New to 4 axis fixturing

[m-134b]

Ok, I have to hold two parts, and have full access to areas on all six sides, It took me about two days of going ape over the problem until I realized I was being a moron and still thinking that 4 axis only meant 90 degrees (got two holes that are at odd angles, fortunately they are centerline and don't require 5 axis) Now my major obsticle is just HOW to hold onto these things without having more time in part changeout than I do in cut time! I've seen pneumatic clamps, but have no idea what their limitations and methods of implementation are! I'm pretty well stoneage and if I can't put it in a vise and beat it with a hammer........... well you get the idea......... What are some sources for pneumatic clamps? What sort of force can they resist? What sort of peripheral devices/control do I need to operate them?

I could go on for a LONG time..... needless to say, I want to get up to speed on these things in a hurry. Any advice or suggestions are most appreciated!

Sincerely,
Ken Bolin
BPI

[DareBee]

Attach a part print for us to look at (your explanation isn't helping me any).
Which way does your fourth face (or is it an angle head)?
I can't possible envision having access to all 6 sides without at least one re-fixture.

[Delw]

Mite-bite clamps

[Geof]

If he has not got up to speed yet his definition of hurry is a bit slow.

[m-134b]

Sorry I hadn't posted again on this... I actually figured out what I needed to. The holding problem was actually rather easy, just had to make some dogleg shaped arms for the clamps! The fixture itself was NOT an easy critter to machine lemme tell ya! I spent almost as much time indicating and relocating as I did machining! It will be ready to roll as soon as it gets back from plating and I reassemble. I should have taken pictures, but that was the last thing on my mind when working on this thing.... foremost was keeping the screwup fairy OUT of the picture!

As a note.. VekTek is a VERY good outfit to do business with, absolutely top notch IMO

Sincerely,
Ken
BPI

[Cruiser]

You can compute to some degree what range of clamping force you would have with an pneumatic or hydraulic clamp. You need the cyl size, line pressure, and any clamping ratio involved.
piston radius squared x Pi x line pressure x ratio will give force appliable.
You would still need to consider the design of the clamps and applied use to find if they are usable as you intend. This would be true to any clamp, period !
When it comes to setups and fixtureing it really helps to have a strong mechanical knowledge and as much experience as life can throw at you to be able to pass muster.