ZPP's 5-axis pyramid fixtures cover four distinct form factors: the compact TS96-276 Circle, the small-parts TS52-3P, the medium-duty TS96-3P, and the high-density TS96-4P. This guide breaks down what 3P and 4P mean, how the circle fixture differs from the pyramid towers, and how to pick the right one for your 5-axis CNC center.
What Does 3P / 4P Mean on a 5-Axis Pyramid Fixture?
The suffix tells you the number of machining stations (faces) on the fixture:
- 3P = 3-station / 3-face pyramid. You fixture parts on three sides; the 5-axis rotary tilts and spins to reach each face.
- 4P = 4-station / 4-face pyramid. One extra face compared to 3P, giving you the highest part density in the lineup.
- TS96-276 Circle = a single-station circular zero point fixture. It is not a multi-face tower; it is a compact round base that lets one workpiece or small fixture rotate freely for 5-axis access.
All four mount on a zero point clamping system base using the same pull-stud and three-reference-face interface, so they swap in under 30 seconds with ±0.005 mm repeatability.
TS96-276 : Compact Circular 5-Axis Base
The TS96-276(D276 × 120 mm) is the smallest and lowest-profile option in the family. Instead of a multi-face tower, it is a round zero point fixture designed for one part or one small sub-fixture. Because the body is circular and low, a 5-axis rotary table can tilt it through wide angles without the fixture body colliding with the spindle or table.
Best for:
- Single complex parts that need 5-axis simultaneous access
- Medical and aerospace components where clearance is tight
- Shops that want a circular work envelope without building a custom fixture
TS52-3P: 3-Station Pyramid for Small Parts
The TS52-3P (D245 × 104 mm) is a 3-station pyramid built on the 52 mm TS52 pitch. The smaller footprint and shorter height make it ideal for small workpieces and machines with limited Z-axis travel or rotary envelope.
Because it uses the TS52 pitch, you pair it with TS52 pull studs and smaller vises. Think electronics, small medical devices, and any job where you want three parts per cycle but do not need the stiffness of the 96 mm family.
TS96-3P: 3-Station Pyramid for Medium-to-Large Work
The TS96-3P (D315 × 151.7 mm) steps up to the 96 mm TS96 pitch. The wider base and taller body support larger faces and heavier cuts than the TS52-3P. It is the right choice when your parts are too big for the TS52 envelope but you still want the simplicity and tool clearance of a 3-station layout.
Pair it with PM96 pull studs and the TS96 zero point system. For face loading, the HP15077 quick-change vise can mount directly on each pyramid face.
TS96-4P: 4-Station Pyramid for Maximum Density
The TS96-4P (D340 × 157.6 mm) adds a fourth station to the TS96 pitch. That gives you four parts per cycle instead of three, which is the highest machining density in the ZPP pyramid lineup. The trade-off is a slightly larger rotating envelope and taller body, so you need to verify tool and spindle clearance before buying.
This is the fixture to choose when:
- You run high-mix, medium-volume batches
- Each part is small enough to fit on a 4P face
- Your machine has the rotary travel to clear the larger body
5-Axis Pyramid Fixture Comparison
| Model | Form | Pitch | Stations | Envelope (D × H) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS96-276 Circle | Circular base | TS96 | 1 | 276 × 120 mm | Single 5-axis parts, tight clearance |
| TS52-3P | 3-face pyramid | TS52 | 3 | 245 × 104 mm | Small parts, limited Z travel |
| TS96-3P | 3-face pyramid | TS96 | 3 | 315 × 151.7 mm | Medium-to-large parts, heavy cuts |
| TS96-4P | 4-face pyramid | TS96 | 4 | 340 × 157.6 mm | Maximum parts per cycle |
How to Choose the Right 5-Axis Pyramid Fixture
- Start with the part size. Small parts → TS52-3P. Medium parts → TS96-3P or TS96-4P. Single complex parts → TS96-276 Circle.
- Check your machine envelope. The TS96-4P needs the most rotary clearance; the TS96-276 Circle needs the least.
- Match the pitch to your existing bases. If your shop already runs TS96, stay in the TS96 family. If you are building a small-parts cell from scratch, TS52 is more compact and lower cost.
- Decide density vs. clearance. More stations = more parts per cycle but more interference risk. Fewer stations = more tool access and simpler programming.
Integrating Pyramid Fixtures With Your Zero Point System
Every pyramid fixture in the 5-axis pyramid series drops onto a matching zero point base. The base stays on the machine table; the pyramid swaps off and on for loading, cleaning, and changeover. With a pneumatic zero point base, you release all studs at once and swap a loaded pyramid in under 10 seconds.
You can also mix fixture types across the shop: run a TS96-4P pyramid on one machine for batch work and a TS96-276 Circle on another for one-off 5-axis parts, all on the same TS96 zero point standard.
Applications by Fixture
- TS96-276 Circle: aerospace impellers, medical implants, prototype 5-axis work.
- TS52-3P: electronics housings, small brackets, connector bodies.
- TS96-3P: automotive fixtures, medium aerospace brackets, mold inserts.
- TS96-4P: high-volume production families, multi-part batches, job-shop density cells.
Five-axis pyramid fixtures are one of the strongest applications of a zero point workholding system because they let you rough and finish across multiple faces without losing the datum. The complete guide covers 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis deployment patterns side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TS96-3P and TS96-4P?
TS96-3P has three machining faces (stations); TS96-4P has four. Both use the 96 mm TS96 pitch, but the 4P is larger and holds one more part per cycle.
Is the TS96-276 Circle a pyramid?
No. The TS96-276 Circle is a compact circular zero point fixture for single-station 5-axis work. The TS52-3P, TS96-3P, and TS96-4P are the actual multi-face pyramids.
Can I use TS52 pull studs on a TS96-3P?
No. TS96-3P uses the 96 mm TS96 pitch and requires TS96 / PM96 pull studs. TS52 pull studs are only for the 52 mm TS52 family.
Which fixture gives the highest parts-per-cycle?
The TS96-4P, with four stations, holds the most parts per cycle. The TS96-276 Circle holds one part and is optimized for clearance, not density.
How fast is a pyramid changeover?
On a zero point base, any pyramid fixture swaps in under 30 seconds manually or under 10 seconds with pneumatic actuation.
Explore the 5-Axis Pyramid Series
Browse the full 5-axis pyramid fixture collection for live specs and pricing, or read the TS96 zero point system guide to match the right pitch to your table.
For a broader look at when zero point positioning makes sense across machine types and industries, see Zero Point Clamping System: The Complete Guide 2026.
Need help sizing a pyramid for your machine envelope? Contact our engineering team with your rotary table travel and largest part size and we'll recommend the right model.