Standard Features
Position sensing clamps are double acting only.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you recommend the use of TuffCam™ swing clamps over the standard product?
Sometimes there are applications where speed is essential, massive arms are required, or position sensing and feedback are necessary. These applications may result in premature failure not due to defects in standard clamps, but from excesses in speed, mass or other requirements.
When speed is essential, standard swing clamps (which last millions of cycles in ordinary applications) may not live up to life cycle expectations. When a standard swing clamp is damaged early in its life due to speed abuse, replacement with a TuffCam™ swing clamp may be a way to maintain speed requirements and lengthen device life in the application.
When arm mass damages the swing mechanism of standard swing clamps, the tri-cam design of the TuffCam™ clamp strengthens the ball and cam link. The beefier design, capacity and reinforced rotation mechanism of the TuffCam™ swing clamp could be your best solution.
Can I run the TuffCam™ swing clamp at any speed I want?
No, there are restrictions. High-speed swing clamps are capable of approximately 2X the speed of standard swing clamps in prolonged use without damage. In the event that you need faster speeds or larger arms, please understand that the life of even the TuffCam™ swing clamp is reduced. Consult the Clamp Time and Flow Rate Chart to determine the speed for your application.
On your standard product, I can change the swing direction myself. Is this feature available on the TuffCam™ swing clamp?
Yes, and no. The direction of swing on the TuffCam™ swing clamp is determined by three uni-directional cams on the plunger. The swing direction of a standard swing clamp is determined by selecting one of the three directional cams (left, right or straight). The direction of a TuffCam™ swing clamp can be changed by changing the plunger for one with the opposite direction cams. We recommend that you use the single cam straight pull cam if you need a straight guided pull.
What makes the cam follower ball seat so special in these units?
The three uni-directional cams and three cam balls guide the rotation of the plunger and provide greater guide, support and directional stability. The patented cam follower design is unique in the industry and uses solid carbide balls and composite ball seats. The ball seat design assures that the ball rolls in the cam rather than jamming and scraping resulting in wear on both the cam track and ball.
The demands on my fixture have changed and I am considering your TuffCam™ swing clamps. Can I switch out TuffCam™ for your standard product?
Yes, the TuffCam™ swing clamps have the same mounting envelope as standard swing clamps. However, if you are using our standard bottom flange 2600lb capacity swing clamp, with the optionall in-port flow control valve, you will be unable use the valve in the TuffCam™ version of this clamp
I want to use work supports with TuffCam™ swing clamps. Will the work supports cycle fast enough to keep up with the part change outs?
There will be some lag between the unclamp of swing clamps and the full release of pressure in any work support circuit. This is critical with fluid advance supports, as the circuit must have time to evacuate under low pressure to allow the plungers to retract for reloading the fixture. If speed is the issue in support retraction to coordinate with TuffCam™ swing clamps, an air advance support must be used with the air circuit released prior to hydraulic circuit release. When the hydraulic circuit is released, the support will begin to immediately retract pushing only the air from the line rather than the higher viscosity hydraulic fluid.
I'm using a high volume pump and it is "blowing out" my swing clamps. Will TuffCam™ swing clamps take care of this problem?
High volume pumps often incorporate high volume accumulators. An accumulator will yield excessive flow, approaching instantaneous infinite flow, and is intended for dynamic loads. Hydraulic clamps are used to hold static loads, and are static circuits for which dynamic formulae are less applicable. Excessive flow may continue to damage clamps, we recommend a pump designed for clamping applications or appropriate flow restriction.
It is important to hit my part in the exact place every time in my application, should I use your TuffCam™ clamps?
TuffCam™ swing clamps will be more precise in their point of contact. Keep in mind that any draft angle or side forces will ultimately damage the cam tracks of any swing clamp and result in loss of precision. In the case of precision positioning, guide pins are recommended and may be implemented with a single-ended or double-ended arm.
What defines a TuffCam™ Low Profile Swing Clamp?
How can I measure the clamp speed?
The maximum speed of a swing clamp ia applicable to both the clamp and unclamp function; as the momentum on the cam track and the cam follower apply to both movements. To approximate the speed of your application:
The single direction tri-cam design of TuffCam produces the strength and reliability to support faster speeds and larger arms. This design also delivers noteably better accuracy and repeatability over other brands. The clocking feature, included on all styles, dramatically reduces the time it takes to change arms for maintenance, replacement or design set up.
Cutaway Diagrams
Clamp Time and Fluid Flow Rate Chart
- The above flows are maximum recommendations and clamp times are minimum recommendations.
- For upreach and double arms, use extended arm flows and times.
- The actual time to position the clamp will vary by custom arm configuration and may require customer testing in specific application to establish limits.
Clocking
Six drill points exist on each clamp. One point standardizes arm location at a particular position. An additional 5 (five) orientation drill points reside 60° out from that position and each other. Access to the positioning feature is through the back or side of the arm, making modification a snap for users. Each arm position can have its own specification.
We have added 3 clocking features to Vektek’s TuffCam™ Low Profile Swing Clamp line. Customers have requested the clocking features to help improve and speed-up arm changes.
A drill point on each clamp standardizes arm location at a particular position. An additional 2 (two) orientation drill points reside 120° out from that position and each other. Access to the positioning feature is through the back or side of the arm, making modification a snap for users. Each arm position can have its own specification.
Swing Clamp Arm Length and Pressure Limitations
NOTE: Arm lengths and pressures operating at or below the curves shown are in the safe operating zones for the corresponding model number.