In high-efficiency machining environments, every inch of table space and every second of spindle time matters. If you’re running horizontal machining centers or palletized systems, optimizing your workholding strategy can unlock significant gains in throughput and consistency. That’s exactly where Kurt Workholding’s custom back-to-back vise mounting solutions deliver measurable impact. Most Kurt double and single station vises can be mounted back-to-back including the DX series, VersatileLock, TriLock, XL, HD690 and HDL vises.

Double the Workholding, Not the Footprint

Kurt’s back-to-back vise configuration is engineered to maximize part density within your existing machine envelope. By mounting vises in opposing orientations on a single base, you can machine multiple parts in one cycle—reducing setup frequency and increasing spindle utilization without expanding your machine footprint. This configuration also eliminates the cost of a tombstone or a full cluster tower setup.

This approach is particularly effective in:

• Horizontal machining centers (HMCs)
• Palletized automation systems
• High-volume production environments

The result: more parts per cycle, fewer interventions, and improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Built Around Your Process

Unlike off-the-shelf workholding, Kurt’s back-to-back solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Through the Custom Engineered Workholding Team, each setup is tailored to your specific application, machine constraints, and part geometry (we recommend Carvesmart soft jaws).

A key advantage: Kurt can mount most vises on multiple base options including: 300 mm, 320 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, and 630 mm bases, making them ideal for integration into standardized HMC pallets and modular fixturing systems. This ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure while enabling scalable production.

Flexible Configuration Options

Kurt’s custom engineering approach gives you the flexibility to configure your system exactly how your process demands. Options include:

• Vise Selection Compatibility
  Integrate a wide range of Kurt vises based on your clamping force, jaw style, and precision requirements.
• Base Plate Customization
  300 mm to 630 mm base options designed for seamless mounting on pallets or direct to machine tables.
• Jaw and Workholding Adaptations
  Incorporate Carvesmart edge-gripping jaws or soft jaws, or application-specific gripping solutions for complex geometries. We are your part-gripping experts!
• Hydraulic or Manual Actuation
  Choose the actuation method that aligns with your automation level and cycle time goals. Kurt offers great solutions for pneumatic and hydraulic applications.
• Repeatability & Precision Alignment
  Engineered for consistent part location across cycles, reducing variation and secondary operations.

Designed for Horizontal Machining Efficiency

Back-to-back vise mounting is especially powerful in horizontal machining environments. By presenting multiple workpieces to the spindle in a single index, you reduce idle time and take full advantage of multi-sided machining capabilities. Vises can also be configured for multiple part operations in a single machine setup.

When paired with pallet changers, this setup enables:

• Continuous operation with minimal operator input
• Faster job changeovers
• Improved cycle time consistency
• Higher throughput per shift