CNC clamping systems
Types of clamping systems
A clamping system attaches the work part to the machine tool. It must fulfill two essential functions:
1. It must clearly determine the position of the work part.
2. It must detain all forces from the work part.
The clamping elements constrain the work part and the required force for this is called clamping power.
In order to keep the costs for the clamping system as well as for production low, further requirements are
made on the clamping system:
· simple and quick handling
· versatile usage
· easy exchangeability of the clamping elements
· high accuracy with repeated clamping
Clamping power generation
Manual clamping is usually used on conventional machine tools. This requires a high energy exertion by the
worker. Special clamping systems for individual clamping equipment has been developed to reduce auxiliary
times and ease clamping for the worker. Various methods are used for generating clamping power:
· mechanical clamping power generators
· hydraulic clamping power generators
· pneumatic clamping power generators
· electric clamping systems
Mechanical clamping power generators are usually in the form of wedge lever-type or bellcrank lever-type
power chucks. These types of force chucks are usually used for turning machines.
1
2
3
4
chuck
drawbar
wedge lever
jaws
chuck
drawbar
bellcrank lever
jaws
Figure 125