Typical choice
Use the recommended 45° dovetail end mill; match diameter to fixture jaw width.
Practical tip
A worn or incorrect cutter angle produces a sloppy fit and reduces grip force.
Dovetail workholding for multi-side machining
5-Axis Dovetail Fixture for 52 mm / 96 mm Quick-Change Systems
Open the machining faces with a prepared dovetail grip.
Open more of the workpiece to the cutter with a prepared 45° dovetail grip. Compare the P50 single-station and P90 three-station families, then select the jaw size and mounting interface around your blank, cutting loads and machine clearance.
Keep machining faces accessible
Grip the prepared base profile to leave more of the workpiece available for side and top machining.
Choose the station layout
Use a single station for individual blanks or review three stations when the part family suits a shared cycle.
Plan the mounting stack
Confirm the fixture, 52 or 96 mm interface and machine envelope together before committing to the setup.
45°dovetail clamping
52 mm + 96 mminterface path
Five-side access for 5-axis work
Lead time: confirmed in quote
MOQ: 1 set
Payment: T/T · L/C
Quality documents scoped at RFQ
MIC Audited Supplier
Not sure which configuration fits? Tell us about your setup.
Get a Dovetail Fixture RecommendationSelect the station layout, blank and mounting
- Station layout: Compare P50 for one blank per cycle with P90 for three similar blanks. The model matrix retains each fixture and jaw choice.
- Blank and jaws: Match jaw width to blank thickness, contact and cutting load; prepare the dovetail to the selected fixture drawing.
- Mounting: Review the 52 mm or 96 mm route below against the selected fixture, plate and adapter drawings. Pitch alone does not establish fit or station count.
For multi-fixture pallets, review the pneumatic zero-point plate and automatic pallet changer with payload, machine clearance and the validated exchange sequence.
System 52 vs System 96: quick decision table
| Criterion | System 52 | System 96 | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part size & handling | Small to mid-size parts; higher station density on a compact plate. | Mid to larger parts; more base area for stable docking on pallets. | Machine envelope, pallet size, and how you load (manual/robot). |
| Cutting load & rigidity | For general milling and lighter roughing. Keep the toolpath forces balanced. | For heavier roughing or tougher materials, where the wider base adds stiffness. | Stock removal rate, tool length, chatter risk. |
| Automation / palletization | Lower mass helps the robot and the swap on a high-mix cell. | More stable on larger pallets; preferred for lights-out cells with heavier parts. | Receiver/pallet compatibility and repeatability after swaps. |
| Chip & coolant clearance | Compact layouts can pack stations tightly, plan chip evacuation carefully. | More spacing options for shields, air blast, and chip evacuation. | Coolant direction, chip buildup risk, cleaning routine. |
| Typical use cases | Prototype → production, small housings, thin-wall/window-style parts, high-density arrays. | Larger brackets, tougher alloys, higher torque cuts, palletized production. | Target tolerance, surface finish, and cycle time goals. |
Optional details for fixture review
5-axis machine & table layout
Provide the machine model, table dimensions, 5-axis travel envelope, and whether the dovetail fixture mounts directly or through an existing zero-point plate.
Workpiece geometry & side access
Share the part material, blank size, dovetail format preference (52 mm or 96 mm), number of sides to machine per setup, and surface finish requirements.
Finish quality & multi-station goals
Specify repeatability tolerance, whether you need single- or triple-station density, target cycle time per part, and any robot or pallet-pool integration planned.
Dovetail Fixture Selection ChecklistClick to expandClick to collapse
Dovetail Fixture Selection & Evaluation Checklist
Verify fit, rigidity, and automation-readiness before committing the clamping stack to production.
