Types of toggle clamps

This lens introduce all typical types of toggle clamps,which is a supplement of lens “what are toggle clamps and the advantages”,www.squidoo.com/toggle-clamp2
Also you can view youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmkC3kGVB7w
In order someone come straight here,it’s better for us to have a simple review of “what is toggle clamp”.
Please find out my another article for details.
Toggle clamps operate on a simple mechanical principal and are used to fasten objects instantly, especially for jigs and fixtures.(eg.a checking fixture below)

Typically, a toggle clamp consists of: A handle to operate the mechanism A clamping arm to hold the work-piece Linkages to multiply the applied force and a base to mount the clamp to a work bench or other surface.Toggle clamps work on the over centre linkage principle and high forces are generated as the pivot points align and once applied the clamps are locked into position.You can easily load it on or unload by move it leveraged handle.And this picture tells what is the “over center linkage principle”.
Here we goes to the part of introduction of different types of toggle clamps.We try to cover as more types as we know.
1,vertical handle toggle clamp
Vertical toggle clamps are the most versatile, producing the highest clamping forces with the arm and handle geometry using the same axis direction.
Features include:
 Red vinyl hand grip with cushioned rib profile for improved user comfort.
 All body and linkage components are zinc plated to resist corrosion.
 Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to maintain accuracy and provide a long service life.
 Clamps with adjustable spindles are manufactured with a formed end to the arm, which captivates the spindle should it become loose during operation.
 Flanged washers are supplied with all slotted arm versions and weldable bolt retainer brackets are supplied with all solid arm models.
 The arm and handle opening angles can be increased on some models by the removal of a positioning pin on the base of the clamp.

2,Horizontal handle toggle clamp
Horizontal toggle clamps have the advantage of having a low profile when the handle is inthe closed position, and so are most suitable for applications having a height restriction.The arm and handle geometry use opposite axis directions.

Features include
ü  Red vinyl hand grip with cushioned rib profile for improved user comfort.
ü  All body and linkage components are zinc plated to resist corrosion.
ü  Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to provide a long service life.
ü  Clamps with adjustable spindles are manufactured with a formed end to the arm, which captivates the spindle should it become loose during operation.
ü  The handle and arm linkages are designed to provide a smooth continuous action when the handle is opened and closed.


3, Push&pull type      
Push-Pull toggle clamps use a plunger mechanism to produce a positive straight-line
action. They have the advantage of having a low profile, using side or end clamping, and so are most suitable for applications having a height restriction.

Features include
ü  Red vinyl hand grip with cushioned rib profile for improved user comfort.
ü  All body and linkage components on the light duty range are zinc plated to resist corrosion.
ü  The heavy-duty range has ductile cast iron bases for strength and rigidity.
ü  A close tolerance is maintained between the base and plunger to allow use for pin location and gauging as well as clamping applications.
ü  Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to maintain accuracy and provide a long service life.
4,Latch type
Latch action toggle clamps are available in two types, with a horizontal or vertical action. The latch action allows two faces to be fastened together on the same plane or at 90 degrees.They have the advantage of having a low profile, and so are most suitable for applications having a height restriction.The latch action makes this clamp ideally suited for applications on mould box lids, quick release covers, hatches and doors.

Features include
ü  Red vinyl hand grip with cushioned rib profile for improved user comfort.
ü  All body and linkage components on the light duty range are zinc plated to resist corrosion.
ü  The heavy-duty range has cast steel bases for strength and rigidity.
ü  Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to maintain accuracy and provide a long service life

5,Hook clamp
Hook action toggle clamps operate on a horizontal plane, to pull two faces together, or at 90 degrees.They have the advantage of having a low profile, and so are most suitable for applicationshaving a height restriction. The hook action makes this clamp ideally suited for applications on mould box lids, quick release covers, hatches and doors.

Features include:
ü  Red vinyl hand grip with cushioned rib profile for improved user comfort.
ü  All body and linkage components on the light duty range are zinc plated to resist corrosion.
ü  The heavy-duty range has wide flanged bases for strength and rigidity.
ü  Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to maintain accuracy and provide a long service life.

7,Heavy duty weldable
This range of clamps has been developed to withstand the most arduous welding conditions and are very well suited to repetitive production areas such as the automotive industry. They have the advantage of having the basic toggle mechanism, onto which the arm and handle can be welded at the desired position to suit the specific application.

Features include: 
ü  Holding forces of up to 2000 kg can be achieved.
ü  Two types of base mounting are available;
A short swivel base to allow the clamp to be mounted at an angle relative to
the arm and handle.
A long straight base to allow the mechanism to be welded directly on to a
dedicated jig or fixture.
ü  All body and linkage components are drop forged high alloy steel for strength and
ü  rigidity.
ü  All pivot pins are manufactured from hardened and ground steel, and the main pivot
ü  pins run in hardened steel bushes to maintain accuracy and provide a long service life.
ü  Chemi-black surface finish to resist corrosion.


