VersaCam™ Swing Clamps and Arms
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
W here and when should I use VersaCam ™ swing clamps? Swing clamps are a logical choice where loading of the part is hampered by other styles of clamp. Swing clamps (as their names indicate) move out of the way for easy access to the load/ unload area. They may be easily visualized by tool designers and the action emulates that of manual strap clamps. Are there some applications where I need to avoid using swing clamps? Yes, swing clamps should not be used without fixed stops or hard locators into which the cutter force is transmitted. If swing clamps are oriented to hold vertically, horizontal cutter forces should be transmitted into solid stops that can easily absorb their energy. If forces are transmitted to swing clamps at 90° to the clamp action, all of the force is transmitted into the rotating mechanism. This may result in premature wear and early failure. First, calculate the cutter or climbing forces to be resisted. Then examine the direction of these forces. Determine how much of these forces will have to be held by the clamp. Size your clamp based on the estimated working pressure of your fixture. We recommend using 200 bar to 275 bar (20 MPa - 27.5 MPa) at this point to give you some additional capacity if required when your fixture is complete or processes change. How do I size swing clamps? I want the fastest possible action from my swing clamps. How do I do that and how fast can I get? The table on page C-20 lists Clamp Time and Fluid Flow Rates for VersaCam ™ Swing Clamps. A good rule-of-thumb: "If you see the clamp open, then see it closed, but don’t see it move; it swung into position in less than 1/16th second. That is always too fast." Finally, ask yourself, "Can the operator put that extra fraction of a second to good use?" If the answer is no, then slow the clamp down by adjusting the hydraulic pressure.
I need to clamp over a work support. Are there any special precautions that I should take? Yes, you will want to be sure that the clamp is sequenced to swing only after the work support has built sufficient pressure to hold the clamp’s force. Confirm that your swing clamp and work support are sized properly. Sequencing is recommended only above 140 bar (14 MPa). Use a Vektek sequence valve or In The Port Sequence Valve (other brands will not work). To prevent damage to the work support, use a Vektek unclamp delay valve to ensure the swing clamp releases before the work support. How do you decide between a VersaCam ™ and TuffCam ™ Swing Clamp? TuffCam ™ Swing Clamps must always be used when the required clamp equation time is 1/2 second or less. The TuffCam ™ rotation mechanism is more durable than the VersaCam™ swing clamp, but they have the capability to swing in only one direction, as ordered. VersaCam ™ Swing Clamps can be used when clamp speed is not critical (greater than 1/2 second is allowed) or the direction may need to be changed to swing left, right or straight. This is ideal where direction is not yet determined or you want to reduce the requirement for maintenance stock.
I am planning to exceed the flow rating of your clamps, but I will be using low pressure. That’s OK isn’t it? No, excessive speed is excessive speed. Regardless of pressure swinging an arm against a cam faster than intended is not recommended. This action shortens the clamp life even at low pressures. We recommend not exceeding the maximum flow rates. Some alternate components to consider are the in-port flow controls, or you may want to consider TuffCam ™ Swing Clamps. My swing clamps don’t all contact the part at the same time. Why? Flow restrictions, excess fittings, long tubing runs and different springs can all cause swing clamps to actuate at varying times. Despite the appearance, they actually build to pressure at approximately the same time.
C-19
NOTE: Do not use this as a sequence valve.
My application calls for an arm about the size of a baseball bat weighing 6.4 kg . How fast can I swing it? VERY SLOWLY! Weight, like flow, can damage a swing clamp. If you must use an arm exceeding the weight of our standard or extended arm, slow it down. Heavy arms should be used on double acting clamps only, and swing speed must be restricted in both directions. See the length and pressure limitations from the table in the end of this section. I want to use a 2 kN swing clamp but need a 22 kN swing clamp arm for length. How do I fit this arm onto the clamp? What are my flow and pressure restrictions? You will have to add to an extended arm or make a custom. We cannot supply an arm modified to these specifications. A reach of this distance is not recommended. If you must reach beyond the limits charted, please consult Vektek engineers for assistance.
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