WDS introduces world class hyrdraulic solutions for work holding

Citation

(2001), "WDS introduces world class hyrdraulic solutions for work holding", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321dad.008

WDS introduces world class hyrdraulic solutions for work holding

WDS introduces world class hyrdraulic solutions for work holding

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

WDS, a leading supplier of standard parts for use in jigs and fixtures, has complemented its universal series of mechanical clamping equipment with the introduction of a range of hydraulic workholding components and systems from the world's largest manufacturer, Enerpac (see Plate 7).

The comprehensive new range provides ultimate flexibility and reliability for the manufacturing engineer, and ensures that the demanding levels of stiffness and rigidity required by modern machining and manufacturing processes are consistently achieved.

Plate 7 WDS introduces world class hydraulic solutions for work holding

Products in the Enerpac range fall into two major categories, clamping, support cylinders and power sources. The clamping and support units provide maximum force from the smallest possible package. They also equip the user with the maximum number of mounting options as a result of a design that was achieved with the broadest range of customer needs in mind. In addition, the units offer the flexibility to be used not only for clamping, but also for positioning, punching, pressing and many other industrial operations.

The comprehensive workholding range means that the user can choose from ten versions of clamping and support cylinders, offering retention forces from as low as 1.3kN to a maximum of 275kN. Included in the range are swing cylinders with their unique patented clamp arm design, which allows quick and precise clamp arm positioning while the swing cylinder is mounted in a fixture. This is just one aspect of the swing cylinder design however. Four different mounting styles ensure that the swing clamping cylinders are suitable for use in a large variety of different fixture designs.

Other purpose-designed models in the range – manifold cylinders and threaded cylinders – provide the manufacturing engineer with extremely compact positioning and holding units. Because of their size and purposeful design, these units are easily integrated into compact and precise fixtures. Threaded cylinders are uniquely available in stainless steel and also in double acting versions. Pull cylinders are available which have a guided linear plunger movement for accuracy, and combine a compact design with the flexibility of a number of mounting styles to allow for efficient fixture layouts. Further extending the versatility of the range are all purpose block cylinders, offering six bore sizes and a range of stokes to meet most application needs; pull down clamps which have a low profile for unobstructed top face machining and positive clamping cylinders which are ideal for palletised applications. A range of hollow plunger cylinders for high force (up to 160kN) push and pull applications are also available, along with a range of universal general purpose hydraulic cylinders.

A comprehensive range of work supports are available to complement the range of swing clamps. Hydraulic advance and spring advance are the standard types in the range. In addition, a positive locking type is available to complement the swing clamps of the same positive locking system, for use on pallet systems, i.e. with the hydraulic pump disconnected.

Providing efficient, reliable and "tailored" motive power to the workholding equipment is a series of purpose designed power sources. These range from simple manual pumps to air operated and electric pump units which can be fully customised. The graduated nature of the range means that users with all types of operating duties can be catered for, from the enterprises which need to run parts once per day to the concern that operates continuously 24 hours a day.

"This is a bold new venture for WDS, but one which is entirely logical, bearing in mind our history of providing successful mechanical workholding solutions", said Jon Walker, marketing manager of WDS. "The experience we have of the mechanical market is the ideal springboard for this new venture. The fact that we are now able to provide the largest range of mechanical holding solutions from one supplier can only be good news for our customers, both existing and new, who will benefit from single source responsibility and the security that they are getting the ideal product for their application".

For further information contact Jon Walker, Marketing Operations Manager, WDS, Richardshaw Road, Grangefield Industrial Estate, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 6LE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)113 290 9852; Fax: +44 (0)845 601 1173; E-mail: jwalker@wdsltd.co.uk