Vice Piece Locker Layout for Self-Centering CNC Positioning

The piece locker is pre-configured with multiple holes of different diameters and positions before the machining operation begins. The centring plugs are pre-positioned in these holes, establishing a fixed reference origin of axes that remains constant across multiple pieces. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to redefine the origin for each new piece, thereby reducing mounting time and increasing productivity.

The piece locker features holes with different diameters at specific positions, creating an asymmetric pattern that allows only one correct orientation for mounting the centring plugs. This asymmetric design makes it impossible to mount the piece incorrectly, as the plugs will only fit in their designated holes. Consequently, positioning precision is guaranteed without requiring complex alignment procedures, making the operation easier and more reliable.

The fixing system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the piece locker body, multiple holes with specific diameters, and centring plugs. Each hole serves a specific positioning function based on its diameter and location. This segmentation allows for modular design and assembly, where the complexity is distributed across simple, standardized components rather than a single complex mechanism. The result is a system that achieves high positioning accuracy through the coordinated arrangement of simple elements.

The piece locker is designed as a universal fixture with multiple holes of varying diameters and positions that can accommodate different types of centring plugs corresponding to different piece geometries. The fixed origin of axes serves as a common reference for all pieces, while the selectable holes and plugs provide adaptability. This multi-functional design allows the same piece locker to process various piece types efficiently without sacrificing positioning accuracy or requiring origin redefinition.