| | Jul 8, 2008 — HEAVY DUTY SWING CLAMPS GIVE HIGH SECURITY WORKHOLDING
Heavyweight workpieces...elevated work loads under high stock removal rates...awkward shapes with few clamp-accessible surfaces...multi-task operations with cutting forces generated from several different axes. Challenges that confront machining operations, inspection routines, and assembly processes daily are now resolved by Fixtureworks (Fraser, MI), one of the largest suppliers and manufacturers of workholding and fixturing technologies. Fixtureworks now offers a new series of Imao heavy duty swing clamps that provide approximately 5X the clamping force of Imao’s standard swing clamp configurations. The heavy duty series of clamps is ideal for fixture, jig and workholding devices of all designs and highly repetitive applications or for use with conventional work piece requirements.
Within the clamp series are two size ranges of heavy duty units—the first provides up to 786 lbs. of clamping force while the larger size offers pressures to 1,348 lbs. Though increasing the holding strengths significantly, each clamp body diameter is only 10mm larger than its standard size counterpart, making these clamps still easy to integrate into confined spaces on fixture platforms or machine tables. The clamp arm lengths are 42mm and 48mm, respectively, and are complete with a tapped hole on the clamping arm for insertion of an adjustable tip that further extends the clamp’s working envelope and capabilities.
The heavy duty series, with the inclusion of an adjustment knob, provides variable clamping height adjustments from 70mm to 80mm for the smaller model and from 80mm to 90mm for the larger unit. Operation of the heavy duty swing clamps is dual action that only requires the rotation of the adjustment knob to swing the clamp arm over the workpiece and lower it into position, then rotating the handle to apply the clamp pressure. Both size ranges are available with either clockwise or counterclockwise handle and clamp-arm rotation to actuate clamping action, and versatility is further enhanced with three tapped holes, located at 35o separations, permitting the handle to be mounted in any of three positions for the most ergonomic operation.
Fixtureworks offers mini, standard and the heavy duty swing clamps by Imao, plus with an extensive range of mounting plates and risers, machinable arm selections and gripper options as well as technical specifications for unique application modifications, if needed. The swing clamps are manufactured from quality alloy steel, hardened (except handles) and have a black oxide finish.
Besides swing clamps, Fixtureworks also offers the full Imao clamp line, stops, part supports, risers, T-nuts, sliding mounts, springs, plates and blocks. Among its other 20,000-plus items are FairlaneÒ Products’ grippers, rest pads, SwivotsÒ positioning components, Quick Release ball-lock pins, rollers and bumpers; from Kipp® are spring plungers, rest and riser pads, tension levers and torque handles, ball knobs and hand wheels—from OK-ViseÒ are single and double wedge clamp designs, and Mitee-BiteÒ provides knife edge, slot, uniforce, toe, low profile, and expansion clamp designs.
FixtureworksTM offers the new Imao® heavy duty series of swing clamps that, with holding forces of up to 5 times that of standard duty swing clamps, are ideal for heavy workpiece applications, for heavy material removal jobs, or myriad other tasks where opposing forces require secure clamping strengths. | |
