Toggle Clamps Technical Information
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Basics of... Toggle & Pneumatic/Hydraulic Clamping
Toggle clamps provide ready-made, compact devices for a variety of applications, including:
- Welding fixtures
- Electronic test fixtures
- Latches for container lids
- Injection Molding
- Conveyors
- Milling, drilling, bonding, sealing
- Machine tool positioners
- Production fixtures
- Inspection/gaging fixtures
- Door Closures
- Assembly & Woodworking jigs
Considerations to Select the Proper Toggle Clamp
- Size and shape of parts to be held
- Consistency of part thickness (use spring-loaded device to compensate for variations)
- Holding capacity required
- Exerting force required
- Strength and dexterity of operator
- Operator's position relative to the fixture (use vertical handle or low profile horizontal clamps)
- Frequency of operation (temporary or permanent fixture)
- Time cycle of operation (consider a conveyor or rotary fixture if set-up or curing time is needed)
- Cycle time & sequence (consider air clamps that can be operated faster and in sequence)
- Environment (should consider stainless steel for corrosive or non-magnetic applications)
Holding Capacity vs. Exerting Force
It is important to distinguish between the Holding Capacity and the Exerting or Clamping Force.
Holding Capacity: The holding capacity of a toggle clamp is defined as the maximum amount of force that may be applied to the clamping bar without creatingpermanent deformation of the clamp components.This maximum force is measured at a point closest to the mounting base, and it diminishes as the spindle approaches the end of the bar. The ratings for holdingcapacity are maximum values and should not be exceeded. These values include a safety factor.
Exerting or Clamping Force: This value is calculated as the actual amount of force the clamp will exert on the work piece. Manual clamps present a number of variablesto determine actual exerting force.
- The force exerted on the handle by the operator
- The point on the handle where the force is applied
- The mechanical advantage of the clamp's linkage
- The point on the clamping bar where the force will be applied to the work piece
Four Basic Types of Toggle Clamps
Hold-Down Clamps: Two Types: Vertical and horizontal Handle. Optionsinclude flanged, straight and weldable bases; Straight and T-handles;solid bars and open or U-bars; carbon and stainless steel. Pneumaticversions available for applications requiring automation.
Pull/Latch Action Clamps:Two Types: U-hook and J-hook. Ideal forsealing lids, doors, and molds. Threaded adjustments make themadaptable to most applications. Options include carbon, stainlesssteel and rubber material; vertical and horizontal versions; latchplates available.
Plier (Squeeze Action) ClampsAvailable with 1 or 2 adjustable spindles.Trigger release allows for easy one-hand operation on most models.Options include carbon and stainless steel, different jaw depths andopenings, depending on the requirements of the application.
Straight-Line Action Clamps:Many can be used as a pull or a pushclamp, and can lock in two positions. Several base mountingoptions are available, as are threaded bodies for through-holemounting. Options include carbon and stainless steel models;flanged and straight bases; reverse action; variable stroke clamps.Pneumatic versions are available for automated applications.
Pneumatic Clamping
Uses air-actuated cylinders to operate the clamping device. They are ideal for quickclamping in repetitive production operations. Available in many styles, includingswing cylinders, hold-down and straight-line action, and retracting clamps. Caneasily retrofit many manual clamps with a pneumatic version, using the identicalmounting patterns.
Benefits of using Pneumatic Clamps:
- Improves cycle time
- Increases productivity
- Can operate several clamps at one time
- Can operate clamps sequentially
- Reduces operator fatigue
- Can operate clamps remotely for hard to reach areas
- Improves safety and ergonomics
- Consistent and controllable clamping forces
Hydraulic Clamping
Ideal for machining applications where extremely high clamping forces arerequired for part holding.
Benefits of using Hydraulic Clamps:
- Economically driven by air or electric power sources
- Clamping components are small, yet generate high clamping forces
- Consistent and controllable clamping forces
- Improves cycle time
- Increases productivity
- Can operate several clamps at one time
- Can operate clamps sequentially
- Can operate clamps remotely for hard to reach areas
- Reduces operator fatigue
- Improves safety and ergonomics
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