'C' clamps and toolmaker's clamp

.purpose of using clamps

. requirements of the clamping devices

.Features and uses of 'C' clamps

.features of toolmaker's clamps

Purpose of using clamps

Clamps are different types are used for  preventing the movement of work

Requirements of clamping devices

Should be able to manipulate for easy loading.

Should provide the required clamping force.

Should be capable of locking with minimum movement.

Should accommodate a range of sizes of jobs.

A typical clamping device, employing a screw and nut to provide the clamping force.

'C' clamps

These clamps are in the shape of a 'C'. The 'C' clamp has its body forged or cast. One end of the clamp is machined flat. The other end is drilled and threaded to accommodate a screw rod which is operated by a handle. The screw rod carries a swivel pad which is free to revolve. The clamp is hardened and the face is serrated.

These clamps  are used to hold work, an angle plate or a drill press table,and also, for holding two or more workpieces together.

The swivel pad on the end of the clamping screw helps in clamping surfaces which are not parallel. C clamps are available for light and heavy duty work.

Toolmaker's clamps

This is the type most commonly used by toolmakers for holding small, machined, flat pieces for further operations. They have two rectangular pieces of steel perfectly machined. The inner faces which come in contact with the workpiece are perfectly parallel. They are assembled by means of two threaded rods. The screw rod rotated in one direction to adjust the gap between the two holding faces. The other screw (B) when tightened maintains the required pressure.

The head of the screw rod (B) is provided with a hole through which cylindercal pin may be passed for tightening purpose. The toolmaker's clamps are for holding a previously machined work which is flat and parallel.

The toolmakers clamp is not  suitable for  doing any heavy operations on the workpiece since the contacting and holding area of the clamp is limited. It is meant for holding light jobs.

'U' Clamps

These are clamps used along with 'V' Blocks as an accessory. These clamps serve the purpose of holding the round work securely in the 'V' groove for layout operations as well as for machining operation.