8,Air powered clamp
Air-powered clamps are available in three distinctive versions.
Vertically acting mechanisms, which share the features of the equivalent manual series,from which they are derived.
Straight line action mechanisms providing a push-pull output force.
Swing action cylinder clamps operating on a helix principle.
The obvious benefits offered by air powered clamps are the increased productivity andsafety offered by fully automatic hands free operation.Prevention of accidental handle opening even if the air supply is disconnected

ü  Features include
ü  The heavy-duty range has ductile cast iron bases for strength and rigidity.
ü  Cylinder ports are fitted with air-flow restrictors to control the cycle speed and to provide cushioning at each end of the stroke.
ü  Chromed piston rods for protection against weld spatter.
ü  Pivot points are fitted with hardened steel or stainless steel rivets to maintain accuracy
ü  and provide a long service life.

You can read more at toggle clamp introduction.

What are toggle clamps the advantages

read the page or view on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmkC3kGVB7w


Toggle clamps are also named quick clamp,quick release clamp,over-center clamp etc.
A toggle clamp is a fastening device that usually consists of a handle to control the device, a holding bar to grip the work piece, and a linkage system of pivot pins and levers to boost the applied force(see structure picture below). Once engaged, the toggle clamp essentially becomes locked. A toggle clamp typically serves to secure an object tightly in order to prevent it from moving or separating when inward pressure is applied.

Your toggle clamps contain:
l Handle to operate
l Clamping arm to reach the work piece
l Linkages for multiplying the applied force
l Spindle for pressure adjustment
l Base for mounting at the workplace

HOW it works/toggle principle

Toggle action clamps operate through a linkage system of levers and pivots (fulcrum). The fixed-length levers, connected by pivoting pins, supply the action and clamping force. The toggle action has a lock point which is a fixed stop and linkage. Once in the lock position, the clamp does not unlock unless the linkage is moved/released. Although oriented in different ways, most toggle clamps are designed using this basic principle.

The advantages of toggle clamps

ü TIME SAVING: The clamping and release is achieved in seconds, this gives tremendous time saving per cycle.

ü EASY TO INCORPORATE: No additional accurate machining, slotting etc. is needed while using this clamps in any tooling.

ü VERSATALITY: Available in push, pull, hold down, latch type, plier type.

ü DURABILITY: All vital components are hard and zinc plated giving adequate wear and corrosion resistance ensuring longer working life.

ü LOW MAINTENANCE: These clamps are virtually maintenance free. Occasionally few drops of lubricating oil are all that is needed to keep them in good working condition.

ü COST SAVING: Tooling costs are reduced as tool design and tool making become simpler. Reduced cycle time reduced with low maintenance. Reduced production cost by increasing productivity

Toggle Action Clamps Compared with Cam Action Clamps

Cam action uses frictional force to effect a lockingcondition between the cam surface on the bar andthe follower on the handle. Toggle action clamps have many advantages over cam action clamps,mainly because cam action damps allow some movement while clamping. Toggle action clamps thus provide a more consistent clamping point, can be manufactured from inexpensive materials, and are available in stainless steel for outdoor or corrosive applications. If the material being clamped has a variable thickness, however, a cam action clamp has the ability to better accommodate this application.

You can read more details at toggle clamp introduction

Toggle clamp terms understanding

Toggle clamp terms

Toggle Action

The theoretical maximum holding or clamping force of a toggle action device is achieved when the three pivot points are in a straight line. To make allowance for external forces due to vibration and changing load conditions in industrial use, the proper amount of over travel of the center pivot point has been carefully calculated to yield maximum clamping pressure, while achieving a positive locking position.

Holding Capacity and clamping force

All Good Hand clamps are rated by their "holding capacity". This rating is the maximum force the clamp will support when locked in the closed position without creating permanent deformation. This force is measured at a point closest to the base and diminishes as the end of the bar is reached. The "clamping force" is defined as the actual force being applied by the clamp to the work piece. This rating is not constant due to such variables as the location of force on the handle, the amount of force the operator applies, and the location of the spindle on the hold-down bar.

Feature

• Hand grips are covered with an oil and stain resistant red vinyl or red plastic for easy identification and to assure the safety and comfort of the operator.
• All die-stamped steel parts are deburred, cleaned, and receive a zinc plated finish that resists corrosion and creates a smooth, easy to clean surface.
• Heavy duty rivets are used to maintain accuracy and to increase endurance. All heavy-duty clamps receive hardened ground pins and bushings.
• Flanged washers are supplied with all U-bar and open bar models. Weld-on bolt retainers are supplied with all solid bar models.
• Toggle mechanism designed to allow maximum clearance for ease of loading and unloading work piece.

 

Goodhand Profile

Our Good Hand toggle clamp was first marketed in 1974 and served the Asian and European markets. Its widely accepted design and excellent quality have now created a demand for Good Hand toggle clamps throughout the World. Today, the Good Hand clamp line is capable of handling most all work holding or positioning requirements and our product line is constantly being expanded and updated to meet industry requirements.