The positioning of a workpiece for a machining process has a decisive influence on end quality. With today’s tighter manufacturing tolerances, more precise positioning of castings, forgings and sintered parts is essential. A new but simple concept, concentric clamping is becoming an important option, especially in the case of mold parts.

New SWIFTSURE® concentric clamping elements shorten loading and clamping times for workpieces with cast or machined bores, reliefs or break-outs. Used in combination, hydraulically operated two- and three-way elements reduce tedious manual positioning by clamping with the turn of a valve. Maximum damping and compact construction is obtained, together with high repetitive accuracy.

Easily integrated into fixtures, concentric clamping elements avoid overstressed clamping and provide high repeatability. Blanks can be manufactured with less machining allowance, which means reductions in the weight and cost of the blank, the machining time and the tool cost.

Concentric clamping offers versatility as well. Several elements can be hydraulically or mechanically operated at once. Oil supply can be provided via pipes or through drilled channels in the base plates. Hydraulically operated elements can be integrated into an automated process. Direct or indirect control sensors make a signal exchange with the total system process, increasing overall safety.

The elements can be ordered in diameters from one to 10 inches,

with larger sizes available on request. Varied mounting and connecting options extend the versatility of these labor-saving clamps.

SWIFTSURE®, a division of Carr Lane Roemheld, is known for its precise, leak-free power workholding devices, including highly compact clamps, work supports, vises, power units, valves, coupling and accessories. Many SWIFTSURE® products operate comfortably at operating pressures up to 7500 psi, with compactness that allows various workholding configurations otherwise impossible.

SWIFTSURE® swing clamps, a power workholding staple, offer a propriety safety-clutch mechanism which prevents damage by disengaging if the clamping arm strikes an unexpected object, such as an incorrectly loaded workpiece.

SWIFTSURE® work supports, another important power workholding item, have extremely high accuracy, with +/- .0002 inches repeatability. SWIFTSURE® offers both fluid-advanced and air-advanced work supports. More information can be obtained at the company’s web site, www.clrh.com.