Universal Pallet System
Swap your entire table. Not just a fixture.
The Universal Pallet System scales from a single 8″ x 8″ pallet to a full 48″ x 96″ table, locked down with the same shop-proven, failsafe technology behind every Pierson pallet system.
- Scales to Your Table
- Swap the Whole Table
- Strong & Failsafe
- 100% Made in the USA
- pallets from 8″ x 8″ to 48″ x 96″
- 8″ to 96″
- pallets from 8″ x 8″ to 48″ x 96″
- air releases, springs lock
- Failsafe
- air releases, springs lock
- test cycles with day-one performance
- 100,000
- test cycles with day-one performance
- designed and manufactured
- USA
- designed and manufactured
One System. Any Size. Your Whole Table.
The Universal Pallet System (UPS) breaks the pallet out of the box. Instead of one fixed base, small individual Lock Pod Bases are distributed across your machine table wherever you need them. Place a few close together to hold a single 8″ x 8″ pallet, or spread them out to lock down a pallet as large as 48″ x 96″.
That means you can stage an entire table of fixtures and parts outside the machine, then swap the whole setup in one move. Every Lock Pod Base uses the same failsafe, spring-powered locking technology proven in our Pro, MAX-4, and Mini Pallet Systems: air releases it, springs lock it, and your pallets stay put even with a total loss of air pressure.
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Distributed Lock Pod Bases, Unlimited Layouts
Build beyond our other pallet systems. The Universal Pallet System puts compact, individual Lock Pod Bases exactly where you need them. Group them tight for small pallets, or spread them across the table for full fixtures.
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Shop-Proven, Failsafe Locking
Every Lock Pod Base is air actuated to release and spring powered to lock. Disconnect the air lines completely and your fixture stays locked. There's no hydraulic pump to fail and no loss of holding power if your air supply drops. It's the same locking technology that has run in shops for over a decade across our Pro, MAX-4, and Mini Pallet Systems.
Hardened Stainless Where It Counts
The locking hardware installed in your pallet is hardened stainless steel, built for long life and repeatable seating cycle after cycle. Our hardened critical components have shown very little wear after 100,000 test cycles.
Build Pallets in Your Own Machine
You make the pallets, in whatever size and material your job needs. Our Economy Vacuum Pods hold the raw plate in place while you machine the geometry that accepts the locking hardware. No special fixturing required to get started.
How It Works
Step 1: Lay Out Your Lock Points
Mount the Lock Pod Bases to your table in the pattern your pallet size needs, from a single 8″ x 8″ pallet to a full 48″ x 96″ table.
Step 2: Hold the Raw Pallet Stock
Set your fixture plate on the Economy Vacuum Pods to hold it securely.
Step 3: Machine the Locking Geometry
Cut the features that accept the hardened stainless locking hardware.
Step 4: Install the Hardware
Install the hardened stainless locking components and your fixture plate is ready.
Step 5: Load, Lock, and Run
Set the fixture on the Lock Pod Bases and switch the hand valve to lock.
Step 6: Swap and Repeat
Standardize full-table setups and swap them out in minutes.
Accessories
Economy Vacuum Pods
The Fastest Way to Make Your First Pallet
Every Universal Pallet starts as a plain plate. Economy Vacuum Pods hold that plate flat and secure on your table so you can machine the geometry that accepts the locking hardware, with no clamps in the way and full access to the top surface.
- Simple setup: place the pods, set your plate, and turn on the vacuum.
- Clear access: no unnecessary clamps on top of the part, so you can machine every locking feature in one setup.
- Proven vacuum know-how: built on the same vacuum workholding experience behind our SmartVac system, the industry standard in shops in over 65 countries and all 50 states.
- Easy holding-force math: each Vacuum Pod holds with 750 lbs of vacuum clamping force.
Once the hardware is installed, your new pallet goes straight onto the Lock Pod Bases and into production.
Specifications
- Pallet size range
- 8″ x 8″ to 48″ x 96″
- Locking method
- Air actuated to release, spring powered to lock (failsafe)
- Locking hardware
- Hardened stainless steel
- Pallet material
- User-supplied (machined in-house)
- Made in
- USA
FAQs
1.How is the Universal Pallet System different from the Pro or Mini Pallet System?
The Pro and Mini use a single base that accepts a set range of standard pallet sizes. The Universal Pallet System replaces that base with individual Lock Pod Bases you distribute across the table. That lets you hold pallets from 8″ x 8″ all the way up to 48″ x 96″, or swap your entire table at once.
2.Is it as secure as your other pallet systems?
Yes. It uses the same shop-proven, failsafe locking technology. Lock points are air actuated to release and spring powered to lock, so pallets stay locked even if the air lines are completely removed.
3.Do I have to buy pallets from Pierson?
No. You machine your own pallets in the size and material your work needs, then install our hardened stainless locking hardware. Economy Vacuum Pods make holding the raw plate simple.
4.How many Lock Pod Bases do I need?
It depends on pallet size and cutting loads. In general, mount them in the front and rear T-slot positions, measure their distance in the Y-axis and apply that to the X-axis spacing. Still unsure? Call us and we'll help you lay out the right pattern for your machine.
5.Will it work in my machine?
If your table can mount a vise, it can mount Universal Pallet System Lock Pod Bases. You'll need a compressed air supply for releasing the locks.
6.Can I still use my vises and indexers?
Absolutely. Bolt your existing vises, rotary indexers, and fixtures to Universal Pallets and drop them onto the table with no re-indicating. Many customers use pallets to standardize setups, not just to hold parts.
7.What maintenance is required?
Keep everything clean, covered, and dry when not in use. A light coat of grease on the locating and locking surfaces on a regular schedule keeps holding force consistent.
8.Where can I purchase a Universal Pallet System?
All of our products are sold direct so we can give you the best application advice possible. Order online or call us at (800) 352-2894. We accept all major credit cards and company checks.
Innovate Your Production
Your machine, your CAM software, and your tooling keep getting better. Now your workholding can scale right along with them. Swap a single pallet or your entire table, and keep the spindle cutting.
All our products are 100% designed and manufactured in the USA