What is CNC
The acronym C.N.C stands
for Computer Numerically Controlled. The current crop of CNC machines
are likely not to be programmed by numbers rather, a code such as "G
Code" which are interpreted by a computer to control motion.
The most common form of this is is in 3 axes (x,y and z)
Please note this file is 2Mb in size
In the picture, the CNC table has been replicated. A line drawing
of a V-Clamp is shown with the origin of the clamp at ,X 200 , Y200.
The round circle on the clamp face indicates the vacuum port.
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This is how it looks on the CNC machine Click on the picture to
enlarge
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The example drawing has been done without any thought of how it
will be held, or where on the machine it will be placed.
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The drawing is inserted into our machine table replication, and
we can move it into the correct "X" and "Y"
position
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From here we will generate the tool path that we require, and
know that the part we intend to produce can be easily held.
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If you are comfortable with "Layers" in your CAD program,
put the clamp outline and the grid on separate layers to your drawing.
This allows you to switch off the layers that are not required when
saving your drawing.
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Click on images for larger image
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Can I use them
on my CNC router?
Flexibility of use
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Part of the genesis
of the V-Clamps was use on a CNC routing machine. So it is
no surprise that they will find a home on such machinery.
The VC4 clamp can be bolted to a "T" slot section
and be moved to any position that this will allow. The VC5
has the added versatility that placement can be anywhere
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What are these?
The face plug, shown right, has been developed for both the
VC4 and VC5 clamps. This little shim is 3mm thick (about 1/8")
and can be located on top of the V-Clamp squares. They can
also be stacked on top of one another to lift your workpiece
higher again.
Click on picture for a larger image
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How do I make this work
on my machine?
Flexibility of Use
The following example is just one method of using V-Clamps on
CNC machinery.
Machine
A CNC table has been set up with a grid pattern. A zero line
for the "X" axis and of course the same for "Y".
In this example the lines have bee cut by the machine. This
gives us the most accurate reference lines we could have.
The lines shown are at 50mm intervals (about 2") The
"X" and "Y" axis markings show the 100
mm intervals
The cutter is at its' home position.
Click on picture for a larger image
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VC5
The VC5 holds itself down on flat low porosity surfaces.
It can be positioned anywhere on the table surface, naturally
it can be angled as well.
The face plugs clip into the squares and the CNC rubber seal
can be put into the required shape
When using V-Clamps the whole job setup can be managed from
the CAD package that is used to created your drawings.
VC4
The fixed version can also be used but the need for the positioning
lines is not required. The co-ordinates of the clamp or clamps
would be known, and the work piece would be adjusted accordingly
Air Supply Pressure
The supply pressure should be adjusted to no more than 80
psi. This will mean the clamps are using less air and still
providing maximum performance
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