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Compact Clamps

Force Graphs | FAQs

Overview

Standard Features:

  • Minimal footprint with high clamping force.
  • Long service lifetime.
  • 5,000 PSI operating pressure with standard short arm.
  • Standard Vektek BHC™ coating on body and arms.
  • Simplified arm geometry for easy manufacture.
  • Designed to be resistant to chip buildup.
  • Made in the U.S.A.
Inch Work Supports
<br /> TuffCam™ Cam Follower Design
<br /> TuffCam™ Cam Follower Design
<br /> TuffCam™ Cam Follower Design
<br /> TuffCam™ Cam Follower Design

FAQs

Browse our most Frequently asked questions and if you have an issue that isn’t covered here, reach out to our product support team below.

Customer Support
Why use a Compact Clamp?

Compact Clamps are ideal for applications where space is limited and high clamping forces are needed.

What are the advantages of this clamp over competitors?

The Vektek Compact Clamp features a simplified design that allows for easier serviceability, and reduces the chances of chip binding. The sleek geometry
prevents chip ingress as the lever covers the clamp while it’s in position.

Can this clamp accommodate for part height variation?

Yes! The vertical stroke is one of the key features of the compact clamp. This vertical travel allows for a wide range of clamping heights. This makes the clamp
well suited for castings or machining a variety of components. See the following pages for the “Vertical Clamp Stroke” of each model.

Do you have a universal lever offering?

No. That is a key benefit of these clamps: a simple arm design. Because the arm is easier to machine than competitors you don’t need to have a two piece arm design. You can just machine the arm complete! This reduces the chances of failure and increases the strength of the arm.

What is air sensing?

Compact clamps with -PP suffix come with pneumatic clamp state confirmation sensing. These clamps have an internal pneumatic passageway that travels from
the air port on the bottom of the clamp to the top. When in the clamped state the arm will block this hole allowing air pressure to build. Once unclamped this hole will again be venting to atmosphere, showing a drop in gauge pressure. See Air Sensing Control Kit 50-8240-00.

Why would I need to use air sensing?

These clamps are ideal for automated cells using robotic load and unload operations. This allows the robot to confirm that the clamps are not in full clamp state before removing a part. It is also valuable to indicate to the machine before cycle start that the clamps are all in place and the part is present. If the part is not present the clamp will overshoot into its “over clamped” state and air pressure will drop.

I want to make a custom arm. What options do I have?

There are two main options for producing your own clamping arm. Option A: Buy one of our long arms for your clamp, and machine it down to fit your application.
Option B: Machine it in house. While this option is not quite as easy as option A, Vektek provides all of the dimensions necessary for you to make your own arm
from scratch. These dimensions can be found on the following pages or in IS1776.

I want to machine my own arm. What considerations should I have while designing this?

The primary factor you must be wary of while making your own arm is force. The geometry of your arm will make a significant difference in output clamp
forces. For detailed information on this see IS1776, but as a general rule: a low clamping point with a short arm will provide the highest clamping force obtainable.
See arm section for more details.