FAQ – Grover Automation Air Vise

Ordering & Availability

·         Q: What is the Grover Automation Air Vise?

A: A compact, pneumatic machine-tool vise designed for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC setups. It provides fast, repeatable clamping using shop air, reducing cycle time and operator fatigue.

·         Q: Who is it for?

A: Job shops and OEMs that need quick changeovers, repeatable workholding, and reliable unattended machining.

·         Q: How do I order?

A: Order directly on groverautomation.com. For purchase orders, volume pricing, or reseller inquiries, email sales@groverautomation.com.

·         Q: Do you offer bulk/volume discounts?

A: Yes—price breaks typically start at 5+ units. Contact sales for a quote.

Compatibility & Setup

·         Q: Will it fit my machine?

A: Yes—standard hole patterns are compatible with common 3-axis tables and many 5-axis subplates. Adapter plates for custom grids or zero-point systems are available.

·         Q: What control/M-code integration is required?

A: The vise can be run from a spare M-code output that drives a solenoid, or from a manual air valve. No special CNC options are required.

·         Q: Does it work on 5-axis?

A: Yes—the compact profile and air actuation make it ideal for trunnions/rotaries and tombstones where cable routing is tight.

·         Q: What air supply do I need?

A: Clean, dry air at 90–150 PSI (6–10 bar). Use a filter, regulator, and lubricator (FRL) upstream. Short actuation bursts consume minimal air.

·         Q: Can I run multiple vises from one solenoid?

A: Yes—use a manifold with flow controls if you want to tune clamp/unclamp speeds.

Workholding Performance

·         Q: What clamping force can I expect?

A: At 150 PSI, the vise produces 3,000 pounds of clamping force. Force scales with line pressure.

·         Q: What part sizes does it handle?

A: The jaw opening accommodates parts from ½-inch up to 6 inches wide. Adjustable with serrated bottom on hard jaws or ¼” pins on soft jaws. Actuated stroke 4mm- “.200

·         Q: How repeatable is it?

A:  Repeatability is ±0.01–0.02 mm (±0.0005–0.001").

·         Q: Can I use soft jaws?

A: Yes—soft jaws can be purchased separately or make you own  and can be machined in place.

·         Q: Coolant and chips—any concerns?

A: The vise is sealed for shop environments. Keep jaw ways clear and blow off chips regularly.

Installation & Maintenance

·         Q: How do I mount it?

A: Bolt to your table/subplate using the included hardware. Indicate the jaw, tram if required, then plumb the air line.

·         Q: How do I plumb the air?

A: From your FRL to either a manual valve or CNC-controlled solenoid, then to the vise. Quick-disconnects are fine; short lines give faster response.

Q: How do I plumb for Rotary applications?

A: With Rotaries with a thru hole we offer a 2-channel rotary coupling (sold separately) that plumbs right into the bottom of the vise then through to center hole out. Some modifications will have to be made for your specific setup

·         Q: What maintenance does it need?

A: Daily: wipe chips, quick air blow-off
Weekly: Grease both ports, 1 shot of grease in both side grease zurts with vise in the fully close position to grease all internal parts and slides

Programming & Automation

·         Q: How do I trigger clamp/unclamp in code?

A: Use a spare M-code to drive a solenoid (e.g., Mxx clamp, Myy unclamp), or actuate a manual valve between cycles or run through a robot for the signal.

·         Q: Can I confirm clamp state in the program?

A: Yes—add a pressure switch on the clamp line and monitor via an input.

·         Q: Is it robot-friendly?

A: Yes—the fast actuation and repeatable jaw position make it ideal for automated load/unload.

Safety & Best Practices

·         Q: Is it safe for unattended machining?

A: Yes—if properly installed and interlocked. Confirm clamp pressure and add a pressure-drop alarm.

·         Q: What materials does it excel at?

A: Aluminum, plastics, steels, and stainless. Adjust air pressure to not mark parts. Not recommended for Graphite or dusty materials.

Warranty, Support & Returns

·         Q: What’s the warranty?

A: 12-month limited warranty against defects in materials/workmanship.

·         Q: What’s your lead time?

A: Standard in stock items ship in 2–5 business days; larger batch and out of stock may take 4-6 weeks.

·         Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: No—we currently ship only within the United States.

·         Q: What if I need help?

A: Email support@groverautomation.com We usually reply same business day.

Technical Specs (summary)

·         Q: Operating pressure

A: 90–150 PSI (6–10 bar)

·         Q: Clamping force

A: up to 3,000 lbs at 150 PSI

·         Q: Actuation

A: 5mm –“.200

·         Q: Jaw opening

A: ½-inch to 6 inches

·         Q: Repeatability

A: ±0.01–0.02 mm (±0.0005–0.001")

·         Q: Mounting

A: slot/grid/bolt pattern (list standards supported)

·         Q: Air ports

A: thread size -1/8-NPT