Link Clamps Frequently Asked Questions
The part thickness varies on my application. Which component will work best for my situation, the swing clamp or the link clamp? Swing clamps have more part variation tolerance, with nominal installation height being at 1/2 of straight stroke, it can tolerate ± 1/2 stroke variations. The limit on link clamps is ±3 O which is more limited. When should a link clamp not be used? If you are clamping on a draft angle, the angle will exert undue stresses on the linkage mechanism. Please avoid stressing guidance mechanisms of either swing clamps or link clamps as these stresses will cause premature failure not covered by warranty due to mis-application.
What is the vertical stroke of a link clamp?
It is the portion of the clamping stroke that must be used when contacting the part. The maximum part variation is included in the vertical stroke, when outside the specifications, the force generated by the clamp will be reduced and may result in reduced clamp life. How do I control the speed of a swing clamp or a link clamp? Avoid high flow rates. The link clamp positions with less mechanical resistance, but mass, acceleration, and sudden stops affect all clamps adversely. Make your decision based on your acceptance of the shortened life cycle. Pneumatic flows are normally restricted on the “out-flow” rather than the current inlet port. In some cases, both inlet and outlet may require restrictions to achieve desired speed results. Is the link clamp more accurate than swing clamps? In some cases it may be preferred, its link mechanism still has a limited amount of play and may not be as precise as you desire. This type of decision is application dependent and generally decided by loading direction, part clamping target, and clearance limitations.
C-1
The link clamp lever arcs up and out of the way to accommodate hard-to-reach or hard-to-hit clamping points. Link clamps contain the beam mechanism often preferred by fixture builders. This self-contained beam eliminates the need to build or design a clamp mechanism as part of the fixture. Vektek’s unique single piece body and pivot design provides the least side-to-side axial deflection and the most rigid product on the market today. Do I have to use the adapters included on the pneumatic link clamp? The included adapters are required to change the device port to NPT from SAE. It is possible to make a transition to either compression tube fittings or to flared tube and hose fittings in one connector. You should call Vektek or visit our website at www.vektek.com . If you are using soft tubing you will need to provide your own ferrule for compression fittings as Vektek does not stock low pressure nylon, brass or bronze ferrules. When should I use a link clamp? A link clamp is often preferred when you must reach over, not swing over or around a height obstacle. Reaching down into a die casting, between two mounting lugs, or a direct overhead vertical load are good examples where these devices are required. Keep in mind that the vertical clearance must be greater when you are bringing a part into position, but direct drop in loading is easily accomplished by an operator or robot in either swing clamp or link clamp fixtures .
LINK CLAMPS SHOWN WITH STANDARD LENGTH LEVERS Levers sold separately • page C-4
800-992-0236 © Vektek January 2022
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker