Pneumatic Toggles
Toggles Frequently Asked Questions
Do all of your toggles have a place to attach a proximity switch?
No, Festo® part numbers and mounting kits are listed for the items where they are applicable. Since different cylinders require different switches, the details of the switch and mount are available from Festo®.
In your parts catalog on some of the toggles, it lists Festo® part numbers. Why?
Several of the toggles are driven by Festo® cylinders. The air cylinders use different proximity sensors and mounting kits. Please order them from the manufacturer. In the interest of making service parts available and economical, please feel free to order cylinders or sensors from them directly. These cylinders are of the best possible commercial grade and are suitable for toggle activation.
Do I have to have pressure going to my toggle the entire time it is clamped so it will remain clamped?
We would recommend that you leave air pressure on the toggle to prevent vibration from releasing the clamp. While most toggles are '"over center' devices, vibrations, impacts and shifting parts can cause them to release. Leaving air on them reduces the chance that a clamp will come loose and release unexpectedly.
Can I get more force out of my toggle by using an intensifier?
Yes, forces F3, F4 and F5 up to the 116 or 145 psig pressure limit depending on the model in question. Please be sure that you do not exceed the inlet air pressure for these devices. They are not rated for 250 psig air pressure like our swing clamps.
What is the F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5 force listed in the catalog?
F1 is the holding capacity of the materials and clamp when locked in the over center position at that point on the arm.
F2 is the same specification closer to the clamp and the reaction point; hence, it is a larger capacity.
F3 is the maximum force to push something into place by the cylinder and arm while the arm is in motion and not yet locked over center. This can be used to position heavy parts or straighten out a bend or bow in a part and is dependent on air cylinder pressure.
F4 is the same push force capability at a point closer to the reaction point and with a greater mechanical advantage.
F5 is the maximum force from the air cylinder at 87 psig air pressure. This may be used with F3 and F4 to determine the ratio of pushing force to air pressure for a given air pressure at a specific location on the pivot arm.
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Force Definitions
F2 is the same specification as F1, closer to the clamp and the reaction point; hence, it is a larger capacity.