Engineering
Stationary Workholding?
Tooling that will hold the workpiece rigid during a machining cycle. Typical applications Horizontal Machining Centers, Vertical Machining Centers, 5-axis Machining Centers, etc.
Which clamping method is right for me?
Mobex Global Workholding specializes in various clamping methods. There are many ways that you can clamp a part in the fixture for your machining operations. Each method has its own pros and cons:
Hydraulic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick Clamp Time | Longer Tooling Build |
| Consistent Clamp Force | Higher Initial Expense |
| Consistent Clamp Sequence | Dedicated to Specific Parts |
| Large Range of Clamp Forces |
Pneumatic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick Clamp Time | Longer Tooling Build |
| Consistent Clamp Force | Higher Initial Expense |
| Consistent Clamp Sequence | Dedicated to Specific Parts |
| Lower Range of Clamp Forces |
Manual
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower Initial Expense | Slow Clamp Time |
| Shorter Tooling Build | Operator Specific Clamp Force |
| Easier to Run Different Parts | Operator Specific Clamp Sequence |
| Large Range of Clamp Forces |
Gundrilling vs. External tubing
Gundrilling eliminates the need for external tubing to connect the hydraulic and/or pneumatic clamps.
Safety – External tubing traps machined chips that are sharp enough to cut through gloves causing injury
Maintenance – External tube fittings often become loose or brake easily during the loading and machining process which can result in major machine failures when clamps loose force during machining
Custom fixtures vs. Jigs
A question often asked by potential customers is “Why do I need a custom dedicated fixture, as I have this manual jig that I have been running the samples on?”
Custom fixtures allow the part to be clamped precisely and accurately each time with little to no operator involvement. Custom fixtures typically feature poka-yokes and air part seating for misload prevention along with spring loaded snap-in’s for part retention. These elements combined that go into a custom fixture allow for quicker load/unload times, more consistent machined parts, and safer work environment.
Machine Selection and Processing
Don’t know exactly what the best process would be to machine a part? Give us a call! We have a vast array of machining experience and can assist in the part processing and overall machine selection. We can also provide basic fixture concepts to help.
