Clamping
devices are used to minimize the distortion of the metal during the machining
process. Once the workpiece is located on the work table, it is necessary to
hold it against the machining force. The mechanism used for clamping is known
as clamps. They are holding devices usually positioned above the supporting
surfaces. In some cases, fiber pads are riveted to the face of clamps where the metallic clamp gets in contact
with the workpiece to avoid damage by metallic contact.
Requirement for a clamping device
Some essential requirements that should fulfill by clamping devices are;
1.
The clamping tool must hold the
workpiece rigidly while machines work against all disturbing forces acting on
the workpiece. The clamping force should only be enough to stay the workpiece
in the correct position.
2.
The
clamping shouldn't damage workpieces while holding them. The clamp should
contact at the most rigid points of the component.
3.
The
clamping should be applied only where the workpiece has enough support of the
fixture body. It helps to avoid the bending and damaging of the workpiece
thanks to clamping force.
4.
Clamping
shouldn't loosen during the machining process thanks to vibration and
distortion.
Rules for clamping:
· Always use a piece of scrap wood or a
fiber coating between the clamp jaws and working parts to prevent damaging the
part.
· Apply clamp load perpendicular to the
part to stop slippage.
· Always use a minimum of two clamps to
stop rotation.
· Do not overtighten. Overtightening can
damage the clamp.
Types of clamps
There are different types of clamping tools all designed to carry out various tasks
and workloads, some of them are;
1.
Screw Clamps
Screw clamps are a type of screw
mechanism to adjust the jaws and clamp a workpiece in place.
2.
Quick-Release Clamps
Also known as one-handed clamps,
designed with a mechanism that allows the user to release a workpiece in one
quick movement.
There are different types of
quick-release clamps, including lever clamps, spring clamps, and trigger
clamps.
3.
Bar Clamps
Bar clamps are a metal bar that
holds the two jaws parallel. The extensive bar allows the user to clamp long or
wide workpieces effectively, making them a useful tool to have for heavy-duty
work.
4.
Locking Clamps
Locking clamps allows being
quickly locked or released in one swift movement using the integrated lever.
Due to their wide jaw opening and square shape, locking clamps are designed for
clamping large or awkward objects that other clamps may be unable to grip on.
5.
Angle Clamps
Angle clamps are designed for
clamping objects at an angle. It's a perfect clamp to use when wishing to make
miter joints or corner cuts.
6.
Flooring Clamps
Designed to be used when layering
flooring, including wooden, panel or laminate floorboards.
7.
Band Clamps
Also known as strap clamps, and
are designed to hold on to circular, square, or irregularly shaped objects.
8.
Toggle Clamps
Toggle clamps only have one
clamping plate and add conjunction with a worktop, like a bench surface, to
carry a workpiece steady. The clamp is meant to be permanently fixed to the
workbench, by bolting it into place.
If you’re looking for a quality clamping tool with international
standards, then contact hytek marketing. The leading company that supplies metal
fabrication machinery equipment all around the globe so no order is too small
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