Part & process
- Material (aluminum / steel / titanium) and target metal-removal rate
- Geometry: thin-wall, window-frame, or tall contours
- Tolerance target and whether you need to swap without re-indicating
Compatibility & standards
- System 52 vs System 96 based on load and station density
- Zero-point base/pallet (grid, clearance, chip evacuation)
- Automation: robot handling, pallet changer, buffer capacity
Dovetail preparation
- 45° profile: depth/width reproducible across batches
- Deburr and check seating (no chips on contact faces)
- Add stops/locators for high-torque or side-milling operations
Evidence & support
- On-machine photos/videos showing tool clearance
- Measurement report/inspection excerpt for multi-side results
- Spare-parts plan (screws/pins) and maintenance recommendation
Technical Specifications
The sheets below are the NT-S500P50 single-station and NT-S600P90 three-station pneumatic dovetail specification and blank-application tables. Confirm the 52 mm or 96 mm interface on the selected model drawing before integration.
Enlarge specification drawing
NT-S500P50 single-station series
Enlarge specification drawing
NT-S600P90 three-station series
Catalog Model Matrix
NEXTAS offers two pneumatic dovetail fixture families in the 2025 catalog, the NT-S500P50 single-station series for compact parts and the NT-S600P90 three-station series for higher throughput. Both share a common 6583-Z dovetail-jaw platform, so operators can swap jaw widths across machines without re-learning the fixture.
| Product code | Dovetail jaw | Jaw width | Blank thickness | Blank length | Blank width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NT-S500P50 — Single-station pneumatic dovetail fixture · 4 kN clamping · <0.02 mm repeatability · hardened stainless steel · 6.5 kg | |||||
| NT-S500P50V1 | 6583-Z4 | 10.5 mm | 12–30 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S500P50V2 | 6583-Z6 | 14.5 mm | 20–50 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S500P50V3 | 6583-Z8 | 18.5 mm | 25–60 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S500P50V4 | 6583-Z12 | 26.5 mm | 30–70 mm | ≤120 mm | ≤150 mm |
| NT-S500P50V5 | 6583-Z16 | 34.5 mm | 40–100 mm | ≤120 mm | ≤150 mm |
| NT-S600P90 — Three-station pneumatic dovetail fixture · >2.5 kN clamping · ≤30 kg load per station · hardened stainless steel · 6.5 kg | |||||
| NT-S600P90V1 | 6583-Z4 | 10.5 mm | 12–30 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S600P90V2 | 6583-Z6 | 14.5 mm | 20–50 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S600P90V3 | 6583-Z8 | 18.5 mm | 25–60 mm | ≤100 mm | ≤120 mm |
| NT-S600P90V4 | 6583-Z12 | 26.5 mm | 30–70 mm | ≤120 mm | ≤150 mm |
| NT-S600P90V5 | 6583-Z16 | 34.5 mm | 40–100 mm | ≤120 mm | ≤150 mm |
Choose NT-S500P50 when
You machine one blank per cycle, need the smallest pneumatic dovetail footprint on a compact table, or want a dedicated single-station fixture for short runs and prototypes.
Choose NT-S600P90 when
You want to run three identical or similar parts per cycle to maximize spindle uptime, reduce per-piece load/unload time, and raise throughput on a single machine table.
Dovetail jaw selection (6583-Z series)
The 6583-Z4 through Z16 jaws cover 10.5 mm to 34.5 mm dovetail widths. Select the jaw size based on blank thickness and desired clamping envelope, Z4/Z6 for thin plates, Z12/Z16 for thicker stock up to 100 mm.
Five-Side Machining Efficiency
A prepared 45° dovetail grips the base of the blank. Check top and side access against the complete cutter, holder, spindle and machine envelope; the setup still needs a verified toolpath and trial cut.
Precision & Repeatability
The dovetail fixtures use locating features and reference surfaces to control seating when parts are changed. Actual machining accuracy and finish still depend on the prepared dovetail, cutter load, overhang, setup stiffness, and the acceptance checks used on the machine.
- Compact dovetail clamping for small-plate machining on 3-, 4- and 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 fixture can follow a 52 mm or 96 mm interface path. Compatibility with a zero-point plate, quick-change system, or automation pallet depends on the selected model and approved interface drawing; station density and changeover performance remain machine- and process-dependent.
