Category: Kurt

KURT: Back-to-Back Vise Mounting

TriLock vises mounted back-to-back

Back-to-Back Vise Mounting Maximizes Machine Space with Minimal Cost

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

KURT: Kurt Expands DX Vise Line with DX8 8″ Vise

New DX8 CrossOver® vise to bring the same benchmark DX-series vise features to the 8-inch vise platform

 

The Kurt DX8 CrossOver® vise is the newest and largest vise in the DX CrossOver® vise family. We’ve combined the best features of the Kurt D810 and Kurt 3800V vises into a single vise with state-of-the-art features that set a new standard in precision flatness, parallelism and repeatability.

DX8 CrossOver features new body design

The premium, one-piece body design, now standard on all our general-purpose vises was designed using Finite Element Analysis and has 30% Less horizontal (push back) deflection than previous DX models. Less vise-body deflection means more stability than a bolt-on design allows and a lifetime of dimensional precision. It’s the same design we’ve used successfully on 3600V and 3800V models for years.

The DX8 CrossOver® vise features the same bed height and keyway to the stationary jaw face as the D810 and a redesigned nut with lighter weight, a new brush seal design and a larger, stronger bearing pack that’s more durable than previous vise designs.

 

 

KURT: 45-Degree Pyramid Workholding Bundles

NEW 45-Degree Pyramid Workholding Bundles With Standard Kurt Vises For 5 Axis Machining.

The Kurt platform was so well received by the machining industry in 2019, that they have developed a pre-engineered pyramid platform which is standard and accommodates 12 different vise models. These convenient configurations come bundled with the 45-degree pyramid along with 3 Kurt vises ready for mounting to machine table and handle parts from 2” up to 7”.

The Kurt pyramid workholding bundles facilitate clamping of three individual components in one fixture and completed in a single setup. And provide maximum access to all machined surfaces and allows for enhanced spindle and cutting tool clearance.

Kurt vises matched for the pyramid include self-centering and dovetail models: HP420, HP420C, HP420D, HP440, HP440C, HP440D, HP460, HP460C, HP460D, SCMX250, SCMX425, DTR20. Each bundle package comes complete with 45-degree pyramid, 3 vises mounted, and optional base plate for final mounting on machine table. Options include soft jaws for machining odd shaped profiles into the jaws, hard jaws, and a riser base model for even more part clearance.

Please contact us for more information on the new Pyramid Workholding systems.

 

 

KURT CarvLock® CTHDL Manual Cluster Towers


Kurt® Workholding’s CarvLock® CTHDL manual cluster towers are designed for use with mid-size and larger CNC machining centers, including horizontal and vertical machining centers with a fourth axis and/or indexable tables. These manually operated, eight station vise towers are capable of producing up to 7,460 lbs. of clamping force at just 70 ft-lbs. of torque. They provide exceptional workpiece immobility while dampening cutter-induced vibration. Ductile iron column construction ensures strength, rigidity, and long term accuracy.

A self-adjusting holding block on either the front jaw or back jaw allows for easy clamping of same or differently-sized parts. To provide faster operation, an adjustable pre-load feature reduces the number of handle turns required for opening and closing the clamping stations.

With eighteen CTHDL models available, with 4” or 6” jaws, it’s easy to find the right manual cluster tower for your unique workholding needs. Order the CarvLock® CTHDL cluster tower your application requires, or contact Kurt Workholding for more information.

See individual product listings for additional information and specifications. All models are protected by Kurt’s Lifetime Iron Clad Warranty.

 

Product Information:

Kurt® Workholding’s CarvLock® CTHDL Manual Cluster Towers

 

KURT Workholding: Vertical Machining Center Concepts

Vertical Machining, also known as milling, relies on rotary cutters to remove metal from a workpiece. Vertical machining occurs on a vertical machining center (VMC), which employs a spindle with a vertical orientation. With a vertically oriented spindle, tools stick straight down from the tool holder, and often cut across the top of a workpiece.

Vertical Machining Benefits
There are many benefits associated with vertical machining, some of which include:

  • Infinite part shape possibilities due to the 3, 4 or 5 axis capabilities
  • Temperature stability
  • Durability and reliability
  • On-board probing
  • User-friendly CNC controls
  • Efficient and cost-effective pallet changers

Vertical Machining Center Applications
Depending on the job we offer a variety of diverse types of workholding to fit all your vertical machining needs.

Kurt Product: MLH35 MoveLock
Machine: Small 2 Pallet VMC
Customer: Job Shop
Comment: 2 part/jaw set allows for high density

 

Kurt Product: MT8 MiniLock with Hydraulic Power
Machine: 2 Pallet VMC
Customer: Small Products Company
Comment: Fixture holds a variety of different length parts. Changing Stationary jaws allows different width parts.

 

Kurt Product: DL430 on Subplate
Machine: Variety of VMC’s
Comment: Increase density of parts on machine table. Subplate loads quickly and accurately.