Vise Clamping Force Test

Workholding a metal piece for machining can be a very challenging task for CNC Machine operators. The vise clamping has to strike the exact balance between applying the right amount of force to prevent the part from moving during cutting while keeping the clamping force pressure low enough that the metal piece is not deformed.

Using a load cell sensor to measure the clamping force makes the process safer, easier, and more efficient. This application note illustrates how a load cell sensor and digital indicator have been applied to test and measure the vise jaw clamping force while the machinist tightens the vise screw with a torque wrench. The measurement data enables the machinist to easily monitor and control the vise clamp's pressure. The same method can be used to measure a bench vise clamping force.

Likewise, a Rotary Torque Sensors can be used as an auditing and torque wrench calibration tool. This application is utilizing FUTEK’s TRD Rotary Torque Sensor to verify the precision of a torque wrench. FUTEK is equipped with A2LA accredited calibration lab to support critical applications related to torque wrench calibration tool.

Check out this video displaying how 5th Axis Workholding used FUTEK IHH500 to perform a clamping force test on a V75100X Self-Centering Vise.

How it Works

1. In this application, the LCA Load Cell or a LLB Load Button is mounted in the CNC vise jaws. A TRD Rotary Torque Sensor is also installed onto the vise screw.

2. As the machinist tightens the vise screw, FUTEK’s TRD Rotary Torque Sensor measures the torque being applied and the load cell between the vise jaws measure the clamping force.

3. These measurements are sent directly to a paired instrument which provides excitation voltage and conditions the signal (filtering, amplification, digitalization). Depending on signal conditioner selection, the operator can either view the data on a digital load display or stream the data directly onto a PC or a PLC/DAQ for data logging, control loop safety interlock or alarming.

4. If the force measurement data shows any anomalies, the operator can adjust clamping force using the torque wrench.