Magnetic clamping blocks are also called permanent magnetic clamping blocks. They are a type of clamping device that shares the similar working principles with the permanent magnetic lift. They clamp the metal components with the magnetic force. With the permanent magnets inside the magnetic clamping blocks, the magnetic force can be activated temporarily to clamp metal parts; the magnetic force can be deactivated to release the parts from being clamped. The use of the magnetic clamping block is flexible thanks to the activation and deactivation mechanism. This type of clamping device is used to secure the work piece in place for machining operations such as milling or drilling.
A magnetic clamping block typically has the design very much the same as a rectangular bar. The size of the block is usually no bigger than a tool box or a first aid kit. The top surface of the block is where the metal parts are placed and clamped. There are holes on the top surface so that other devices such as stops can be attached. Since the top surface of the clamping block is a plain flat, sometimes devices are required to help position the work pieces correctly.
On the two longitudinal sides of a magnetic clamping block, there are also holes. These side holes allow several magnetic clamping blocks to connect with each other and work together. The collaboration of a set of numerous clamping blocks is required when the workpiece comes in a size too large for one single clamping block to handle. In this case, the magnetic clamping blocks are positioned on a work table with grooves and holes. With the grooves, the clamping blocks can be well positioned.
On the face side of the block, there is a switch or lever to activate or deactivate the block. The operation is very simple. The operator turns the lever to the side where an ‘On’ is labeled to activate the clamping block; the operator turns the lever to the ‘Off’ mark to deactivate the block. This mechanism controls the circuit inside the block so that the magnetic force can be generated or discontinued.
Generally speaking, the magnetic force is generated on the top surface of the magnetic clamping block where the work pieces are placed. In other words, the sides of the clamping block do not attract metal parts even when the machine is activated. That being said, there are magnetic clamping blocks with specialized designs which allow the machine to generate the magnetic force on every side of the block. This feature makes the magnetic clamping blocks more versatile than ever. In addition to the all-side magnetic clamping design, there are also clamping blocks that feature the side control capability.
On the magnetic clamping blocks with side control capability, there is also a turning lever or a turning knob on the face side of the machine. Yet, instead of a simple on and off switch, the turning knob can be turned to four directions. The direction of the knob represents the activated clamping side of the machine. When the knob is turned to the right, the right side of the block can clamp the parts; when the knob points to the top side, the top surface is activated to clamp the parts.
The clamping blocks with side control capability are ideal for not only flat grinding operations, but also for angular grinding, coordinate grinding, EDM operation, measuring and more. The magnetic clamping blocks are used to clamp thin sheet-like parts or metal panels. Some blocks are able to generate stronger magnetic force so that finer work pieces can be firmly secured.
For some magnetic clamping blocks with more advanced inner design, the way the machine functions is not as simple as just turning it on and off or switching the clamping side. The more advanced clamping blocks have the adjustable clamping force capability. The clamping force of the machine can be adjusted based on the work pieces it holds and the machining operation it is involved in. On top of that, the other benefit of adjustable clamping force is that the positioning of work pieces can be done more easily.
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