Precision machining, assembly and alignment operations require workpieces that are properly positioned with respect to one or more tools, and then securely clamped onto their datum work surfaces. In many cases, custom workholding fixtures and devices are used together with standard fasteners to precisely and securely clamp the workpiece. The design, fabrication and installation of these custom workholding fixtures can be cumbersome and time-consuming, thereby increasing overall manufacturing throughput and labor costs.

Fixtureworks – a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of a wide assortment of unique industrial products – carries an innovative line of One-Touch workholding clamps, along with many other workholding supports and positioning components. These innovative devices provide a quick and easy tool-less clamping solution for workpiece set-up, thereby significantly reducing set-up times and improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity.

Types of One-Touch clamps

Fixtureworks offers a wide variety of standard and one-touch workholding clamps that can be adapted to several different manufacturing applications. These clamps are manufactured to the highest quality specifications and provide quick, secure and precise workpiece workholding. The line of one-touch clamps includes the following:

Swing clamps (Figure 1) have an arm that swings completely out of the way to allow easy loading and unloading of the workpiece. Swing clamps may therefore be ideal for repetitive clamping operations. These clamps provide a direct downward force to the workpiece, which can range up to 1600 lbs, depending on the clamp design.

Figure 1. Swing clamp. Source: Fixtureworks

Side clamps (Figure 2) incorporate a screw-type mechanism that forces the jaw forward, providing a long clamping stroke and firm clamping in both the horizontal and vertical directions. These clamps grip the side of a workpiece and keep the top free of obstructions. Compact, low profile and heavy-duty side clamp types are all available.

Figure 2. Side clamp. Source: Fixtureworks

Thrust clamps (Figure 3) are adaptable to a wide range of vertical and horizontal workholding situations. These clamps feature a clamping body, a clamping bar and a handle. Clamping is accomplished by pushing the bar through the center of the body until contact is made with the workpiece. The clamp is actuated by turning the handle, which extends and retracts the bar for secure workholding.

Figure 3. Thrust clamp. Source: Fixtureworks

Toggle clamps (Figure 4) are actuated by moving the handle down or up, which clamps or releases theFigure 4. Toggle clamp. Source: Fixtureworks workpiece. These toggle clamps offer a high quality, durable alternative to standard toggle clamps by incorporating high-quality bushings that won’t score and operate without slop or play over 300,000 clamping cycles.

Form holding clamps (figure 5) are designed to clamp onto outside or inside diameters of round or oddly shaped workpieces. They come in a variety of different configurations including round or square wedge styles and in miniature or standard sizes.

Figure 5. Form holding clamp. Source: Fixtureworks

The Fixtureworks One-Touch clamps provide several advantages over conventional, hydraulic and pneumatic clamps. They are available in numerous styles and sizes making them adaptable to numerous different workpieces and manufacturing operations. These innovative workholding clamps provide greater efficiency, ease of use and reduced costs, as workpiece changeovers can be accomplished faster and without the need for tools or special fasteners.

Real-world solutions

The production machining of a complex part like the gearbox housing requires that the part be held precisely with respect to the tool for drilling, milling and inspection operations. Using traditional mechanical style strap clamps, the machinist would need to precisely locate the part onto the work surface then use tools to tighten a nut or screw, being careful to not disturb the position of the part.

The clamping process could be greatly simplified by the use of hydraulic or pneumatic clamps (Figure 6);Figure 6. Part held with pneumatic clamps. Source: Fixtureworks however, these clamps are not easily installed and may also be expensive. They also require a source of pressurized air or fluid, including tubes, fittings, valves and pressure regulating devices.

Fixtureworks One-Touch clamps greatly simplify the clamping of the gearbox housing onto the work surface. The machinist simply sets the part onto the clamps and turns a few handles, which will precisely self-locate the part with respect to the tool and firmly clamp the part onto the work surface. These clamps can dramatically reduce the cost of fixtures and installation labor.

Fixtureworks

Fixtureworks manufactures and supplies a wide assortment of unique industrial products that range from modular fixturing components and workholding devices to standard machine elements. Because many of these products are highly versatile and easily adaptable to different applications, they are commonly found within different applications, including designing, inspection, machining and finished goods.

Together with their workholding devices, Fixtureworks supplies a wide range of positioning components including grippers, rest pads and swivel contact bolts. These are designed to promote higher productivity, while their modular and economical replaceable wear surfaces extend the life of expensive jigs, fixtures, jaws and clamping mechanisms.

In addition to the off-the-shelf products, Fixtureworks is equipped to handle special orders or make modifications to standard products to meet specific application requirements. Learn more and contact Fixtureworks online or call 1-888-794-8687 for additional support.