WDS extends range of OK VISE workholding clamps with new designs

These low-profile clamps offer high clamping forces and the potential for three directional machining, so are highly efficient in use. They are widely used in industries such as metalworking, plastics, aerospace, and electronics.

The key feature of the OK-VISE low-profile clamp design is its cross-wedge structure in both the horizontal and vertical planes, which means that the clamp is locked firmly in every direction as it is tightened down, thus preventing sliding.

They come in two basic designs. The first option is based on a single-wedge design which will steadily increase the gripping force with which it holds the workpiece. The second option uses a double-wedge construction that creates a pull-down action that ensures the workpiece is firmly seated in the clamp.

Both the wedge and the jaws are made of tool steel and are through-hardened. Fastening the clamps involves simply tightening a single bolt, an operation which ensures quick yet accurate set up times.

They are designed to fit between the workpieces and take up very little space on the fastening base. Small in size yet exerting a clamping force of up to 150kN, they can be used on both single machine tools and large flexible manufacturing centres.

Standard models come with a hardness of 48-52 HRC and serrated jaws. Smooth jaws and other options are now also available, along with a line of machinable jaw models for workpieces of irregular shape and special models for castings and wire EDM applications. WDS can supply all versions.

OK-VISE low-profile clamps are designed to fit into grid pattern bases, T-slot tables, serrated rails, and many other types of machining platforms and plates. They are suitable for three-directional machining, five-axis machining, and many other efficient modern machining methods.

In use, the low-profile of the OK VISE clamps means they do not require as much space as traditional clamps. This leaves more of the machining area for workpieces, thus reducing the need for operator intervention and tool changes, which can lead to reduced machining downtime and longer production cycles.

Thanks to their small size, these light-weight clamps are easy to install, while moving them from one application or machine to another is virtually effortless.

OK VISE products are manufactured in Finland and were originally developed to solve an in-house workholding need; they were later launched on the global market. In the UK, they are available through WDS Component Parts Ltd; go to www.wdsltd.co.uk for further details.