Since the 1980's, Vektek has researched, designed, manufactured, and serviced the VektorFlo® line of hydraulic clamping devices. Frequent requests for pneumatic clamping products drove the development of a more complete line of pneumatic clamps and accessories. The VektorAir™ line was created with the same careful attention to quality given our hydraulic clamps. Backed with an applications support staff, our VektorAir™ warranty and our signature service before and after the sale, VektorAir devices add efficiency to your operations. VektorAir™ devices include swing clamps, toggles, valves, hardware and plumbing accessories designed specifically for precision clamping. Durable enough for use in machining and welding operations, VektorAir™ products are a good fit for woodworking, assembly and automation.
Quality has always been important to Vektek. This product line is no exception. Some quality features include:
Step 1:
First, determine the nature of the operation to be performed, the number of parts to be processed per cycle, and whether operations will be performed on more than one surface of each part. Also, determine the time that should be allowed for part loading, unloading, and clamping.
In the initial phases of system planning, include adequate measures and devices to ensure the safety of workers and equipment. For more information, see the safety section of the web site.
Step 2:
Prepare an outline of the sequence of events that will take place during the manufacturing cycle. This will assist you in determining the types of circuits that you might need, as well as any external control (such as a tie-in with machine controls) that your application may require.
Step 3:
If you are fixturing for a machine operation, calculate the cutting forces generated in the machining process and note the direction that these forces tend to act on the workpiece. If you are planning a retrofit of a manual clamping system, you may use the torques presently being used. However, it is recommended that cutter forces be calculated as a precaution in such a case to ensure that clamping devices are sized to provide an adequate margin of safety. The operation manuals of many machine tools contain tables that list machining forces or simple formulas for calculating these forces. However, if you can’t find the information, give us a call. We’ll be glad to get you started.
Step 4:
When planning for a machine operation fixture(s), plan with positive fixed stops to resist the majority of the cutting forces and to ensure correct location of the workpiece, using the primary part locating features.
Step 5:
After you have determined the machine cutting forces, it’s easy to calculate the clamping forces required to hold the workpiece on the fixture or machine table. Again, a simple formula is all you need to arrive at an answer for the materials you’ll be using. Give us a call if you need help.
Step 6:
Determine where clamps should contact the part to hold or support it securely and to avoid interference with operations. If clamps cannot be located so as to avoid interference with manufacturing operations, it will be necessary to use an external control device to move the clamps out of the way as the need arises during the manufacturing sequence. This will require that electrically actuated valving be used to control the offending devices separately.
Step 7:
Determine the type and number of clamping devices you need based on the total clamping force required and clamping positions you’ve selected; on the size, strength and shape of the part; and on the operation.
Step 8:
Select valves and other control components to accomplish the sequence of operations you outlined in Step 2. See the valve section of this web site.
Step 9:
Finally, select the plumbing components required to connect the air supply to the valves and devices. Simply review your system specifications and layout to determine what you need in terms of ratings, sizes, and lengths.
Step 10:
Call us for help. Our application engineers do not design fixtures. Their job is to help you use pneumatic clamps successfully, whether you are retrofitting existing fixtures; need an idea (concept) for clamping a new part or want a quick review of your design, we stand ready to help you.
Discover how easy, economical, and efficient power clamping can be with one toll free call. We’ll be glad to answer your questions, provide concepts or advice, and give you a quote.
Vektek, Inc. warrants each VektorAir™ product to the original purchaser unless end user assignment is made at the time of purchase. Each device is warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of six months from the date of delivery.
This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of any part or parts which are found by Vektek to be defective and does not cover ordinary wear and tear, abuse, misapplication, overloading, excessive flow rates, or altered products.
This warranty is the only warranty covering VektorAir™ products. There are no other warranties covering VektorAir™ products, either expressed or implied.
When question of warranty arises, the user may contact the factory for authorization to return the merchandise. All returned merchandise must be addressed to a return authorization number and shipped to the address indicated on the RA.