Modular Workholding System Eliminates Clamps, Locks

Available from Lexair, OML’s MC modular workholding system uses fixed and movable vise jaws and self-locking CLAK parallels to provide multiple clamping solutions and increased part accuracy with reduced setup time. All components are constructed from oversize steel profiles and are case-hardened and precision-ground to ensure flatness and durability. Wear parts are specially treated for a surface hardness of 50/60 HRc, and all non-ground surfaces are burnished to protect against corrosion.

The MC vise features snap-in, self-locking middle-jaw CLAK parallels that are held in place when the vise is opened in the vertical position, making it suitable for use on tombstones. The CLAK system enables quick-change of parallels, angular parallels, soft jaws and “V” jaws, easing part change-overs and size changes. A tapered-jaw design pulls the workpiece down against the parallels as the vise is closed, avoiding the need to hammer the part down.

The vise’s moveable clamping jaw can be lifted from the base, shuttled to the next position and lowered into place for a different-sized workpiece. By relocating the clamp jaw close to the workpiece, the length of the clamp screw can be kept short, minimizing jaw distortion under high force. The clamp screw can also be replaced with a hydraulic cylinder for automated operation. The vise accommodates jaws with rolls, grip jaws, aluminum jaws, middle jaws, jaws with grippers UGE, Plus 3D jaws and floating side-ways for raw workpieces. Various jaw adapters enable the use of legacy vise accessories.

The base length determines the vise’s clamping capacity, and the jaws can be used with any base configuration, the supplier says. The bases are 6" (150 mm) wide and are available in lengths of 8" (200 mm), 10" (250 mm) and 12" (300 mm). An 8" × 12" (200 × 300-mm) base is also available, as well as two extended-length MC-XL models with lengths of 21.5" (545 mm) and 26" (655 mm).