Applications & Use Cases
Thin-sheet setup on a pneumatic plate
The dovetail fixture works with the pneumatic zero-point plate, enabling fast, precise clamping of thin-sheet products in industrial automation. A pre-milled dovetail can support controlled seating when its geometry, contact faces, clamp condition, and on-machine process are validated for the run.
Complex 5-Axis Machining
A setup to check for titanium and aerospace parts when the process needs more than one face open. The fixture leaves five faces open. Whether those faces can be milled in one setup depends on tool length, tilt, and the machine’s Z travel.
Quick Change & Automation
A selected 52 / 96 mm interface can support job changeovers after the fixture, receiver, and pallet stack are verified against the approved drawings. Robotic pallet-changer use depends on payload, clearance, controls, and cell-level process validation.
Material Versatility
Choose the prepared dovetail and support for the blank material and the planned cuts. We can review the grip profile, contact and fixture size from your part drawing. Use a trial cut to check stability and distortion.
Preparation and setup
Before preparing the blank, use the dovetail stock-preparation and inspection guide with the selected fixture drawing. Verify the complete tool, holder, spindle, fixture and machine travel through the intended tilt and toolpath.
Preparation, integration and maintenanceClick to expandClick to collapse
Preparation, integration and maintenance
Prepare the profile, verify tool clearance and service the selected fixture for the actual shop conditions.
Use the station, blank and interface comparison for selection. Assess cutting force, contact, support and overhang for the actual blank; validate pull-out resistance and deformation by trial machining and inspection. For soft materials, check that contact and clamp force do not crush or mark the stock. For harder materials, verify engagement under the intended cutting load. Confirm angle, depth, contact and stock allowance from the selected fixture drawing.
Integration: what to prepare before install
Typical choice
For a 52 or 96 mm system, confirm the selected fixture and plate drawings, dowel pattern, fasteners and height before assembly.
Practical tip
Verify loads, tool access and complete-machine acceptance. Measure changeover and datum performance with the intended part and process.
Typical choice
Mill the dovetail profile on Op 1 (vise or soft jaws); transfer to dovetail fixture for Op 2.
Practical tip
Keep the dovetail cut consistent, variation in depth directly affects grip force and Z datum.
Typical choice
Simulate the full toolpath with the fixture model to verify no collision at extreme tilt angles.
Practical tip
The fixture jaw height sets the minimum Z clearance, account for tool holder and spindle nose.
Maintenance: keep repeatability stable
Early symptom
Grip force drops; workpiece shifts under cutting load.
Prevention / quick fix
Inspect jaw faces and set service intervals and replacement criteria from the selected model’s service plan, actual wear and operating conditions.
Early symptom
Part won’t seat fully; Z datum shifts upward.
Prevention / quick fix
Blow out the groove with an air gun before every load; avoid flood coolant aimed directly into the groove.
Early symptom
Screw feels loose at rated torque; clamp force inconsistent.
Prevention / quick fix
Apply anti-seize to threads; replace the screw when torque-to-force relationship drifts beyond spec.
Early symptom
Surface pitting reduces friction; part slips during heavy cuts.
Prevention / quick fix
Wipe jaws dry at end of shift; store unused fixtures with a light oil film or VCI wrap.
Profile, support and trial-cut checks
1. Machine a consistent 45° profile
Use a matching dovetail cutter and keep the depth consistent across batches. Deburr the profile so the fixture seats fully.
2. Control part distortion
Clamp close to stiff regions. For thin or window-style parts, use support columns/pressing plates to avoid bending.
3. Validate with a trial cut
Run a short rough+finish program, then check key datums. If needed, add stops/locators to prevent axial slip.
Troubleshooting & Repeatability
Likely cause
Dovetail profile inconsistent, clamp not seated, or cutting forces too aggressive.
Recommended fix
Re-cut the 45° profile, deburr, and reduce tool engagement; add stops/locators if needed.
