Machining clamps are used for machine setup and tool or part fixturing. Types include cam, cylinder, hook or swing, pull, push, retracting, rocker, side or edge, and toe clamps. Clamp straps and clamp strap assemblies are also commonly available. Clamp strap types include tapped or tapped heel clamps, forged clamps, finger tip clamps and nose clamps, forked clamps or u-clamps, gooseneck clamps, plain clamps and taper nose clamps, and step clamps. Product specifications for all types of machining clamps include capacity, clamping width, and clamping force; actuation method and clamping method; application; and materials of construction and features.
Cam clamps, clamp straps, cylinder clamps, and hook or swing clamps are four types of machining clamps. Cam clamps have an eccentric cam that locks against the side of the workpiece by tightening a screw. Clamp straps and clamp strap assemblies are used for multi-angle clamping. Cylinder clamps use a cylinder to apply force above or below a workpiece. The cylinder provides the moving action to secure the part between the cylinder head and a mechanical stop. Swing clamps are fixturing and set-up clamps that are used to secure a jig or fixture. The jaw swings out and away from the clamped part to achieve clearance for part removal. Hook clamps are a type of swing clamp.
Machining clamps include pull clamps, push clamps, and retracting clamps. Pull clamps have a clamping pin or screw that is inserted through a hole in the workpiece into a hole on the pull clamp. When the clamp is engaged, the clamping pin is pulled down and the workpiece is clamped into place. Pull clamps may be manually-actuated (by means of a lever) or hydraulically-actuated. Push clamps are machining clamps that have a piston or jaw that pushes and clamps against the workpiece when the clamp is actuated. Retracting clamps are machining clamps that have a retractable clamping arm for fast part loading and unloading.
Side clamps, edge clamps, toe clamps, and specialty clamps are other types of machining clamps. Side clamps or edge clamps have a moving jaw that, when actuated, clamps against the side of a workpiece. Toe clamps are low-profile clamps that butt up to the side of a workpiece. As they are tightened, a wedge moves the jaw downward and forward to provide a positive force against the side of the workpiece. Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary machining clamps are also available.
