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Metric VersaCam Swing Clamps
Overview | Cutaways | Time and Flow | Clocking | Restrictors | Limits | V-Groove | FAQs
Overview
- Large ball and cam rotational mechanism assures the swing action
- VersaCam™ models swing 90°, swing angles of less than 90° readily available for a small additional charge. Swings of more than 90° are special order products
- The original “duck billed,” cross bolt locking, top cap screw arm design, as originated by Vektek, is highly recommended due to its low mass, versatility, and ease of modification.
- Special wipers and swept-line cylinder top prevents chips from packing and coolant contaminants from entering the operation
- Vent port with bronze filter gives the cylinder a place to “breathe” and helps keep chips and coolants from sucking past wipers (Unclamp port on double-acting models)
- Exclusive BHC™ (Black Hard Coating) on the cylinder bodies and rod bearing surface helps prevent leaks caused by scoring and scratching especially in the event of high side or “kick” loads which promote excessive scoring in many other brands. BHC™ gives a Rockwell 60C skin hardness.
- Hardened Chrome alloy steel plungers run longer with less wear and drag than other brands
- Proprietary seal designs reduce leakage and increase seal life for longer lasting, more dependable operations
Vektek now offers the VektorAir™ line of pneumatic clamping devices and accessories, rated to run up to 250 psi. If you currently use our hydraulic models adapted for air, you may continue to do so, contact our sales office for air ordering information or a catalog.
Cutaways
Threaded Body
Cutaway
Threaded Body Long Stroke
Cutaway
Bottom Flange
Cutaway
Top Flange
Cutaway
Swing Clamp Flow Rate and Clamping Time
- The 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.
Restrictors
Swing Restrictors add just one more element of flexibility when using Vektek Metric VersaCam™ Swing Clamps. Normally shipped with the swing angle set to 90º, you can have swing restrictors added to your clamps to limit the the arm swing to 30º, 45º or 60º of rotation. Restrictors that are factory installed on new product will be specially marked to avoid intermingling clamps with varying swing angles in your shop. Contact your Vektek Customer Service specialist should you need swing angles greater than 90º.
Arm Limits
Clocking
Machined on most Vektek swing clamps, the Arm Clocking feature will dramatically reduce the time it takes to change arms for maintenance, replacement or design set up. This innovation eliminates the need for expensive special swing clamps and moves cost effective user modifications to the clamp arms.
A drill point on each clamp standardizes arm location at a particular position. An additional three drill points reside 90° 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.
VersaCam™ Clocking
Patented V-Groove Cam Design
- The 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.
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.
Where and when should I use VersaCam™ Swing Clamps?
VersaCam™ Swing clamps are a logical choice where loading of the part is hampered by other styles of clamp. Swing clamps (as their names indicate) move out of the way for easy access to the load/unload area. They may be easily visualized by tool designers and the action emulates that of manual strap clamps, which have been used for years.
Are there some applications where I need to avoid using swing clamps?
Yes, swing clamps should not be used without fixed stops or hard locators into which the cutter force is transmitted. If swing clamps are oriented to hold vertically, horizontal cutter forces should be transmitted into solid stops that can easily absorb their energy. If forces are transmitted to swing clamps at 90° to the clamp action, all of the force is transmitted into the rotating mechanism. This may result in premature wear and early failure.
How do I size swing clamps?
First, calculate the cutter or climbing forces to be resisted. Then examine the direction of these forces. Determine how much of these forces will have to be held by the clamp. Size your clamp based on the estimated working pressure of your fixture. We recommend using 200 bar to 275 bar (20 MPa – 27.5 MPa) at this point to give you some additional capacity if required when your fixture is complete or processes change.
I want the fastest possible action from my swing clamps. How do I do that and how fast can I get?
Look at the Clamp Time and Fluid Flow Rates Chart to determine flow rates. If you are unable to determine flow rates, use the time limitations indicated under the same footnote. A good rule-of-thumb, “If you see the clamp open, then see it closed, but don’t see it move between, it moved in less than 1/16th second. That is always too fast.” Finally, ask yourself; “To what good use will the operator put that extra fraction of a second?” If the answer is none, slow the clamp down.
I am planning to exceed the flow rating of your clamps, but I will be using low pressure. That's OK isn't it?
No, excessive speed is excessive speed. Regardless of pressure swinging an arm against a cam faster than intended is not recommended. This action shortens the clamp life even at low pressures. We recommend not exceeding the maximum flow rates. Some alternate components to consider are the in-port flow controls, or you may want to consider Metric TuffCam™ Swing Clamps.
My swing clamps don't all contact the part at the same time. Why?
Flow restrictions, excess fittings, long tubing runs and different springs can all cause swing clamps to actuate at varying times. Despite the appearance, they actually build to pressure at approximately the same time.
NOTE: Do not use this as a sequence valve.
My application calls for an arm about the size of a baseball bat weighing 6.4 kg. How fast can I swing it?
VERY SLOWLY! Weight, like flow, can damage a swing clamp. If you must use an arm exceeding the weight of our standard or extended arm, slow it down. Heavy arms should be used on double acting clamps only, and swing speed must be restricted in both directions. See the length and pressure limitations above.
I want to use a 2 kN swing clamp but need a 22 kN swing clamp arm for length. How do I fit this arm onto the clamp? What are my flow and pressure restrictions?
You will have to add to an extended arm or make a custom. We cannot supply an arm modified to these specifications. A reach of this distance is not recommended. If you must reach beyond the limits charted, please consult Vektek engineers for assistance.
I need to clamp over a work support. Are there any special precautions that I should take?
Yes, you will want to be sure that the clamp is sequenced to swing only after the work support has built sufficient pressure to hold the clamp’s force. Confirm that your swing clamp and work support are sized properly. Sequencing is recommended only above 140 bar (14 MPa). Use a Vektek sequence valve or In The Port Sequence Valve (other brands will not work). To prevent damage to the work support, use a Vektek unclamp delay valve to ensure the swing clamp releases before the work support.
How do you decide between a standard and TuffCam™ Swing Clamp?
TuffCam™ Swing Clamps must always be used when the required clamp equation time is 1/2 second or less. The TuffCam™ rotation mechanism is more durable than the standard clamp, but they have the capability to swing in only one direction, as ordered. VersaCam™ Swing Clamps can be used when clamp speed is not critical (greater than 1/2 second is allowed) or the direction may need to be changed to swing left, right or straight. This is ideal where direction is not yet determined or you want to reduce the requirement for maintenance stock.