Planning
Steps 1-13
Step 1: First, determine the nature of the operation to be performed, the number of parts to be processed per cycle, and whether operations will be performed on more than one surface of each part. Also determine the time that should be allowed for part loading, unloading, and clamping the part. Consult your machine tool file to determine the available work space on the machine table, bed, chuck or other surface, as applicable. Be sure that the space available will accommodate the part or quantity of parts to be processed according to your manufacturing work-flow. If not, revise your plan. In the initial phases of system planning, include adequate measures and devices to ensure the safety of workers and equipment. For more information, see the safety section on the back inside cover. Step 2: Prepare an outline of the sequence of events that will take place during the manufacturing cycle. This will assist you in determining the types of special sequencing valves that you might need, as well as any external control (such as a tie-in with machine controls) that your application may require. Step 3: Calculate the cutting forces generated in the machining process and note the direction that these forces tend to act on the workpiece. If you are planning a retrofit of a manual clamping system, you may use the torques presently being used. However, it is recommended that cutter forces be calculated as a precaution in such a case to ensure that workholding devices are sized to provide an adequate margin of safety. The operation manuals of many machine tools contain tables that list machining forces or simple formulas for calculating these forces. But if you can’t find the information, give us a call. We’ll be glad to get you started. Step 4 Plan your fixture(s) with positive fixed stops to resist the majority of cutting forces and to ensure correct location of the workpiece using the primary part locating features.
Step 5: (Optional) Normally you need to calculate the forces required to overcome workpiece weight and friction and to move the part into position against fixture stops. However, with our systems, this is an optional step, thanks to the two-stage design of VektorFlo ® hydraulic power sources. The low-pressure high-flow first stage will move clamping devices into position around the workpiece and generate sufficient force to settle the workpiece against fixture stops before high-pressure clamping forces are generated. Additionally, in many applications, the nature of the fixture itself will ensure that the part is located closely enough to eliminate the need for positioning devices as a separate fixture element. Step 6: After you have determined the machine cutting forces, it is easy to calculate the clamping force required to hold the workpiece on the fixture or machine table. Again, a simple formula is all you need to arrive at an answer for the materials you’ll be working. Give us a call if you need help. Step 7: Determine where clamps should contact the part to hold or support it securely and to avoid interference with machine operations. If clamps cannot be located so as to avoid interference with manufacturing operations, it will be necessary to use an external control device to move the clamps out of the way as the need arises during the manufacturing sequence. This will require that electrically actuated valves be used to control the offending devices separately. D etermine the type and number of workholding devices you need based on the total clamping force required and clamping positions you’ve selected. Choose by the size, strength and shape of the part, and on the machine operation. Step 9: To help determine the capacity of the power source you’ll need the total oil displacement requirements for the devices you have selected. Then choose a power source with equal or greater capacity and determine if it operates the system within your clamping time constraints by completing the “Calculate the Approximate Clamping Time of a Fixture” worksheet in Section A. Step 8:
Step 10: Select valves and other control components to accomplish the sequence of operations you outlined in Step 2. See the valve section of this catalog for guidance. Step 11: Select appropriate safety control mechanisms. All VektorFlo ® electrical power modules have a hydraulic pressure switch as standard equipment to ensure that consistent forces are maintained at all times. However, when a power source is used to power several separate individual systems, each system should also have its own pressure monitor. Step 12: Finally, select the plumbing components required to connect the power source to the valves and devices. Review your system specifications and layout to determine what you need in terms of ratings, sizes, and lengths. Step 13: Call us for help. Our application engineers do not design fixtures. Their job is to help you use hydraulic clamps successfully. Whether you are retrofitting existing fixtures, need a concept for clamping a new part or want a quick review of your design we stand ready to help Metric VektorFlo ® customers. Call +1-913-365-1045 for everything you need in power clamping. Discover how easy, economical, and efficient power clamping can be — with one call. We’ll be glad to answer your questions, provide concepts or advice, and give you a quote. Please visit us at www.vektek.com to download our most current CAD files.
A-2
© Vektek December 2021
Inside US 1-800-992-0236
www.vektek.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs