5-Side Machining Fixture

Modular Dovetail Fixture

Rigid 5-Side Clamping for 52 & 96 Systems

Engineered for high-speed five-axis machining, the Nextas dovetail fixture securely grips the workpiece on a small 45° profile, exposing five faces for machining while minimizing material waste. Precision locating pins ensure repeatable positioning, and the modular 52 / 96 mm base integrates seamlessly with zero-point plates and quick-change systems for lightning-fast setups.

Core Advantages

Five-Side Machining Access: Grips stock on a minimal 45° dovetail profile to expose five faces for machining, allowing more part to be milled per setup and reducing material waste.
Superior Clamping Force: The 45° dovetail design produces high clamping force and rigid stability, resisting cutting vibrations and preventing slippage.
High Precision & Repeatability: Precision locating pins and ground surfaces ensure repeatable positioning and eliminate workpiece movement.
Modular 52 / 96 Integration: Standard 52 mm and 96 mm patterns integrate with zero-point systems and quick-change plates for flexible mounting and rapid changeovers.
Lightweight & Durable: Aerospace-grade aluminium body with stainless steel inserts provides high strength, reduced weight and long-term stability.
Versatile & Automation Ready: Supports a wide range of materials and is ideal for high-mix production and robotic automation thanks to quick setups and a compact footprint.

Request a Quote Download Spec Sheet

Technical Specifications

Both 52 mm and 96 mm dovetail fixtures conform to industry-standard zero-point mounting patterns. Detailed dimensional drawings are provided below for quick reference.

52 mm Dovetail Fixture specification drawing

52 mm Version

96 mm Dovetail Fixture specification drawing

96 mm Version

Five-Side Machining Efficiency

The dovetail fixture clamps the workpiece along a small 45° dovetail, leaving the top, front, back and two sides completely unobstructed for cutting. This design enables true five-side machining in a single setup and reduces the extra material normally required for gripping, saving both time and raw material costs.

Window shape dovetail fixture enabling five-side machining

Dovetail fixture integrated with zero-point clamping base

Precision & Repeatability

Each dovetail fixture is fitted with precision locating pins and ground reference surfaces to eliminate slide and ensure high repeatability when swapping parts. Combined with the rigid dovetail geometry, this guarantees consistent machining accuracy and surface finish.

Patented design for small plate processing on 3/4/5-axis machines.
Adjustable clamping position with selectable pressing plates.
Support column with scale adjustment for precise hold-down placement.
Side U-shaped groove avoids tool interference during side machining.
Optional 3R or Erowa spigot positioning interfaces.

Modular & Zero-Point Compatible

The base of the fixture is machined to industry-standard 52 mm and 96 mm patterns, making it directly compatible with zero-point clamping plates, quick-change systems and automation pallets. This modularity streamlines setup changes and allows multiple fixtures to be mounted in high-density arrays for increased throughput.

Window shape dovetail fixture showing modularity

Applications & Use Cases

Case Study: Industrial Automation

The dovetail fixture pairs seamlessly with the pneumatic zero-point plate, enabling fast, precise clamping of thin-sheet products in industrial automation. It slashes setup time, ensures stable machining, and boosts machining efficiency by over 30%.

Complex 5-Axis Machining

Ideal for titanium and aerospace parts requiring full-surface access. The dovetail fixture exposes five faces, allowing intricate features to be milled in one setup without repositioning.

Quick change and automation with 96 mm dovetail fixture

Quick Change & Automation

With standard 52 / 96 mm mounting patterns, fixtures drop into zero-point plates for lightning-fast swaps. Combine with robotic pallet changers for fully automated, high-density production lines.

Versatile dovetail fixture holding various materials

Material Versatility

From aluminium to hardened steel, the dovetail fixture securely holds a variety of materials. Its balanced design reduces distortion and makes it perfect for prototyping as well as series production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much material do I need to prepare for the 45° dovetail?

For optimal clamping, we recommend preparing a 45° dovetail profile with a depth of just 3-5 mm (approx. 1/8 to 3/16 inch) on your raw stock. This minimal material engagement provides exceptional holding force while maximizing access to five sides of the workpiece, significantly reducing material waste compared to traditional vises.

What is the primary difference between the 52 mm and 96 mm dovetail fixtures?

The main difference is the mounting pattern and scale. The 52 mm fixture uses a 52 mm (System 52) mounting pattern, ideal for smaller workpieces or high-density setups on smaller machine tables. The 96 mm fixture uses the larger 96 mm (System 96) pattern, offering a wider base and compatibility with larger zero-point plates, making it suitable for heavier or larger parts that require maximum stability.

Can I use these dovetail fixtures on a 3-axis or 4-axis machine?

Yes, absolutely. While they are optimized for 5-axis machining by providing clear access to five faces, their benefits are not exclusive to 5-axis machines. On a 3-axis or 4-axis machine, they still offer superior rigidity, extremely fast changeovers, and a low-profile design that improves tool access compared to standard vises, making them excellent for high-mix, quick-setup production runs.

How does this dovetail fixture compare to a self-centering vise for 5-side machining?

A self-centering vise typically clamps on two parallel sides, which restricts access and requires taller raw material. Our dovetail fixture clamps on a small, internally-prepped 45° profile at the base of the part. This 'pull-down' clamping method provides superior rigidity and leaves all five top/side faces completely unobstructed, which is true 5-side machining. This leads to less material waste and fewer setups.

What kind of maintenance do these fixtures require?

Our dovetail fixtures are designed for low maintenance. We recommend regular cleaning with compressed air to remove chips from the clamping mechanism and dovetail interface. Periodically check the clamping screw(s) for wear and apply a light coat of machine oil or anti-seize lubricant to the threads to ensure smooth operation and prevent galling. All components are made from hardened steel and aerospace-grade aluminum for long-term durability.

Are the clamping components and locating pins replaceable?

Yes. All wear components, including the hardened steel clamping screws and precision locating pins, are designed to be field-replaceable. This ensures a long service life for the fixture body and allows you to maintain 'like-new' precision over many years of use. Please contact us for a list of spare parts or to place an order.

Resources & Downloads

Product Catalog (PDF)

Contains detailed information for the entire product series.

Modular Dovetail Fixture