The new ZSG4 centric vice system from Sheffield-based WNT (UK) Ltd (www.wnt.com) is a versatile work-holding system that can be equipped with a multitude of jaw combinations, allowing a wide range of components to be gripped precisely and securely.

Moreover, the ZSG4 range has a totally enclosed clamping system that protects the vice’s operating system from the ingress of swarf.

These vices also offer high clamping forces and a large clamping range; the maximum gripping force is 35kN, and components up to 330mm long can be accommodated.

Other features include precision matched slides that give a repeatability of ±0.01mm, while the use of a ballscrew spindle totally eliminates back-lash; and because the AZSG4 can use gripped and smooth vice jaws in combination, first- and second-operation machining can be undertaken.

The vices are also particularly compact — a maximum height of just 83mm from the machine table — making them suitable for use with four- and five-axis machining applications by maximising the available Z-axis capacity.

The versatility of the ZSG4 vice system is ensured by a wide range of jaws that includes: reversible jaws, pendulum plate jaws, ‘combi’ jaws, aluminium jaws, five-axis jaws, smooth carbide-coated jaws, and stepped jaws.

Options for positioning a vice on a machine table include T-slots and grid plates; vice bodies can also incorporate slots running along their length, allowing multiple clamps to be applied.

For faster set-up or multiple vice set-ups, the vice body can be connected directly to WNT’s MNG Zero-point clamping system (vices can also be manufactured to suit zero-point systems from other manufacturers).