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What Is a Low-Profile Clamp and How To Utilize It In Your Production

A brief history of wedge operated workholding clamps.
In the late 1970’s, Finnish inventor and entrepreneur Mr. Olli Kytölä developed a new clamping method for workholding. The simplicity of the idea is mind-blowing even today: instead of moving large machine vise jaws against each other, a small wedge-operated jaw is pressing the workpiece against fixed stoppers. The clamp has two jaws, so possibility to clamp one or two workpieces with one clamp is built-in.
During last 40 years, this wedge operated workholding clamp has become famous with the name OK-VISE Low-Profile Clamp. The core application has always been in CNC milling, an in early days do-it-yourself people used to build their own workholding fixtures using OK-VISE clamps and milling the remaining parts of the milling fixture themselves.

Today the wedge operated clamp is widely used in machine shops all over the world due to its many benefits compared to normal vises. In our Fixturing Concept, the idea is to have locating components like stoppers, side guides and parallels as separate modules. These modules locate the workpiece, and clamps are used in most cases to clamp the workpiece against stoppers.
The clamping itself is very simple. When we are tightening the clamp, the wedge in the middle pushes the jaws sideways, pressing the workpiece against a fixed stopper.
In addition to dedicated workholding, the low-profile clamp is often used in modular workholding systems, such as Multi-Rail RM. This approach, involving standardized modules for fixture designers and fixture builders, speeds up fixture sourcing radically, especially if a modular base rail is in use. Best-case scenario is that no machining at all is needed to build a new fixture.

Different clamp models:
When we are talking about clamping the workpiece securely and safely for machining, it is important to look at various clamp models and their strengths.
The features of the machining process and the workpiece typically determine the requirements for the clamp. In most fixtures, so called force-closure is being used.
This means that typically 3 sides of the workpiece have free access to milling tool, and holding force opposing the machining forces is created by friction.
When dealing with high forces during machining in force-closure fixtures more friction is needed between the jaw and the workpiece. This can be achieved by selecting a larger clamp (for bigger forces) or a model with enhanced grip for better friction compared to a smooth-jaw clamp.
Luckily, you can find a range of clamp options from us to securely attach even the most challenging workpieces.

For better friction:
Tungsten carbide coated jaws are extremely useful when no clamping marks are allowed in the workpiece, yet high holding force is required to hold the workpiece. With tungsten carbide coating the holding force is about double compared to traditional smooth jaws. it has to be noticed that the marks that these jaws leave to the workpiece are almost invisible.
Serrated jaws are used when even higher holding forces are needed. When tightened with high force the serration penetrates into the workpiece, creating high friction.

For complicated shapes:
Sometimes the workpiece has a complex shape, which we need to consider when selecting the right clamp. In these cases, the clamp can have an adjustable jaw, or the jaw itself can be machined to match the shape of the workpiece.
Self-adjustable model is a great option when the workpiece has irregular shapes. These clamps have a self-adjustable ball pressure screw inserted into a clamp jaw which can adjust by the shapes of the workpiece.

Direction of the jaw movement:
In mostly used the jaw slides along the fixture base. These are called hold-down models, because the wedge design holds the jaw down and prevents the jaw from lifting up while clamping.

The other option are pull-down models, where the jaw moves also towards the fixture base. When clamping the workpiece with this type of clamp, the workpiece is also pressed down. Another advantage is that with this clamping technology, we can achieve even higher clamping force, up to 15 kN.
One way to build a workholding fixture is form-closure, where the geometry of the layout prevents the workpieces from moving.
Another and more typical application is force-closure, where the friction between the workholding clamp and stopper jaws create a holding force that prevents the workpieces from moving. In most typical application there are 2 workholding clamps and 2 stoppers, each with the same force clamping the workpiece. When this force is multiplied by friction coefficiency µ, then we can calculate the holding force, in the above mentioned example.

H = 4 µ F
where F is the clamping force, and friction coefficient varies. Example values when workpiece from steel is in use.
µ = 0,15 smooth jaws
µ = 0,28 tungsten carbide coated jaws
µ = 0,8 serrated jaws

What we have learned:
All in all, using a wedge operated clamp is one of the easiest and best ways to build workholding fixtures. Its operation allows you to use it for clamping multiple workpieces simultaneously or when you need a high clamping force in limited space. For more details about our low-profile clamp, we have gathered product information in our instructions.

Fowler's Extended Maintenance
PLUS Plan

Fowler is NOW offering a 2-Year Extended Maintenance PLUS Plan that enhances and ensures continuation of Factory Warranty! Enjoy the pease of mind of maximum uptime from your precision measurement equipment systems by protecting your business with Fowler's Extended Maintenacne PLUS Plan.

Providing durable, reliable, accurate measuring equipment is something Fowler takes great pride in. Keeping your equipment in peak working order is essential to continued business success. Using Fowler's Extended Maintenance PLUS Plan ensures your valuable assets can handle the job at hand for years to come. Protect your investment.

• NO Debilitating Repair Costs
• Reduced Downtime
• OEM Quality Spare Parts and Factory Technicians
• Technical Support

Fowler High Precision Extended Maintenance PLUS Plan allows you to protect your instrument over and beyond what the manufacturer's warranty covers. This plan allows for a seamless transition of support covering OEM factory spare parts, labor, preventative maintenance and annual calibration minimizing possible downtime in inspection and/or production. Trained Fowler service technicians will also install and update software during on-site annual calibration visits at no charge. A quality maintenance program can be critical to your company's performance and delivery of finished products. Fowler's Extended Maintenance PLUS Plan is a service that goes beyond the manufacturers basic coverage.

