Hydraulic Clamping Information

Welcome to our extensive guide on hydraulic clamping systems as it pertains to CNC machining. Hydraulic clamping is an advanced technology used across a wide range of industries to secure and position workpieces with exceptional precision and power. The information on this page covers hydraulic clamping methods, its components, types, and applications, to help you leverage this technology for optimal efficiency in your manufacturing operations.

• What is Hydraulic Clamping
• Benefits of Hydraulic Clamping
• Cylinders
• Pumps
• Hydraulic Control Devices
• Types of Hydraulic Clamping
• Using a Manifold for Custom Clamping

Hydraulic clamping involves the use of hydraulic pressure to create clamping force in workholding fixtures to securely hold workpieces in place. This method is highly effective for industrial applications where precision and measured force are crucial. Hydraulic pressure in a CNC milling environment is generally created by either an electric or air-over-oil hydraulic pump.

Hydraulic clamping offers several significant advantages:

• Adjustable Clamping Force: Hydraulic systems can generate variable amounts of clamping force, giving lots of flexibility in your manufacturing process.
• Precision and Consistency: Hydraulic clamping provides consistent pressure, ensuring precise positioning and uniform clamping force, which enhances process stability.
• Reduce Load/Unload Time: Quick and efficient clamping and unclamping reduces the time required to load and unload workpieces from the CNC, increasing overall productivity and decreasing operator fatigue.

• Versatility: Hydraulic clamping systems can be adapted to various applications and workpieces, including those with complex shapes or requiring high force.
• Safety: The reliable clamping force reduces the risk of workpiece movement during operation, minimizing the chances of accidents or damage to equipment and parts. System pressure can be monitored and the machine cycle can be stopped if falling out of range.
• Automation Compatibility: Hydraulic clamping systems integrate well with automated processes, especially when used with robotics in machine tending.

Cylinders are essential components in hydraulic clamping systems. They convert hydraulic pressure into mechanical force to move or hold workpieces. Key types include:

• Positioning Cylinders: Designed for precise placement and alignment of components. They are critical in applications where exact positioning is necessary.
• Clamping Cylinders: Specialized for applying clamping force to hold workpieces securely. These cylinders ensure that the workpieces remain stationary during machining or assembly processes.
• Work Support Cylinders: Provide additional stability and support to workpieces, especially in setups that require extra reinforcement to prevent movement or deformation.

Pumps are responsible for generating the hydraulic pressure needed for clamping operations. Types of pumps include:

• Air Operated Pumps: Utilize compressed air to drive hydraulic fluid, making them suitable for environments where air is readily available. They are often used in applications requiring moderate pressure ranging from 500-4000 psi.
• Pump Intensifiers: Increase the pressure of hydraulic fluid beyond the capabilities of standard pumps, ideal for applications requiring more than 4000 psi of pressure.

Hydraulic control devices are used to regulate the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid within the system. Key control devices include:

• Directional Control Valves: Control the direction of hydraulic fluid flow, managing the movement and operation of cylinders and other components. These valves are necessary for M-Code activation of your fixtures.
• Sequence Valves: Ensure that hydraulic operations occur in a specific order, which is essential for correctly locating parts using datum structures.
• Check Valves: Prevent backflow of hydraulic fluid, maintaining system pressure and protecting components from contamination and damage.

• Pressure Reducing Valves: Lowers the pressure in specific parts of the workholding system to protect sensitive components and ensure safe operation.
• Pressure Relief Valves: Release excess pressure to prevent damage from overpressure conditions, safeguarding the system from potential failures.
• Pressure Switches: Monitor hydraulic pressure levels and activate alarms or shut down the system if pressure deviates from the desired range, ensuring system safety.

Hydraulic clamping systems come in various types, each suited to different applications:

Manifolds are used to consolidate hydraulic control functions into a single, compact unit. The PAWS manifold is a non-dedicated hydraulic base that serves as a mechanism for automating the clamping of parts in CNC Milling environments.

Available in several sizes, the manifolds offer embedded dual-action pistons every two inches on center. This gives the user a clamping point grid map for creating quick-change fixture plates that utilize all the benefits of hydraulic clamping without tying up the CNC Milling Center with expensive, dedicated fixturing.

Hydraulic clamping systems are integral to modern industrial processes, offering powerful and precise control for securing and positioning workpieces. By understanding the various components—such as cylinders, pumps, and control devices—as well as the different types of clamping methods, you can effectively design and implement hydraulic clamping solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether using standard clamping techniques or custom solutions with manifolds, hydraulic clamping enhances efficiency, accuracy, and safety in your operations.

For more information or to discuss your hydraulic clamping needs, please contact our engineering team. We are experts in hydraulic clamping and integration ready to assist you in finding the ideal solutions for your applications.