In the fast-paced world of precision machining, speed, accuracy, and repeatability are everything. That’s why Kurt Workholding—the trusted name in clamping technology—has once again raised the bar with the new PFA620 5-Axis Pneumatic Vise.
Built for 5-Axis. Ready for Automation.
The Kurt PFA620 is a revolutionary air-actuated self-centering vise designed specifically for modern 5-axis machining centers. Compact, powerful, and automation-ready, it’s ideal for shops looking to streamline setup times without sacrificing precision.
The new air vise was recently featured as part of a fully automated – lights-out work cell at the Yamazen open house in Elk Grove, IL. In the images and video below, the air vise can be seen mounted on a custom base directly to the platter of a Brothers Speedio U500Xd2 with an integrated robot—providing machine tending by picking raw stock and placing finished parts using a drawer system.
“The automated access door allows the robot to move parts in and out of machine without an operator present,” explained Andrew Justin, Kurt Workholding Sales Engineer. “You can load stock into the drawer system and let the machine run for hours unattended until stock is depleted. Once depleted, you replenish the raw stock and start the cycle over again. The PFA620 mounts seamlessly to any 5-axis platter both through the body and with a custom adapter plate if it is necessary. Contact our CEW team for help with fabrication.
The PFA620 can be integrated into a rotary union with pneumatics so that there are no external air lines. All the pneumatics are captured within the base plate and vise. This allows for maximum access on 5 sides while not potentially damaging external air lines. New Kurt air vise models will feature porting on the bottom of the vise to eliminate exposed air lines.
Kurt Custom Engineered Workholding can design a vise mounting plate perfectly fit to your machine or application.
HERE’S WHAT SETS THE KURT AIR VISE APART:
Large and Small Parts? No Problem
Unlike typical pneumatic vises, the Kurt PFA620 offers manual full-stroke adjustment via a hex screw and handle—giving machinists the freedom to quickly adapt to parts of varying sizes. Once set, the vise uses a ¼-inch pneumatic stroke to apply consistent clamping force, ensuring repeatable accuracy for lights-out operation. You can dramatically reduce setup and changeover times—especially in automated cells.
Easy to Configure One or More Vises
Whether you’re running a single vise on the platter of a 5-axis machine or need a high-density multi-vise setup in a larger CNC machine or several units mounted side-by-side on a trunnion, the PFA620 scales easily with your operation. Its compact size and automation-ready design make the vise a great investment for a shop looking at expanding.
Versatile Automation Options
Designed with turnkey automation in mind, the new air vise can be set up inexpensively using a Kurt FLR and a hand or foot switch to run with remote actuation in a semi-automated mode. Or the new vise can run fully automated using the FLR and a machine tool controller, PLC or robot, for lights-out manufacturing with robotic machine tending automation. Click to learn how to automate an air vise –>
Quick-Change, Machinable Jaws
Flexibility is at the core of the PFA620’s design. The vise includes quick-change jaws that snap on and off without tools. Serrated and dovetail jaws are also available for the air vise.
Solid Holding Power from Shop Air
Don’t underestimate the clamping force—this compact powerhouse delivers up to 2,000 lbs of force at just 110 PSI. That’s more than enough to hold your toughest materials securely during aggressive 5-axis cuts.
Designed for True 5-Sided Access
With a 3.5-inch rise, the PFA620 provides excellent clearance for full 5-sided machining. Spend less time flipping parts and more time cutting metal.
Why Choose the PFA620?
- Shop-air actuated for plug-and-play use
- Seamless integration with automation systems
- Consistent, powerful, and repeatable clamping
- Reduced setup and cycle times
- Compact footprint ideal for tight setups
If you’re ready to bring next-level efficiency and flexibility to your 5-axis workflow, the Kurt PFA620 Pneumatic Vise is your solution.