Upgrading a VMC with a 4th Axis: A Flexible, Modular CNC Workholding System

Adding a 4th axis to a VMC isn’t just about rotation — it’s about improving flexibility, reducing setup time, and increasing spindle uptime.

We recently assembled a complete 4-axis machining system on our floor designed to give this customer more capability out of their vertical machining center. Instead of relying on angle plates and custom one-off fixtures, this setup integrates a rotary table, modular workholding, and a dual-sided CNC trunnion table into one cohesive system.

Here’s how it works:

Adding 4-Axis Capability with a Rotary Table for a VMC

At the core of this upgrade is a Detron NC Rotary Table, providing true 4th axis access.

By adding a rotary table to the VMC, the customer can machine complex part angles that previously required multiple setups, angle plates, or specialty fixtures. Instead of repositioning the part manually, the 4th axis allows controlled rotation directly within the machining cycle.

For shops considering a VMC 4th axis upgrade, this is often the biggest gain:

• Fewer setups

• Better part-to-part consistency

• Reduced risk of misalignment between operations

Modular Workholding with RockLock Bases and Vises

Mounted to the system are 5th Axis Workholding RockLock bases and vises.

A modular CNC workholding system allows the customer to rapidly swap between vises and other top tooling without rebuilding the entire setup. For production environments running multiple part families, this flexibility significantly reduces CNC setup time.

Instead of tearing down and rebuilding for every job change, the RockLock system maintains repeatability while allowing quick transitions.

The result:

• Faster changeovers

• Increased spindle uptime

• Greater process consistency

A Complete 4-Axis Workholding System for Better VMC Performance

What makes this setup effective isn’t just the rotary table, the modular vises, or the trunnion individually — it’s how they function together as a complete 4-axis workholding system.

By integrating:

• A rotary table for 4-axis machining

• Modular RockLock workholding

• A dual-sided CNC trunnion table

This customer gains flexibility, faster changeovers, and improved production efficiency — all within their existing VMC.

For manufacturers evaluating a 4th axis upgrade for a VMC, the key question isn’t just “Can we rotate the part?”It’s “How does the entire workholding system improve our process?”

When the system is designed intentionally, the gains compound.

If you’re considering adding a 4th axis to your VMC or improving your CNC workholding setup, our team is happy to walk through your application and goals.