OK-VISE
What is OK-VISE?
OK-VISE is a Finnish company specializing in workpiece clamping solutions, best known for its low-profile clamp. The company originated in the early 1980s when entrepreneur Olli Kytölä developed a compact wedge-operated clamp with high clamping force to address the clamping challenges faced by NC machining centers. OK-VISE operates from Muurame, Central Finland, and its products are supplied worldwide to machine shops and machining workshops through an international distributor network. The company is part of the Kytola Group.
OK-VISE and the Low-Profile Clamp in Machining
The OK-VISE low-profile clamp is a wedge-operated vise where the tightening motion is converted into a clamping force that moves the jaws sideways. Thanks to its structure, the clamp is low in height and takes up minimal space on the fixture plate, yet delivers a high clamping force for its size. Clamping typically requires only one tightening bolt, speeding up setup times in machine shops.
The wedge mechanism simultaneously presses the workpiece down and against lateral supports. This improves repeatability and reduces the likelihood of the workpiece lifting during machining. The solution is especially suitable for milling on CNC milling machines and machining centers where robust yet space-saving clamping of multiple parts in one setup is required.
OK-VISE as Part of a Modular Fixturing System
OK-VISE has expanded its original low-profile clamp into modular fixturing systems. These include the Multi-Rail system and the Blank fixturing system, which allow for flexible and reconfigurable clamping solutions for various workpieces. Modularity supports the need in the machine shop industry for quick product changes and short production runs.
The systems utilize basic elements such as rails, stops, and side guides, which can be combined to create both simple and more demanding clamping setups. The solutions are suitable for both manual use and automated environments, such as FMS systems and pallet pool solutions, where repeatability and compatibility are key.
OK-VISE and Automated Clamping Solutions
In addition to traditional mechanical clamps, OK-VISE offers electric and hydraulic solutions for automated production. Automatic clamping has become more common in machining workshops striving for unmanned operation and high machine utilization rates.
In automated applications, the sizing, clamping force, and precision of clamping components must be matched to the machine tool, the pallet, and any zero point clamping system. OK-VISE solutions are designed to integrate into a broader clamping concept that considers the requirements of the entire production process.
OK-VISE in the Machine Shop Industry
OK-VISE provides machine shops with an alternative to the traditional screw clamp, especially when the goal is to maximize the use of the machining area and achieve high clamping force relative to size. The low-profile design allows for the tight arrangement of multiple parts, for example on a horizontal machining center or a pallet.
The reliability of clamping directly affects dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and tool life. Therefore, the choice of fixturing system is part of holistic process planning, factoring in machining values, cutting forces, and workpiece geometry. OK-VISE has established itself particularly where a compact yet powerful clamping solution is needed.
Summary
OK-VISE is a Finnish manufacturer of clamping solutions, best known for its wedge-operated low-profile clamp. The company’s solutions are based on high clamping force, compact structure, and modularity. OK-VISE products are widely used in machine shops and machining workshops that require precise, repeatable, and space-saving workpiece clamping, both in manual and automated production.
