100mm centres. The high-density grid maximises machine capacity by facilitating multi-part clamping across the whole table, using matching centring elements on the underside of other MultiZero modules.
These additional elements include pallets that attach to the base plate and can hold workpieces directly. Five different types are available for manual or automatic clamping of parts on a machining centre, while a die-sink or wire-cut EDM platform, measuring machine, or assembly station may be similarly equipped. Pallets can be supplied fitted with an RFID chip to enable integration into an Industry 4.0 factory environment.
Other accessories, such as modular vices, stoppers and risers, can be mounted on top of the pallets in countless ways to suit different workpiece sizes and shapes. Sinco claims a repeatability of 5 microns each time a new clamping element is added, allowing very high precision metal cutting.
Each mechanical element is secured with an M12 screw having 65kN of holding power, while pneumatic modules are rated at 55kN. Pallets are held to the base plate with a force of 260kN, making the whole configuration very rigid.
The Sinco MultiZero system meets manufacturing challenges by offering a robust, flexible and extremely accurate workholding solution that empowers machine shops to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity by clamping multiple parts simultaneously. A machine can continue cutting for significantly longer without manual intervention, extending unattended production time and freeing up skilled operators.
The system helps reduce tool changes, which boosts productivity. Instead of swapping tools multiple times for each part, one cutter can perform the same operation on all clamped components before returning to the magazine.
Sinco MultiZero addresses implementation challenges through its innovative design and provision of virtual models for each workholding element. The 3D data can be integrated into CAD/CAM systems to allow pre-planning of clamping strategies, improving cutting cycle effectiveness.
1st MTA is committed to partnering with manufacturers to integrate modern Sinco production strategies into their workflows, providing consultancy and support needed to optimise machine utilisation and achieve higher output.
