Manufacturers grappling with irregularly shaped workpieces have long faced the costly and time-consuming challenge of custom fixtures. Fixtureworks' innovative OD/ID Form Holding Clamps present a transformative solution to this persistent industry problem, combining unprecedented flexibility with precision engineering.
The Challenge of Irregular Workpiece Fixturing
In precision machining, fixturing workpieces with complex external (OD) or internal (ID) contours has remained a significant technical hurdle. Traditional approaches requiring custom fixtures prove economically inefficient, particularly for small-batch, high-variability production. Fixtureworks' solution addresses this gap through its adaptable Machinable Jaw technology, merging versatility with high-performance clamping.
Core Technology: The Machinable Jaw System
The OD/ID Form Holding Clamps feature an innovative user-configurable jaw design. Operators can machine the jaws to precisely match workpiece contours, enabling secure clamping of components with complex geometries—whether featuring external profiles, internal bores, or specialized grooves.
1. External Contour (OD) Clamping
For external profiles, the system employs a cam mechanism that draws the jaw's central region downward when tightened. This action causes eight independent clamping segments to tilt inward, forming a secure grip with minimal radial movement (0.3mm diameter clamping stroke).
|
Jaw Diameter (mm)
|
Maximum Clamping Force (kN)
|
|
65
|
4.5
|
|
90
|
7
|
|
120
|
10
|
|
160
|
12
|
2. Internal Contour (ID) Clamping
The internal clamping configuration operates similarly, with a cam mechanism drawing a tapered screw downward to force eight jaw segments outward against the workpiece's interior surfaces. This maintains the same 0.3mm diameter clamping stroke for precise positioning.
|
Jaw Diameter (mm)
|
Maximum Clamping Force (kN)
|
|
65
|
4.5
|
|
90
|
7
|
|
120
|
10
|
|
160
|
10
|
Application Versatility
The system's design enables multiple advanced fixturing applications:
Low-profile workpiece clamping:
The ID configuration distributes clamping force evenly across multiple contact points, preventing deformation in thin-walled or delicate components.
Multiple workpiece fixturing:
The compact OD configuration allows simultaneous clamping of multiple components, significantly improving throughput for small-batch operations.
Temporary workstations:
When mounted to standard vise plates, the clamps enable rapid setup of temporary machining stations without dedicated equipment.
Lathe applications:
The technology provides novel solutions for irregularly shaped turning operations where traditional chucks prove inadequate.
Product Line Overview
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ID/OD Form Holding Clamps for complex geometries
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MB-31x/38x series for internal clamping
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CP12x series including standard (CP120), square-wedge (CP124), and round-wedge (CP123) variants for external clamping
-
CP125 universal ID/OD configuration
-
CP130 circular ID wedge clamps
-
CP131 compact ID clamps for space-constrained applications
-
MBOD concentric OD clamps
This innovative clamping technology represents a significant advancement in workpiece fixturing, offering manufacturers enhanced flexibility, reduced setup times, and improved cost efficiency for machining operations involving complex geometries.
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