Solutions for Every Hold
The endurance and robustness of workholders enables them to conquer the most demanding applications. The post Solutions for Every Hold appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
Engineered to last, vises, positioners, clamps and workholders deliver solid holds so your shop can generate high-performance cutting and maximize output.
Workpiece Stops Quickly Locate Small Workpieces in 3-Jaw Chucks
Dillon Manufacturing Inc. (Springfield, OH) Workpiece Stops provide a quick, consistent method of locating short workpieces in 3-jaw chucks, thus speeding setup times, and enhancing safety when machining short components. They allow short parts to be set above the jaws, thus providing needed clearance. Strong magnets pressed into the stops hold them securely to the chuck face, which contrasts with parallels or spacers that can come loose and be thrown. In addition to providing a safer workspace, Dillon’s Workpiece Stops allow quick setup times, saving time and money. They are available in heights from .563”-to-1.375”, making them ideal for anyone machining short parts with 3-jaw chucks. Dillon Manufacturing stocks the full lineup of Workpiece Stops as well as other accessories including jaw boring rings, jaw force gauges, grease, vise jaws, jaw nuts and keyways, and more at the Springfield factory.
Clamps Use a Unique Snap-on System for Uniform and Positive Clamping
Fixtureworks® (Fraser, MI), a leading North American manufacturer and supplier of clamps, fixturing accessories, machine tool components and rollers and bumpers, has bolstered its array of manual-style snap clamps adaptable to different industrial applications and systems. The snap/spring clamps are mechanical clamps with constant clamping force by spring pressure without tools. The handle clicks at its clamping end, leading to error-free secure clamping. The clamping force generated by a spring is always constant, preventing over/under tightening and workpiece damage.
The manual snap clamps feature both push/pull identified as QLSNS, the toggle QLSND hold down snap clamp, and the QLSNDM miniature version hold down clamp. The clamps use a unique snap-on system to provide uniform and positive clamping in one smooth operation. As the handle is applied to the clamp, the internal mechanism works to build tension. At a specified point, the tension is released and transformed into clamping force. This allows uniform clamping force with every cycle. These snap clamps offer excellent durability and will not become weak or unstable after repeated use like traditional toggle clamps.
The QLSNS push/pull snap clamp version comes in heights from 133-to-157 mm with clamping force to 50-140N (37-to-103 lb.). The QLSND toggle clamps come in heights from 140-to-158 mm with clamping force to 20-to-60 N (15-to-44 lb.). The QLSNDM miniature toggle clamps come in heights from 39-to-53 mm with clamping force of 10-to-30 N (7-to-22 lb.).
Zero-point Workholding System Offers Cost-effective Flexibility
HWR Workholding USA’s (Noblesville, IN) SOLIDLine modular, zero-point workholding platform provides manufacturers with a highly secure and cost-effective means to hold a diverse range of parts. SOLIDLine proves especially beneficial to shops specializing in a high-mix, low-volume work, as well as those performing simultaneous 5-axis machining. At the core of SOLIDLine is the SOLIDPoint® mechanism, which feature a maintenance-free, high-efficient design. Its plates offer 300% of the pull-in force of comparable zero-point systems, while also allowing for both a 96-mm and 52-mm grid on the same product. The flexibility of this approach allows for the setup of both small and large parts on the same plate. A wide range of plate sizes allows the system to be applied across a broad variety of machines. To avoid clearance issues and provide maximum accessibility to all sides of a part, 5-axis risers can be incorporated. Additionally, manufacturers can hold multiple workpieces at once via a twin-sided base, 4-sided SOLIDTower tombstone or 3-station pyramid for 5-axis machining. Pneumatic plates that maintain a closed position until opened by air allow for easy integration of automation. HWR also offers the innovative SOLIDBolt system, which inverts the traditional design by having pull stud mount directly to a plate or a machine’s existing table or pallet. The mechanical components are contained within the vise or riser, allowing for the integration of zero-point workholding with a lower initial investment. The newest product in the range is SOLIDBolt FLEXX, which is compatible with a variety of tables and pallets. The SOLIDGrip line provides the interface between the workholding and part. Standard SOLIDGrip vises offer jaw widths ranging from 1.81″ (46 mm)-to-4.92″ (125 mm), with a maximum clamping range of up to 13.98” (355 mm). Introduced in 2024, the SOLIDGrip MAXX extends the maximum clamping range up to 31.50″, (800 mm).
New Jaw Styles Added to Low-profile Clamping Solutions
friction for applications that generate high machining forces.
Jergens Inc. (Cleveland, OH) offers a new style of jaw with tungsten carbide coated gripper to its popular OK-Vise® line of low-profile clamping solutions. The new jaw design and coated gripper work together to further enhance holding power and increase friction for applications and materials that generate higher machining forces. Together, the new design provides a high level of workholding performance without the need for gripper serrations that can leave marks in softer materials. The highly configurable, minimal height system performs well to hold workpieces with maximum part access for the greatest amount of machining per setup. OK-Vise uses a patented wedge-operated, low-profile clamp that provides uniform pressure via a single hex screw. Its components can be used to build both general-purpose and dedicated fixturing and work in conjunction with other Jergens workholding platforms. A systems approach provides all the basic elements needed for flexible fixturing. Among the components are Multi-Rail and Combo-Rail units, to which multiple clamps can be attached to accommodate numerous parts in a single set-up. The rail system can be modified per the need of the parts to be machined.
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