Workpiece Locating and Clamping Devices for Transfer Machines

Workpiece Locating and Clamping Devices for Transfer Machines

Workpiece Locating and Clamping Devices for Transfer Machines - Stationary fixtures and pallets (traveling fixtures) are commonly used in transfer lines as workpiece locating and clamping devices.

Stationary fixtures are intended for one machining operation on a given machining head or station. The following functions are accomplished by this type of fixture:

(a) Tentative orientation of the workpiece,

(b) Its final location,

(c) Clamping and release, and also.

(d) Guidance of the cutting tools during machining,

The, workpieces are automatically loaded into stationary fixtures. All the operations involved in loading the workpiece into the fixture from the conveyor and unloading it front the fixture onto conveyor, are accomplished by relatively simple movement of the loading device.

Stationary fixtures are mainly used in transfer lines for parts which are immovable during machining e.g., cylinder heads, engine blocks etc.

Pallets or individual travelling fixtures serve to clamp complex shape parts which lave no surfaces suitable for automatic location in machining and transfer.

Pallets with workpieces are transferred oriented; they are conveniently located and fixed at the machining stations.The work pieces are placed into the pallets and clamped there in by hand and so released and unloaded after machining.