The competitiveness of today’s mold-making market demands the highest degree of precision and efficiency from companies’ setup procedures. Designed to provide quick, custom setup options for unrestricted access to five workpiece surfaces, the FCS modular clamping system (Breyl) enables mold makers to spend less time on setups and more time on machining. Its flexible and repeatable fixturing options are ideal for the machining of large mold workpieces that are commonly tough to set up.
The precision of FCS is upheld by the design of the system’s base gage plate mounted on the machine worktable. Featuring a grid of threaded holes spaced evenly apart by 50 mm to within 5 microns, this base gage plate allows for quick and precise modular setup adjustments that are safeguarded from human error.
Positioning accuracy is further enhanced by the modular clamping system’s TiN-coated steel rings. These rings are installed between the workpiece and a cylindrical clamping body, held tightly in place by mating surfaces on one and precision ground tapers on the other. The result is an H7-class fit with micron-level repeatability.
The clamping body and workpiece are connected by a single rod. Where the rod interfaces with the workpiece, there are standard metric threads, typically M12 by 1.75 or M16 by 2.0. On the opposite end of the rod, a serrated feature fits into the clamping unit to fasten the workpiece securely to the base gage plate. When the final assembly is tightened, the tapers on the rings are guided into precise location.
FCS modular clamping system is incredibly simple to deploy, even for novice operators, despite the complexity behind the system’s design. With the prevalence of skilled labor shortages and growing demands to reduce scrap and unproductive time, this clamping system enables mold makers to simplify manual-labor activities and eliminate setup error.
Companies using FCS systems have reported an average 88 percent increase in production time, which translates to higher machine utilization and lower costs. Additionally, faster equipment and pallet changes mean a more standardized work process for improved workpiece quality and consistency.
Advanced users of this modular clamping system can also take advantage of the optional Guideline software, developed by BKC of Italy. This virtual design software enables users to design FCS workholding systems based on the CAD model of a workpiece. Guideline software projects the FCS grid onto the workpiece to calculate the most efficient workpiece positioning for machining and chip evacuation. After checking for possible interferences with other holes, it automatically arranges the fixing seats based on the dimensions of the workpiece and combination of pallets and clamping available.
FCS is available through SST (Single Source Technologies) and can be purchased in a variety of package offerings, including a basic package that features a base gage plate and clamping components, which are available in lengths of 40, 80 and 120 mm. SST also offers services to help FCS users develop the most effective fixturing.
For more information on FCS modular clamping system, or to place an order, visit singlesourcetech.com/FCS or contact SST directly at 1-877-228-2884.