The V-Lock Modular System for Automation – A complete solution for manufacturing automation

Metal Work UK Ltd exhibited at the Fluid Power & Systems Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham in April 2014. The PIF team had the opportunity to interview their Systems Manager Anthony Smith about their new, modular system for automation.

Anthony Smith talks us through the V-Lock Automation System which can literally connect anything to anything…whether that be grippers, slides, rotary actuators or guide units, or even aluminum structures of any make.

The V-Lock Modular System for Automation

But what is it about V-Lock that makes it the most exclusive and innovative automation system on the market today?

Quick & Easy change of machine head

Take a machine tooling company that needs to manufacturer various different types of products and therefore needs to change the head regularly. The changing of this machine head can take up to 5 hours.

The V-Lock automation system has a very innovative joining concept

Each component in the V-Lock series has a dovetail that is 40 mm wide and extends the entire length. There are longitudinal precision slots, 6H7 wide, 20 mm pitch, in which a perforated key is inserted. To connect two components, merely bring them into contact and tighten the M5 screws in the universal fixing element K.

This means the machine head can be changed in a manufacturing process in as little time as half an hour.

End-User benefits of using the V-Lock Automation System

• V-Lock can connect anything to anything: grippers, slides, rotary actuators or guide units, or even aluminium structures of any make
• V-Lock can have any spatial orientation
• V-Lock is very easy to connect, quick to lock and accessible from all sides.
• There is no need for adaptor plates between components.
• The connection is extremely robust, precise and repeatable.

The continuously expanding V-Lock catalogue includes precision slides, guide units coupled with ISO15552 and 6432 cylinders, rodless cylinders, rotary actuators, grippers, electric linear actuators, electric grippers and numerous accessories. Visit Metal Work to find out more.