96 Vacu-Vice
Vacu-Vise is a clamping method
using vacuum as an alternative to conventional
vises operated pneumatically,
hydraulically or mechanically.
This clamping system consists of a specially
designed vacuum chuck and two
clamping jaws, which are mounted on a
rigid, but resiliently
deformable support plate. When
vacuum is switched on, the support
plate is drawn downwards and deformed
in such a way that the clamping
jaws tip towards each other and
thereby clamp the work piece
securely with great force.
Especially advantageous - when a
vacuum supply is already in use on a
machine - this new clamping method
offers an extended effective use of the
"medium" vacuum.
Wherever dimensions of a work piece
and cutting forces no longer permit
conventional vacuum clamping, there is
now a possibility of strong and if
necessary additional form-fitting
work piece clamping with this new
clamping system.
For example, if on a milling center
several consecutive processes require
re-clamping of a part and the
remaining surfaces for direct vacuum
clamping are too small, this innovative
clamping technology can be used.
One system has already been
implemented in the medical field,
and amongst other things is in use for
manufacturing plastic elements for
knee implants.
Vacu-Vice
clamping system
Workpiece
Clamp
Vacuum chuck
Vacuum súpply