Fowler Fusion
Coordinate Measuring Machines

Fusion makes complex measurement easy and affordable! Fusion CMMs together with Fusion feature-rich and easy-to-use software offer an incredible cost/benefit solution for any company. Fusion CMM models range from Manual to Full CNC systems. Fusion CMMs offer load capacity up to 6 tons and dimensional capacity to 1200mm (x), 3000mm (y) and 1000mm (z).
The Fusion group of products represents a powerful synthesis of innovative 3D precision measuring equipment, including CMMs (including zCAT), Vision Systems and Optical Comparators. Fusion measuring software is user-friendly and feature-rich. Fusion 3D software has been written by engineers for engineers and sets the industry standard for robust simple-to-use measurement software. Fusion 3D software is not only ahead of its competition in being the industry standard for 'easy-to-use' software, but also has the depth of functionality to make it the choice for either occasional users or full-time inspection professionals. Fusion software is easy on the inspection budget too. Acquisition costs are less than half of competitive CMM software training is usually on-site in one day. Fusion measurement software has no annual fees and free upgrades.

Fowler's Mobile Tech Center
Will Travel To You!

The Fowler Mobile Tech Center will soon be arriving at your location! We at Fowler would like to extend our thanks to you for offering to host our traveling trade show of cutting edge precision measuring tools and technologies!

In order to make our event a success for us both, Fowler has some suggestions to ensure everything goes smoothly and that you and your employees get the most out of the Fowler Mobile Tech Center visit.

Our Mobile Tech Center is around 38 feet long and 9 feet wide and require a fairly level open area in which to park and set up. The entrances to the Mobile Tech Center are on the passenger side. Please keep this is mind in planning for your arrival.
During the visit, Fowler's expert technical sales personnel will be performing hands-on demonstrations of some of our most cutting edge precision tools and technologies. Please see the other documents in this pre-arrival packet to be sure you see the products and technologies you and your employees are most interested in.

Fowler suggests that you invite the personnel in your Quality, Engineering, Production, Re-search & Development and Purchasing departments. Getting as many of the "right" people in front of a variety of precision instruments and technologies often creates an excellent environment for communication and problem solving. Different people see things in different ways and better solutions are often discovered in the process.
Please call us with any questions you may have before the arrival of the Fowler Mobile Tech Center or after it departs. We here at Fowler are experts at solving your quality and precision challenges and we are ready to assist you. We are just a phone call or an email away.

To Schedule the Mobile Tech Center for your facility, click here:

I-System Tool Holder

The Infinite Tool Holder System utilizes a patented tool holder base available in the most popular machine tapers featuring eight different “IR” coupling sizes. The base and couplings have highly accurate ground pilot diameters and threads providing excellent concentricity and rigitidy to allow limitless tool holder lengths.
The Infinite Tool Holder System provides the ultimate in customer interchangeability.

Superior Abrasives
Airfile Belts & Cross Buff

Superior Abrasives has recently redeveloped & expanded some of their product lines - Airfile Belts & Cross Buff.

Airfile Belts (New)
- SHUR-BRITE SF Flexible Surface Condition Belts
- Made specifically for airfile and small diameter contact wheels.
- No chunking & better flexibility compared to others.
- Durable splice resists premature failure.
- Exceeds life of popular competitors.
Cross Buff (Expanded)
- SHUR-BRITE Satin Cross Buffs
- Compliments existing Satin Finishing Stars.
- 8-32 eyelet now available.
- Added size & ply offering
- Comparable to all competitive cross buffs.

Download this brochure to find out more. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

powRgrip vs Heat-Shrink

Comparative analysis of Rego-Fix's powRgrip system vs Heat Shrink. Download this brochure to find out more. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Catcher Protection from
Dust and Oily Mist

Industrial facilities, production lines, state of the art electronic machinery all have a common enemy: floating impurities like dust, oily mists or dirt cover the components of every type of machinery.

Protect Electronic Machines, Compressors, Heat Exchangers and Electric Motors with CATCHER protective filters.

New Slim MT

New Tool-A-Thon Has Been Released

New Products!
New Savings!
Download PDF here.

Ask us how to become an authorized Tool-A-Thon distributor and grow you inspection business.

Carmex Tool Wizard

IS NOW AVAILABLE AT ON OUR WEBSITE!

Go to our Programming Software page.
Click on either Milling or Turning to pull up the Carmex Tool Wizard.
Move the cursor over Milling or Turning and “start” the program.
Tool Wizard suggests tools to be used, generates the program, gives the number of passes, and how much material is removed on each pass.

This is a great tool for our customers!

Portable Precision - " The Next Dimension"

A revolutionary solution to a complicated problem.

Using advanced technology, software, design and electronics, the zCAT is manufactured as a compact self-contained unit that is fundamentally different than existing CMM technology, design and operation. From initial equipment acquisition through set-up, training and maintenance, the zCAT offers significant cost reductions without compromising measuring accuracy or performance.

For more information, download the zCAT brochure here: ZCAT DCC CMM

Purchase any Spiral Mill-Thread inserts and receive a FREE corresponding tool holder.

Since its introduction, the Spiral Mill-Thread line has become one of Carmex’s most popular products. NOW, customers have the opportunity to purchase the inserts and receive the corresponding, specially engineered tool holder FREE.

Thread Mills for Medical Applications

Carmex introduces thread mills designed for the double- and
triple-start tapered threads used on orthopedic bone plates.
These thread mills are quoted and sold per application.

Send us your requirements today for a prompt quote.

Indexable Threading Specials

With our expertise in threading tools, we welcome to opportunity to help you with your special threading application.