Planning
Introduction
Planning Your Power Workholding System . . . Successful power workholding does not just
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a 10,000 pound clamp into a T-slot that would only withstand 5,000 pounds of force. Using power workholding does not in any way invalidate the principles of sound fixture design. The 3-2-1 concept, as it relates to the location of the workpiece in three planes, is just as applicable when using power workholding devices as when using manual methods. Workholding devices should be positioned in such a way as to ensure firm contact between the workpiece and locating buttons, pins, or surfaces. Begin the planning process by asking yourself the following: n What do you want your system to accomplish? n What sort of operation will use this system? n What clamping “speed” is appropriate for the speed at which your production line runs?
You should select “realistic” cycle times. The shorter the cycle time, the larger the power source required. For example, a pump with a 1/3 HP electric motor may be satisfactory to reach clamping pressure on a given system in three seconds. However, to accomplish the same task in one second may require a pump with a 1 HP electric motor, at a considerable increase in both initial expense and operating costs. So before you specify “instantaneous” cycling, be sure the increased clamping speed is really worth the higher costs for your particular installation. Ask yourself if you can productively utilize the seconds saved. With this in mind, let’s proceed step-by-step through a plan of attack for designing your system.
happen. Like any other manufacturing process, it must be carefully planned. That does not mean that you need to be a hydraulics engineer to implement a power workholding system. Designing a system involves common-sense application of a few basic workholding concepts and a basic understanding of fixtures. Applications for power workholding fall into two categories: Retrofits to replace and upgrade clamping on existing fixtures and New Fixtures designed from the outset with power workholding. In both cases it is imperative that you keep in mind the forces that can be generated by power workholding devices. A single device, small enough to hold in your hand, can generate five tons of clamping force. If you are replacing existing manual bolt and nut clamping or toggle clamps, make sure that the fixture or machine tool base will withstand the forces. Don’t risk damaging a machine bed because you tried to tie
For information on workholding product used in Metric applications, call your Vektek Customer Support Specialists and request our Metric Hydraulic catalog.
In order to support our process of ongoing product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice. Due to these improvements, products may not be exactly as illustrated. Visit our website pdf catalog for the most current catalog illustrations. www.vektek.com You will also find a CAD library on the website to assist in designing Vektek product into your machine fixture projects.
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