Kurt 5-Axis Workholding

Precision 5-Axis CNC Vises, Quick-Change Bases and Automation-Ready Workholding

Get more from your 5-axis CNC machining center with precision workholding engineered for secure clamping, repeatable positioning and efficient changeovers. Kurt Workholding offers a versatile lineup of 5-axis CNC vises, quick-change mounting systems and pneumatic workholding solutions designed to help shops machine more part faces in fewer setups. Skip to Frequently Asked Questions.

With self-centering vises—from compact models for intricate components to wider-jaw configurations for larger parts to pneumatic solutions for automated production—Kurt helps you build a workholding setup around your machine, part geometry and production goals.

Find the Right 5-Axis CNC Vise for Your Application

Kurt 5-axis vises combine precision clamping technology with application-focused features that help simplify setup, improve accessibility and support repeatable machining. Choose from multiple vise sizes, jaw configurations and mounting interfaces to match your production requirements.

PF Series 5-Axis Vises: Compact Precision with 52 mm Pull Stud Mounting

The Kurt PF Series is designed for shops machining small to medium-sized parts that require secure clamping, repeatable positioning and access to multiple part faces.

Available in PF420, PF440 and PF460 configurations, these 5-axis vises feature Kurt’s patented AngLock® design, quick-lash adjustment and spring-loaded gibs to help minimize jaw lift and maintain jaw squareness. Three jaw options—machinable, serrated and dovetail—provide flexibility for different workpiece materials and clamping strategies.

With a 52 mm pull-stud mounting pattern, PF Series vises integrate with compatible zero-point mounting systems. Side pull studs also support robotic pick-and-place applications.

Key advantages

• Compact design for 5-axis tool access
• Self-centering design
• AngLock® technology to minimize jaw lift and deflection
• Quick-lash and centerline adjustments
• Dovetailed, serrated or carvable jaw options
• Quick-change jaws for reduced changeover time
• 52 mm mounting pattern for Kurt bases and compatible zero-point systems
• Automation-ready design features

PFW Series 5-Axis Vises: Quick-Change Flexibility with 96 mm Pull Stud Mounting

For shops standardizing around a 96 mm zero-point interface, Kurt PFW Series vises deliver precision clamping with fast, repeatable mounting and jaw changes.

Available in PFW420, PFW440 and PFW460 configurations, these vises feature 4-inch-wide, snap-on/snap-off jaws in machinable, serrated and dovetail styles. AngLock® technology helps minimize jaw lift, while spring-loaded gibs and quick-lash adjustment support consistent positioning across production cycles.

The 96 mm pull-stud pattern makes PFW Series vises compatible with the appropriate Kurt quick-change bases and pneumatic pallet solutions. Side pull studs also help support automated machine tending.

Key advantages

• Quick-change jaws for reduced changeover time
• Dovetailed, serrated or carvable jaw options
• 96 mm pull-stud mounting for compatible zero-point systems
• Self-centering design
• AngLock® clamping design
• Adjustment features designed for repeatability
• Compatible with Kurt manual and pneumatic pallet solutions

PF840 8-Inch 5-Axis Vise: More Jaw Width for Larger Parts

When a standard 4-inch jaw width is not enough, the Kurt PF840 provides an 8-inch-wide jaw configuration for larger workpieces and demanding multi-face machining applications.

The PF840 combines a wider clamping footprint with a self-centering design and AngLock® tech, quick-lash adjustment and spring-loaded gibs. It is designed for applications such as large aerospace components where additional jaw width and part clearance can help support done-in-one machining strategies.

Key advantages

• Includes 8-inch-wide machinable jaws
• Self-centering design
• Greater jaw width for larger workpieces
• AngLock® design to minimize jaw lift
• Quick-lash adjustment and spring-loaded gibs
• Perfect for pallet systems and large 5-axis machining centers

PFA620 5-Axis Pneumatic Vise: A Practical Path to Automation

The Kurt PFA620 Pneumatic Self-Centering Vise combines manual jaw and part positioning using the full jaw opening range with pneumatic clamping to streamline repetitive production and automated machine-tending workflows.

Unlike other 5-axis air vises on the market, operators can quickly set up a wide range of workpiece sizes with the manual lead screw, then use shop air to open and close the vise. This design accommodates varying part sizes while providing pneumatic actuation for consistent, remotely controlled clamping. Its 4-inch-wide quick-change jaws snap on and off without tools.

The PFA620 can be mounted directly to a machine table or on a custom base and plumbed into a machine’s automation interface or set up with an easy turnkey automation using a Kurt KHP3 pump (as shown here with the DX6A).

Key advantages

• Pneumatic actuation using shop air
• Manual jaw positioning quickly adjusts between different part sizes
• Quick-change jaws
• Compact format for 5-axis or multiple-vise setups
• Easily integrates with machine tool controls and robotic tending

Build a Complete 5-Axis Workholding System

Choosing a vise is only part of the workholding decision. The mounting interface, jaw style and production workflow also influence setup time, accessibility and how efficiently your shop can change from one job to the next.

Kurt offers a lineup of 5-axis workholding components to help build your ultimate machining setup.

Quick-Change Bases and Zero-Point Mounting

Quick-change mounting systems allow compatible vises to be removed and replaced without repeating a conventional manual alignment process for every changeover.

