Hydraulic Clamping Fundamentals

SECTION V - POSITION SENSING GENERAL INFORMATION This section provides basic information for incorporating position sensing on fixtures using hydraulic clamping. The concepts provided here in are to illustrate different sensing methodology using VektorFlo® devices, but not by any means are they the only methods that can be used.

Concentricity must be with in .005” between the centerline of fixture bore and the centerline of the position rod on the clamp.

The clamps used for illustration purposes are all bottom flange swing clamps. Other mounting styles of clamps are available with position sensing options. Please see the VektorFlo® catalog or contact your VektorFlo® sales representative for additional information. AIR LOGIC or BACK PRESSURE SENSING This type of position sensing uses pneumatic backpressure to a sensor module to determine position of clamp. The air back pressure signal trips a relay in the module, which converts the signal to an electrical output. As this is device specific, a sensor module must be used for each clamp. There are several manufactures of this type of module and each of the products has its own requirements for air pressure orifice size and distance to contact surface, therefore, it is up to the customer to design the sensor interface components for full system compatibility. Basic Requirements: Sensor piston must have enough air contact surface so that it can indicate a clamp condition for variances in part thickness tolerances. Clamp adjustment must be made to each clamp at time of set up.

AIR PRESSURE SENSING This type of sensing allows air into a cavity around the customer provided air pistons which are attached to the sensor rod on the clamp. The position of the piston allows airflow to the clamp or the unclamp port depending on the clamp position. This pneumatic signal is transmitted to a customer provided device that provides the required control logic. Basic Requirements: Sensor piston must have enough air contact surface so that it can indicate a clamp condition for variances in part thickness tolerances. Clamp adjustment must be made to each clamp at time of set up. Concentricity must be with in .001” between the centerline of fixture bore and the centerline of the position rod on the clamp.

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