Custom 4th-Axis Package Built to Machine Two Extrusions at Once

This somewhat custom 4th-axis assembly was designed around a straightforward production goal: machine two extrusions at the same time while maintaining the rigidity, repeatability, and accessibility needed for consistent production.

Rather than treating the rotary, trunnion, workholding, and braking system as separate pieces of equipment, the entire package was configured as one integrated solution.

Built Around a Haas HRT310-SS

At the heart of the system is a Haas Automation HRT310-SS rotary table, providing the indexing capability needed to position the parts for machining on multiple sides.

Paired with the rotary is a Stallion 12-48 Trunnion Table, giving the customer a large, rigid platform for mounting the two workholding stations. The 48-inch trunnion length provides plenty of usable fixturing area while allowing both extrusions to be machined in the same cycle.

The result is a setup designed to increase spindle utilization and reduce the amount of part handling required between operations.

SCHUNK KSC3 Self-Centering Vises

Workholding for the package is handled by SCHUNK KSC3 vises.

The KSC3 is a strong fit for this application because of its:

• High clamping forces

• Low jaw lift

• Self-centering operation

• Compact design

Using self-centering vises also helps maintain a consistent part centerline as different extrusion sizes or setups are introduced.

Stallion Lock for Faster Changeovers

The SCHUNK vises are mounted using our Stallion Lock quick-change system.

Instead of permanently building the workholding into the trunnion, Stallion Lock allows complete fixture assemblies to be removed and replaced quickly. That gives the customer more flexibility to use the same rotary and trunnion package for additional parts in the future.

For manufacturers running a mix of repeat work, this can significantly reduce the time spent indicating fixtures and rebuilding setups.

TS3500 Braking for Maximum Rigidity

Because this assembly uses a long trunnion with substantial workholding mounted to it, rigidity becomes especially important.

The package incorporates our TS3500 braking system, providing additional clamping force at the outboard end of the trunnion.

By supporting and braking the trunnion from both ends, the system creates a much more rigid machining platform—particularly during heavier milling operations where cutting forces can introduce unwanted movement.

Designed for Easy Installation

The complete assembly is mounted on a custom baseplate, allowing the rotary, support system, and trunnion to be positioned as a single package.

That simplifies installation at the machine and helps ensure that the components maintain their intended relationship to one another.

Instead of shipping a collection of components and leaving the customer to determine how everything fits together, we can design the complete assembly around the machine, rotary, workholding, and part.

One Package, Built Around the Application

This build combines:

• Haas HRT310-SS rotary table

• Stallion 12-48 Trunnion Table

• SCHUNK KSC3 self-centering vises

• Stallion Lock quick-change fixture plates

• TS3500 trunnion braking system

• Custom baseplate for simplified installation

The objective isn't simply to add a fourth axis. It's to build a system that makes the machine more productive.

Whether that means machining two parts simultaneously, reducing setups, adding quick-change workholding, or developing a complete turnkey process, we can configure a Stallion system around the application.

Have a part or process you think could benefit from a setup like this? Reach out to Martin Trunnion Tables for a custom quote.