CNC Machining & Automation Applications

From aerospace to medical, our workholding systems are engineered to boost precision and throughput in any high-stakes manufacturing environment.

Industry-Specific Workholding Solutions

Discover how Nextas fixtures solve critical challenges across key sectors.

5-axis CNC machining of a complex aerospace part with a Nextas fixture.

Aerospace & Defense

Manufacture complex components like turbine blades and structural frames with absolute precision. Our zero-point systems ensure flawless repeatability, critical for the tight tolerances and exotic materials common in aerospace.

  • Reduce setup times for high-mix, low-volume production.
  • Achieve superior rigidity for machining tough alloys.
  • Ensure process stability for multi-operation parts.
Automated CNC production line for automotive engine blocks using robotic arms and Nextas chucks.

Automotive

Accelerate production for engine blocks, transmission cases, and chassis components. Our automation-ready chucks integrate seamlessly with robotic loading, enabling lights-out manufacturing and maximizing throughput.

  • Enable rapid changeovers between different part models.
  • Provide robust clamping for high-speed machining.
  • Integrate with pallet pools and FMS for full automation.
High-precision CNC milling of a titanium medical implant held in a Nextas fixture.

Medical Devices

Produce intricate surgical instruments and orthopedic implants with the highest degree of accuracy. Our compact, high-precision fixtures are ideal for the small, complex geometries found in medical manufacturing.

  • Securely hold small and delicate workpieces without distortion.
  • Maintain micron-level accuracy across multiple setups.
  • Facilitate clean and contaminant-free machining.
A large injection mold being machined on a CNC center with a Nextas zero-point system.

Mold & Die

Enhance the efficiency of producing high-precision injection molds, dies, and electrodes. Our systems provide exceptional clamping force and accessibility, allowing for complex 3D contouring and fine surface finishes.

  • Allow 5-sided access to the workpiece in a single clamping.
  • Provide powerful clamping forces for heavy cutting.
  • Reduce lead times for mold production and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide custom workholding for an application that isn't listed?

Yes. The industries shown are our most common, but our engineering team specializes in creating fully custom fixtures. We can design a solution for any unique workpiece, machine, or production challenge. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

How do your systems handle machining tough aerospace alloys like Titanium?

Our zero-point systems and dovetail fixtures are designed for maximum rigidity. They use high-grade, hardened steel and a high-force locking mechanism (over 25,000N) to create an extremely stable connection that dampens vibration, improving tool life and surface finish even in tough materials.

Can your pneumatic chucks provide feedback to our robot for automated loading?

Absolutely. Our automation-ready chucks (like the E-Series) feature integrated sensor ports. These can be used to confirm the "clamped" or "unclamped" status, sending a signal back to your PLC or robot controller to ensure safe and reliable automated pallet changes.

We machine small medical implants. How does your workholding prevent part distortion?

For delicate parts, we recommend solutions like our 5-axis self-centering vises or custom low-profile fixtures. They are designed to apply clamping force evenly and securely without deforming the workpiece, maintaining the micron-level tolerances required for medical devices.

How can your system speed up our mold repair process?

Our zero-point system is ideal for mold and die. You can mount a mold, perform machining (e.g., EDM or milling), then remove it for inspection or spotting, and return it to the machine with perfect ±0.002mm repeatability. This eliminates the need to re-indicate the mold, saving hours of setup time.

How do your systems integrate with pallet changers for high-volume automotive production?

Our zero-point chucks (like the E-Series) are designed for automation. They can be mounted directly to the machine table or on tombstones and are actuated pneumatically, allowing an Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) or robot to swap pallets in seconds. The integrated sensing confirms the pallet is locked before the machine cycle starts, ensuring seamless "lights-out" production.

Are your workholding solutions suitable for an EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) environment?

Yes, many of our systems are built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, making them ideal for both wire and sinker EDM applications. The micron-level repeatability of our zero-point system is a significant advantage, allowing you to move a workpiece from a CNC mill (for roughing) to an EDM machine (for finishing) and back for inspection, all while maintaining a single, precise datum.

Have a Specific Application in Mind?

Our engineers are ready to help you design the perfect workholding solution for your unique challenge.

Discuss Your Application