Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plates: Enhancing Automation and Quick Change in Manufacturing
Published on August 12, 2025
In the fast-paced field of automation, efficiency is crucial. Nextas' patented Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate is designed to boost automation processes, making quick change a daily reality and reshaping the way modern factories work.
Patented Ball Lock Design: Strong Clamping for Continuous Automation
The key part of Nextas' Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate is its exclusive ball lock technology. This patented design produces a multiplied pneumatic clamping force of up to 40 kN, keeping workpieces firmly in place throughout the entire automation process. Whether handling lightweight parts or heavy components over 800 kg, it ensures stable clamping even during high‑intensity machining, enabling 24‑hour non‑stop automation.
No more slips or reworks — this strong clamping force makes the Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate the backbone of reliable and continuous automation lines.
Affordable and Practical: Perfect for Automation Upgrades
Nextas knows that automation shouldn't break the bank. Our Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate balances outstanding performance with a reasonable price, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to adopt automation.
Its greatest advantage is achieving extremely fast quick change. Setup and changeover times are cut from hours to seconds, dramatically reducing machine downtime and increasing productivity. The plate is compatible with standard 52 mm and 96 mm spigot spacing, so it can be integrated into existing fixtures without expensive retrofits — a smart choice for smooth automation upgrades.
Ultra‑Precision (≤0.005 mm): Foundation of Smooth Quick Change and Automation
In automation, quick change is only effective if precision remains consistent. The Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate offers a repeat positioning accuracy of ≤0.005 mm, so changing fixtures or workpieces takes just seconds without the need for realignment.
Built‑in air‑blast channels automatically clean the locating cones, ensuring that the ≤0.005 mm accuracy is maintained even in harsh factory environments. This reliability is vital for unattended automation and lights‑out production, where consistent results are key.
Case Study: Transforming Efficiency for Lang'an Precision
As showcased in the video, Nextas partnered with Lang'an Precision — a manufacturer specializing in high‑precision components — to design and implement a single‑machine automation solution. By integrating our Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plates with self‑centering vises, the system achieved a transformative impact: production efficiency surged by over 200%.
Lang'an Precision previously faced bottlenecks in manual fixture changes, which took up to two hours per shift and led to inconsistent positioning. With the Nextas solution, quick changes between workpieces were completed in seconds, while the ≤0.005 mm repeat positioning accuracy eliminated rework. The seamless coordination between the pneumatic zero‑point plates (ensuring stable clamping) and self‑centering vises (guaranteeing uniform workpiece alignment) enabled 24‑hour uninterrupted production.
“The upgrade has revolutionized our workflow,” noted a production manager at Lang'an Precision. “We've cut downtime by 90% and scaled output without adding extra shifts — a result that exceeded our expectations.” This success has solidified their trust in Nextas, with plans to expand the solution to other production lines.
Driving Automation in Various Industries with Quick Change
The Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate is more than just a tool — it's the core of efficient automation and excels in several key scenarios:
- Automated Production Cells: As the heart of flexible manufacturing systems, it allows robots to handle quick changes of fixtures, supporting 24‑hour non‑stop automation.
- 5‑Axis Machining: It raises workpieces to provide unobstructed tool access, reducing setup times and improving automation efficiency.
- Inspection Workflows: Compatible with CMMs, it enables parts to move from machining to inspection without re‑clamping, eliminating errors in automated quality checks.
In a world where automation and quick change determine competitiveness, Nextas' Pneumatic Zero‑Point Plate stands out. With its patented technology, affordability and precision engineering, it helps manufacturers maximize efficiency, reduce costs and stay ahead in the automation race.