Choose a compatible 52 mm or 96 mm interface based on your vise, receiver base and existing fixturing standards. The PF and PFW families support these respective mounting approaches, helping shops standardize setups across compatible machines and fixtures.

Available options include:

• 52 mm quick-change bases for compatible PF Series vises
• 96 mm quick-change bases for compatible PFW Series vises
• Pneumatic pallet solutions for applications requiring remote actuation

Verify the mounting pattern, pull studs, receiver and machine interface before selecting a system.

Jaw Selection for Kurt 5-Axis Precision CNC Vises

The jaws are the contact point between the vise and your workpiece. Jaw selection directly affects grip security, part marking, and the accessible machining envelope. For 5-axis applications, jaw height is critical because taller jaws reduce tool clearance during rotary moves. Use any of the following on a 4-inch PF or PFW vise.

Serrated Jaws for Raw Stock

Serrated jaws provide maximum grip on raw billet material. The teeth bite into the stock surface, preventing slippage under heavy cutting loads. Use serrated jaws for first-operation roughing where surface finish on the clamping area is not a concern.

Machinable Soft Jaws for Finished Parts

Soft jaws are blank aluminum or mild steel jaw inserts that are machined to match your part’s profile. They distribute clamping force across a larger contact area and prevent marking on finished surfaces. 

CARVESMART Dovetail Jaws for Fast Changeovers

Kurt’s CARVESMART jaw system uses a patented dovetail mounting interface that locates precisely with every jaw change. You slide the jaw into the dovetail slot, tighten a single fastener, and the jaw seats in the same position every time. Jaw swaps require only a hex wrench and take seconds, not minutes. This system delivers the same rigid hold as a traditional bolt-on jaw while eliminating the re-indication step.

PFA620 and PF840 vises are currently only available with machinable jaws.

Pallets, Towers and Multi-Vise Setups

Increase fixture density and make better use of available machine capacity with a workholding layout designed around your production mix.

Depending on the machine and application, a Kurt tombstone loaded with quick-change receiver bases can boost part-density, reduce operator interactions, and accommodate more workpieces per cycle. Tombstone configurations require careful attention to machine travel, rotary clearance, fixture height, workpiece mass and tool access. Contact Kurt’s Custom Workholding Division for help.

Pneumatic Workholding and Machine Tending

For repetitive production, pneumatic workholding can help reduce manual clamping steps and support a more consistent machine-tending process.

The PFA620 provides pneumatic vise actuation. The APW420 Air-Pallet offers a pneumatic receiver-base option for compatible 96 mm pull-stud vises. With the appropriate air controls, machine interface and automation equipment, these products can form part of a larger automated workholding strategy.

The right configuration depends on the machine, control system, loading method and production requirements.

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Why Choose Kurt 5-Axis Workholding?

AngLock Clamping Technology

Kurt’s patented AngLock® design drives the movable jaw down and forward during clamping, helping minimize jaw lift and deflection. This supports secure workholding and consistent part positioning in precision machining applications.

Repeatable Positioning

Features such as self-centering jaw movement, spring-loaded gibs and quick-lash adjustment help shops establish and maintain consistent setups. Actual results depend on the vise configuration, workpiece, setup and operating conditions.

Faster Setup and Changeover

Quick-change jaw systems and compatible zero-point mounting interfaces help reduce the manual work associated with switching between jobs. Less setup time can mean more available spindle time for production.

Workholding for Automation

Selected PF and PFW vises incorporate features intended to support robotic machine tending. Pneumatic options such as the PFA620 and APW420 provide additional possibilities for shops developing automated or semi-automated processes.

A Broader Range of Workholding Solutions

Kurt offers more than standalone vises. Compatible bases, pallets, jaws, towers and related workholding products help shops plan solutions around their machines and production requirements.

A Legacy of Workholding Quality and Innovation

Kurt is a brand you can trust with over 70 years of service, providing workholding solutions to the most critical manufacturing industries in the US and beyond. All Kurt vises are backed by a deep well of knowledge, experience and workmanship—and the Kurt Lifetime Ironclad Warranty.

Select the Right 5-Axis Workholding Setup

The best configuration depends on your part dimensions, required access, clamping strategy, machine interface and production volume.

Start with these questions:

• What size parts are you machining? Match jaw width and opening to your workpiece and clamping requirements.
• Which mounting interface do you use? Confirm compatibility with 52 mm or 96 mm pull-stud systems and the intended receiver.
• How often do you change jobs? Quick-change jaws and mounting systems can help reduce setup work.
• Are you planning to automate? Consider the required actuation, robot access, machine controls and safety integration.
• How many parts do you need to run per cycle? Evaluate multiple-vise, pallet or tower configurations where machine capacity allows.

For a deeper look at these selection criteria, read our guide: How to Choose a 5-Axis Precision CNC Vise.

Find Your Kurt 5-Axis Workholding Solution

Whether you’re equipping a new 5-axis machining center, reducing changeover time or developing an automation-ready production cell, Kurt Workholding offers precision vises and complementary products to help you build the right setup.

Explore the lineup, review product specifications and CAD models, or contact us to discuss your application.

Frequently Asked Questions about 5-Axis Vises