Overview

This document details pneumatic air assisted clamps designed for automated manufacturing and fixture applications. These clamps use a wedge mechanism to convert pneumatic pressure into high mechanical clamping force, ensuring precise and secure workpiece fixation.

1. Product Features and Mechanism

• Wedge Mechanism: Converts air pressure into mechanical force via a tapered piston and wedge action for strong clamping.
• Customizable Jaws: Machinable jaws tailored to specific workpieces enhance grip and precision.
• Clamping Directions: Available in clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) variants to fit various fixture designs.
• High Repeatability: Dual contact design achieves locating repeatability within 5 microns.
• Turbo Air Inlet: Optional turbo ports boost clamping force by supplying additional air pressure.

2. Model Variants and Specifications

Multiple clamp series are covered, each with detailed dimensional and performance data:

• AMWSW Series: Standard wedge clamps in sizes 16 and 20, with right and left hand versions.
• AMWSW-W-D Series: Variants with additional dimensional features for specialized mounting.
• AMWSW-W-AG and AMWSW-W-AC Series: Include detecting ports for clamp status monitoring, supporting gasket and threaded piping.
• AMWD-WS Series: Pneumatic hold down clamps for vertical clamping, with sensor bracket options.
• AMWPD-W Series: Pneumatic pull clamps with black oxide finish, body cylinders, and clamping pins for high force.
• AMWFH-WP Series: Pneumatic clamping modules with spring force and turbo air boost, ideal for quick change and form holding.

3. Technical Data and Performance

• Dimensions: Length, width, height, diameters, mounting hole sizes and positions.
• Clamping stroke and height specifications.
• Air port thread sizes and locations for clamping, unclamping, and detection.
• Operating air pressure typically 0.2 to 1.0 MPa, some models up to 1.3 MPa.
• Clamping force curves correlating force output to air pressure.
• Material finishes include black oxide and stainless steel for durability.

4. Usage Instructions and Best Practices

• Air Supply: Use clean, dry, filtered air to prevent malfunction.
• Installation: Adhere to specified mounting hole dimensions and orientations; use locating and diamond pins for precision.
• Operation: Clamping actuated by air pressure to clamping port; unclamping by releasing or supplying air to unclamping port.
• Detection Ports: Connect pressure sensors for automated clamp status feedback where available.
• Maintenance: Do not block turbo ports as they serve as air vents; install filters to avoid contamination.

5. Accessories and Related Products

• Sensor brackets for hold down clamps with magnet options for clamp/unclamp detection.
• Clamping pins and screws with detailed dimensions for compatibility.
• Optional jaws for external and internal form holding with precise locating features.

6. Application Examples

Illustrations demonstrate effective use of wedge mechanism clamps in various scenarios, emphasizing secure holding with high repeatability and force.

7. Critical Parameters Summary

• Operating Air Pressure: 0.2 to 1.0 MPa typical; some models up to 1.3 MPa.
• Clamping Force: From several hundred Newtons to over 1 kN depending on model and size.
• Mounting: Standardized hole sizes and spacing for easy fixture integration.
• Material: High-strength steel with black oxide or stainless steel finishes.
• Detection: Optional ports for pressure sensor integration enabling automated monitoring.

Mounting Hole Caps and Blow-out Function

Plastic caps protect module surfaces by covering mounting holes; installed by tapping with a plastic hammer and soft metal piece to avoid damage. For air blow function at clamp pin holes, replace caps with supplied orifice plugs. Removal uses a pointed tool. Rc1/8 external ports do not require plugs. Mounting hole spacing tolerance is ±0.02 mm.

Machining Accuracy and Mounting Hole Dimensions

These dimensions are critical for correct mounting and machining accuracy.

Clamping Modules and Holding Force

*Exceeding these holding forces may cause product or screw failure. Values measured at 0.6 MPa without safety factors.

Clamping Screws and Installation

Clamping screws (AMWPD series) come in various thread sizes (M8×1.25 to M16×2.0). Customers must prepare screws with lengths suited to fixture plate thickness. Workpiece locating pin spacing tolerance is ±0.2 mm.

Internal Pneumatic Connections and Multi-Module Actuation

Base plates must have channels for turbo, unclamping, and seating check air supply, connecting to vertical holes (φ2-4 mm). Minimum hole depths are specified to avoid interference with tapped holes. Unclamping and turbo hole depths can be reversed if necessary.

Clamping Pins

Made from SCM415 steel, carburized and hardened with black oxide finish. Types include Round (T), Diamond (D), and Non-Locating (S). Mounting hole tolerances: ±0.02 mm for locating pins, ±0.1 mm for non-locating pins.

Jaws for External Form Holding (AMWFH-O)

Constructed from anodized A7075 aluminum and black oxide S45C steel. Diaphragm clamping mechanism with 10 jaw sections tilting inward to clamp external forms. Allowable compression diameter: 0.6 mm. Workpiece locating repeatability ±0.03 mm; jaw locating repeatability ±0.02 mm. Installation involves clamping pin fixation, locking ring setting, jaw mounting, workpiece loading, and turbo air supply for clamping.

Jaws for Internal Form Holding (AMWFH-I) and Tapered Screws (AMWFH-IB)

Jaws made of anodized A7075 aluminum; tapered screws are SCM435 steel, quenched, tempered, and electroless nickel plated. Expansion via tapered screws actuated by turbo air supply clamps internal forms securely with 10 jaw sections. Allowable expansion diameter: 0.6 mm. Workpiece locating repeatability ±0.03 mm; jaw locating repeatability ±0.02 mm. Installation and operation similar to external jaws.

Additional Components and Accessories

• AMCH-W pneumatic clamping components with mounting instructions.
• AMNS-S pneumatic work supports with stroke and pressure specs.
• BJ370 series work supports mountable on top or bottom plate surfaces.

General Notes and Recommendations

• Do not actuate clamps without a workpiece to avoid damage.
• Use separate air supply ports for turbo and unclamping; plug unused ports with customer-prepared plugs.
• Maintain specified tolerances for hole spacing and pin mounting for proper function.
• Refer to fixtureworks.com for pricing, ordering, and CAD downloads.

Conclusion

The pneumatic air assisted clamps described provide robust, precise, and customizable solutions for automated clamping in industrial settings. Their wedge mechanism ensures high clamping force and repeatability, with multiple models and accessories supporting diverse fixture designs and automation needs.