Page 412 - CarrLaneCatalog_2019ed-c.pdf

INTRODUCTION

What exactly is modular fixturing? In many ways modular fixturing GRID HOLES VS. EARLIER T-SLOT SYSTEMS:
is just like permanent fixturing, except for a few key differences. The two primary forms of modular systems available today are
First, modular fixtures can be assembled entirely from reusable those with grid-pattern holes and earlier types with T slots to
off-the-shelf components, without machining. Next, many modular mount components. Grid holes offer many advantages over T
components are adjustable and universal. Finally, specially slots. Modular systems with grid holes have greater positional
designed tooling plates and blocks, with a standard grid pattern, accuracy and strength than those with T slots. T-slot systems
are the foundation of a good modular system. permit movement along the slot, so nothing but friction holds
components in place. Wherever T slots cross each other, a weak
point exists.

MULTIPURPOSE GRID HOLES OFFER MAXIMUM
FLEXIBILITY:
Grid-pattern modular-fixturing systems come in two styles: those
with alternating dowel holes and tapped holes and those with
multipurpose holes. The alternating-hole style does not offer as
many advantages as the Carr Lane Manufacturing multipurpose-
hole style. Multipurpose holes have both an alignment bushing
and threaded insert in the same hole. This arrangement permits
each hole to serve as an alignment hole, mounting hole, or
both. Multipurpose holes are laid out in a standard 1” or 2” grid
pattern (depending on the size) to allow the maximum number of
mounting locations.

Locating
Screw
A VALUABLE TOOL FOR EVERY MACHINE SHOP:
Most metal-machining manufacturers have good applications for Precision
temporary fixturing every day! The leadtime and expense required Bushing
to build a permanent fixture are often difficult to justify. This is
especially true when production runs are small and do not repeat
on a regular basis. General-purpose workholders — such as vises, Threaded Insert
chucks, and table mounted clamps — can be ready for production
on short notice, but they are primarily suited for short runs of POWER WORKHOLDING CAPABILITY:
basic parts. Fortunately, there is now another alternative: modular The ability to use hydraulic power workholding is another
fixturing. When a company adds modular fixturing to its options, consideration in the selection of a modular-workholding system.
even job-shop-type production can benefit from quality fixturing.
A modular system should treat power workholding as an integral
part of the complete fixturing plan. Instead of requiring special
GOOD APPLICATIONS FOR MODULAR FIXTURING: power components, a good modular system uses standard, off-
Modular fixturing is an ideal answer to many workholding the-shelf power workholding components. Adapting standard
problems. One-time jobs, found especially in job shops, are ideal power components to modular workholders both reduces cost
for modular fixturing; with modular fixturing, a workholder can be and expands design options. ROEMHELD power clamps and work
economically built even for a one-part run. Jobs that do not repeat supports are the finest available, and work hand-in-hand with
on a regular basis are well suited to modular fixturing; modular the Carr Lane Manufacturing modular system. Also, our HILMA
fixturing permits rapid setup of short-notice production runs.
10 precision hydraulic vises work perfectly with modular tooling
Modular fixturing is also ideal for prototype parts; since prototypes plates and blocks.
are often changed or redesigned, the cost of building a permanent
fixture for each new variation would be prohibitive. Replacement CHOICE OF THREE SYSTEM SIZES:
parts are another perfect application; modular fixturing allows A good modular-fixturing system needs to accommodate a wide
a company to respond to orders as they are received, instead of range of workpiece sizes. Only Carr Lane Manufacturing offers a full
shipping parts from an inventory. Trial fixturing is also an excellent line of modular components in three system sizes. As a comparison
application; modular workholders allow a designer to fine tune to choose the proper system size, the table below shows typical
tooling ideas before a final production workholder is built. Finally, clamping force exerted by clamp straps in each size (2-to-1 lever
modular fixturing is valuable while permanent fixtures are built or ratio).
repaired.
THE WIDEST SELECTION OF TOOLING PLATES & BLOCKS:
Tooling plates and blocks are the main structural elements of any
modular-fixturing system. The type, style, and number of plates
and blocks available determine the variety of fixtures that can be
built, and also the number of machine tools that can be used. The Mini Standard Heavy
Carr Lane Manufacturing modular system has the largest selection 5/16-18 1/2-13 5/18-11
of tooling plates and blocks available anywhere.
RECOMMENDED CLAMPING
STUD TORQUE FORCE
SIZE SIZE (FT-LBS) (LBS)
MINI 5/16-18 9 900
STANDARD 1/2-13 38 2300
HEAVY 5/8-11 77 3700

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