The link clamp arm arcs up and out of the way to accommodate hard-to-reach or hard-to-hit clamping points. Link clamps contain the beam mechanism often preferred by fixture builders. This self-contained beam eliminates the need to build or design a clamp mechanism as part of the fixture. Vektek's unique body and pivot design provides the least side-to-side axial deflection and the most rigid product on the market today. The new TuffLink™ is outfitted with a rotary lug to provide full rotational positioning of the lever. Compare the flexibility of TuffLink™ to others on the market that provide limited positions, typically in 90° increments.
What benefit does the rotary lug offer?
The rotary lug on TuffLink™ allows the clamping lever to be positioned anywhere, 360°, around the mounting flange. This feature helps in the design phase of a fixture by simplifying feed hold drilling when manifold mounting. The body can be rotated into optimal alignment with drilled passages. Just rotate the body so the manifold mount ports align with gun drilled feed holes. This feature also saves time and money aftter the fixture is built by allowing great flexibility for last minute adjustments in work piece design, casting variations.
How is the rotary lug better than the eccentric levers offered by the competition?
Never derate a Link Clamp again due to an offset lever design. The clamp lever can now be rotated to adjust for part changes or last minute variations. Because it maintains symmetric loading on levers, pivots and pins, clamp life is vastly improved and failures eliminated.
How do I adjust the position of the rotary lug?
Rotary adjustment is easy, just loosen the two set screws near the pivot on the rotary lug. Use a wrench on the end of the lever to rotate lever to desired orientation and torque set screws. We recommend torquing the set screws while clamping over a work piece at operating pressure.
When should I use a TuffLink™ clamp?
A TuffLink™ clamp is often preferred when you must reach over, not swing over or around a height obstacle and need full lever rotation to set points. Reaching down into a die casting, between two mounting lugs, or a direct overhead vertical load are good examples where these devices are required. Keep in mind that the vertical clearance must be greater when you are bringing a part into position, but direct drop in loading is easily accomplished by an operator or robot.
What is the vertical stroke of a TuffLink™ 360° clamp?
The maximum part variation is included in the vertical stroke. When outside the vertical stroke specification, the force generated by the clamp will be reduced and may result in reduced clamp life. You may find vertical stroke specifications with the clamp details.
When should I avoid using a link clamp?
If you are clamping on a draft angle, the angle will exert undue stresses on the linkage mechanism. Make sure the clamp mounting flange and lever are parallel to the clamping surface. Avoid stressing guidance mechanisms of either swing clamps or link clamps as these stresses will cause premature failure not covered by warranty due to misapplication. The drawing below will help you handle clamping on a draft angle.