Ball lock mounting system

Citation

(2003), "Ball lock mounting system", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775ead.009

Ball lock mounting system

Ball lock mounting system

Keywords: Mountings, Components, Machining

The new Ball Lock mounting system from WDS is said to reduce machine bed set up times from 1 h to 60 s or less without sacrificing accuracy. Utilising a series of bushes and bearings, the system offers a combined positioning and clamping action with few twists of an adjustable handle. According to WDS the 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 the industry to maximise efficiency of production departments, WDS customers can now reportedly 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. WDS explains that 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 set up 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 said to be 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 claims up to 9,072 kg of down force per unit and repeatable tolerances of ±.0127 mm, all with just two turns of a set screw. The system also claims to be equally effective for securing multiple cast components on one fixture plate for drilling or reaming, further reducing set up times and increasing operator efficiency (Plate 7).

Plate 7 Improve CNC productivity and operator efficiency with new ball lock mounting system from WDS

The shanks are made of alloy steel and heat treated to 40-45Re, withstanding temperatures up to 400°F. 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 Web site: www.wdsltd.co.uk to see full specifications including size ranges, photos and availability before ordering.

Details available from: WDS. Tel: +44 (0)113 290 9852; Fax: +44 (0) 845 601 1173; E-mail: pheselton@wdsltd.co.uk