Best of both worlds: mechanical clamping and hydraulics combined.Mechanical clamping clamping (klamp´ing) in the measurement of insulin secretion and action, the infusion of a glucose solution at a rate adjusted periodically to maintain a predetermined blood glucose concentration. components, such as bars, springs, nuts, and bolts, offer simplicity, easy customization, ready availability, and low up-front cost. The static nature of mechanical clamps means they can remain locked down, securing a part indefinitely in·def·i·nite adj. Not definite, especially: a. Unclear; vague. b. Lacking precise limits: an indefinite leave of absence. c. with no external intervention. Power workholding is fast, powerful, and compact and it provides highly repeatable results at the lowest long-term cost. The disadvantage of power workholding is that it usually depends on hydraulic systems Noun 1. hydraulic system - a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube , which require either valving or a continuous power source to maintain clamping force. A device or system that would combine the advantages of both--hydraulic and mechanical--would seem to be a good solution. Enerpac's Collet-Lok system provides the security and stability of bolted mechanical fixturing with the speed, power, and accuracy of hydraulics hydraulics, branch of engineering concerned mainly with moving liquids. The term is applied commonly to the study of the mechanical properties of water, other liquids, and even gases when the effects of compressibility are small. . Collet-Lok provides the speed, precision, controllable clamping force, safety, and automation compatibility of hydraulic fixturing. In addition, once the part is positioned, supported, and clamped, the cylinders are mechanically locked in place so that all hydraulic pressure can be removed for any length of time. When clamping is completed and locked, the fixture An article in the nature of Personal Property which has been so annexed to the realty that it is regarded as a part of the real property. That which is fixed or attached to something permanently as an appendage and is not removable. can be entirely disconnected from the hydraulic system, or even if left connected, it is not dependent on the hydraulic supply to retain clamping force. How it works Collet-Lok is particularly valuable when applied to palletized fixtures. The load holding valves and accumulators required for conventional hydraulic cylinders Hydraulic cylinders (also called linear hydraulic motors) are mechanical actuators that are used to give a linear force through a linear stroke. Operation Hydraulic cylinders get their power from pressurized hydraulic fluid, which is typically oil. are eliminated. Additionally, Collet-Lok eliminates the conventional-system concern that any small leak may cause loss of clamping pressure. The mechanical lock arrangement in Collet-Lok components replaces the accumulators, load holding valves, and other complexities of live hydraulic palletized circuits. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the lower port to drive a wedge upward to mechanically lock a collet chuck around the cylinder plunger. With the plunger locked, all hydraulic pressure can be removed. The collet releases the cylinder plunger only when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the opposite end of the wedge via the upper port. At a load/unload station, a part is placed on the pallet (Step 1). The 2-way auto coupler Refers to a myriad of different types of sockets for plugging in electric or electronic cables or devices. See network coupler. advances because of pressure applied at port C and connects an external hydraulic power source with the pallet. Hydraulic pressure is admitted via port B directly to port 1 of the swing cylinder. The cylinder rotates and moves to the clamped position. A sequence valve senses the pressure to port 1 (Step 2). When full pressure at port 1 indicates that the cylinder is applying full clamping pressure, the sequence valve admits pressure to port 2, activating the Collet-Lok feature. The pressure at port 2 drives the wedge upward to lock the collet in place around the plunger. With the plunger held securely by the wedge/collet, hydraulic pressure is removed from coupler port B and applied to port D to retract TO RETRACT. To withdraw a proposition or offer before it has been accepted. 2. This the party making it has a right to do is long as it has not been accepted; for no principle of law or equity can, under these circumstances, require him to persevere in it. the coupler (Step 3). The part on the pallet is now securely clamped without being connected to a power source. The pallet is stored or placed in a queue for the machining center. After machining operations have been completed, the pallet is returned to the load/unload station (Step 4). The auto coupler is again advanced by pressure at port C, and pressure is applied to port A, which feeds directly to port 3 of the swing cylinder. The pressure at port 3 forces the wedge downward to unlock the collet from the plunger. A second sequence valve senses the pressure to port 3 (Step 5). When full pressure at port 3 indicates that the Collet-Lok feature is unlocked, the sequence valve admits pressure to port 4 of the double-acting cylinder, causing it to return to its load/unload position. The pallet is now ready for the finished part to be unloaded and a new part to be loaded. Collet-Lok components are readily available in various mounting styles to perform the three fundamental workholding steps: locating, supporting, and holding. Positioning (push) cylinders push the part into position against fixed reference points. Work support cylinders advance to support the part and prevent deflection deflection /de·flec·tion/ (de-flek´shun) deviation or movement from a straight line or given course, such as from the baseline in electrocardiography. de·flec·tion n. 1. and vibration. Swing cylinders rotate into position and clamp clamp (klamp) a surgical device for compressing a part or structure. rubber dam clamp a metallic device used to retain the dam on a tooth. clamp n. the part in place. Typical Collet-Lok setup A typical setup includes these components: * Positioning, support, and swing cylinders. * One or more sequence valves. These valves are activated by a sensed pressure. Steps 2 and 5 of the detailed example above illustrate the use of sequence valves. * One or more directional In one direction. Contrast with omnidirectional. valves. These are used to selectively activate functions such as couple/uncouple or clamp/unclamp. They may be manual or solenoid-operated valves. * Electric power unit. The power unit delivers hydraulic oil pressure and flow. It is sized to provide adequate clamping speed and force and to close collets rapidly. * Gages Gages Devices for determining the relative size or shape of objects. The function of gages is to determine whether parts are within or outside of the specified tolerances, which are expressed in a linear unit of measurement. . The fundamental condition monitoring Condition monitoring is the process of monitoring a parameter of condition in machinery, such that a significant change is indicative of a developing failure. It is a major component of predictive maintenance. devices, gages assure us that proper oil pressure and clamp force are achieved. Collet-Lok systems provide the speed, power, compactness, accuracy, and repeatability of hydraulics, with the security of static mechanical clamping for unlimited time intervals. Hydraulic sources can be removed. Parts can be clamped in fixtures and pallets and then set aside for any length of time. Low volume or emergency items can be clamped and ready to go, reducing turnaround time (1) In batch processing, the time it takes to receive finished reports after submission of documents or files for processing. In an online environment, turnaround time is the same as response time. . Enerpac, www.rsleads.com/412tp-230 |
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