Likely cause
Insufficient rigidity, long tool reach, or resonance at high RPM.
Recommended fix
Review support, base stiffness and overhang; confirm the selected 52/96 mounting drawing and cutting load. Tune feeds/speeds and use shorter tools and balanced toolpaths, then validate by trial machining.
Likely cause
Clamping near flexible regions or uneven support on window-style parts.
Recommended fix
Clamp closer to stiff ribs; use support columns/pressing plates; verify distortion after a trial cut.
Likely cause
Chips on the dovetail or on the zero-point interface; coolant film.
Recommended fix
Clean both interfaces every swap; add air blast/brush at load station; keep receivers dry and protected.
Likely cause
Burrs, too much clamping pressure, or poor surface condition.
Recommended fix
Deburr and add a small lead-in chamfer; use correct clamp force; consider sacrificial dovetail pads.
Likely cause
Wear, contamination, or damaged locator pins.
Recommended fix
Inspect pins and contact surfaces; replace worn inserts; schedule periodic cleaning and calibration checks.
The Dovetail Jaws scene is a separate dovetail fixture, not a jaw on the pneumatic vise.
A 39-second 3D visualization of two workholding routes. The hard-jaw and soft-jaw scenes are pneumatic vise setups. The scene labelled Dovetail Jaws is a separate dovetail fixture, not a jaw option on that vise. The opening frame is the pneumatic centering vise.
Watch on YouTube
Page updated . Share your selected model or application to request dimensions, interface details and available engineering drawings. Request engineering data. Factory, catalogs, and shows.
Product resources
Request engineering data and selection support
Share your workpiece, machine, and planned setup to get help selecting a dovetail fixture. Request the model data available for your application.
Request Model Drawing & Available CAD
Let us know the fixture model you need, or the part and machine details if you are still choosing. We will confirm which 2D/3D files are available for that mounting setup and any confidentiality requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much material do I need to prepare for the 45° dovetail?
Confirm the dovetail angle, depth, contact faces and stock allowance from the selected fixture drawing. Prepare and deburr that profile, then verify seating, support and tool access with a trial cut on the intended machine.
What is the primary difference between the 52 mm and 96 mm dovetail fixtures?
The 52 and 96 designations distinguish mounting and size variants. Select for the part and planned layout; a wider base does not certify fit with another plate or pallet. Check the selected model drawing, interface, height, loads and tool access, and validate the setup on the intended machine.
Can I use these dovetail fixtures on a 3-axis or 4-axis machine?
Yes. Even on 3-axis/4-axis machines, dovetail workholding improves rigidity and tool access, and it speeds up changeovers, especially for high-mix production.
What dovetail angle and cutter do you recommend?
The fixtures are designed around a 45° dovetail. Use a matching dovetail cutter sized to your stock and leave a clean, burr-free profile. If you’re unsure, share your part drawing and material and we’ll recommend a proven dovetail spec.
How does this dovetail fixture compare to a self-centering vise for 5-side machining?
A self-centering vise grips two parallel sides. That blocks tool access and needs taller stock. A dovetail fixture grips a small 45° profile at the base. The grip pulls the blank down and leaves five faces open for 5-side machining.
How do I prevent part pull-out or vibration during aggressive machining?
Keep overhang low, ensure the dovetail is consistent and deburred, and match fixture size to load (System 96 for heavier cuts). For high torque operations, add stops/locators where needed and validate the process with a trial cut and inspection.
Is it suitable for thin plates or window-style parts?
Yes. For thin or window-style parts, use the appropriate pressing plates/support columns and place the clamp point close to the stiffest area of the part to minimize distortion.
How repeatable is swapping parts when combined with a zero-point plate or pallet?
Repeatability depends on the zero-point base and the dovetail you cut. Clean interfaces and a consistent dovetail hold the seating you set. Check that seating against your tolerance.
Fast quote
Find a fixture for your part
Send your blank size and material, machine model, and the faces you need to machine. We can review fixture size, jaws and the mounting route. An undecided interface is fine.