Mechanical precision vise

Types of mechanical precision vises

Mechanical precision vises can be categorized based on a few factors, such as their application, design, and features.

• Application-based categories: Mechanical precision vises for woodworking will differ significantly from mechanical precision machining vises. The former, as the name implies, is designed to hold wooden workpieces on a workbench at different angles for efficient cutting, joining, and other woodworking actions. An example is the bench vise with a wooden jaw. On the flip side, the jaws of an engineering vise for metal may use an additional feature known as a jaw strip to achieve a tighter grip without any deformation on the workpiece. Precision machining vises are also more sophisticated, featuring a high level of accuracy with greater adjustment mechanics for precise positioning.
• Design-based categories: mechanical vises with fixed jaws use bolts to clamp down firmly on the workpiece. They are common on workbenches that are mostly used for assembly or woodworking. Jaw dropout vises, on the other hand, feature jaws that partially drop out to allow for easier placement and angling of irregularly-shaped workpieces.
• Features-based categories: Adjustable mechanical precision vises are popular and come with various adjustability features that allow for angling and moving the workpiece in multiple directions. The most important one is the jaw opening — how wide the jaws can open to accommodate different workpiece thicknesses. Mechanical precision clamping vises are fixed, mostly used in equipment, laser-cutting machines, and assembly lines where workpieces must be held tightly in place at all times. Because of their immobility, they usually come with a mounting base to facilitate integration with machines.

Specifications and maintenance of mechanical precision vices

Mechanical vices have different specifications depending on the type and intended use. The jaw width is the distance between the two jaws when fully opened, and it is also the area used to hold objects. The jaw width typically ranges from 50mm to about 300mm. The jaw opening ranges between 50mm to about 200mm and indicates the maximum opening of the jaws. The jaw height also varies depending on the mechanical vice, but it usually ranges from 50mm to about 150mm. Manipulating or handling large objects requires mechanical vices with greater jaw heights.

The overall weight of the vice is also an important specification, especially when it comes to lifting and mounting during use. A large mechanical vice will typically weigh about 45kg. Smaller vices weigh as little as 3-5 kgs. The weight and dimensions greatly affect how users mount and use the mechanical vice during various tasks. Lowering the mounting height increases stability but reduces the jaw opening and the workpiece that can be accommodated in the vice.

Like any other tool, a maintenance routine will ensure the mechanical vice lasts longer and serve its purpose effectively. Using a gas-powered blow gun to chip away any loose foreign material during use is a great way to keep the vice clean. Users should avoid using a wire brush on the jaw surfaces to prevent damaging the workpiece.

Blowing away jaw debris after each task is preferable to doing a through cleaning less often. The mechanical vice should be lubricated regularly to prevent overwhelming debris buildup. Lubrication should take place at pivot points, slide rails, threads of the screw mechanism, and gaskets/jaw seals. Excess oil or lubricant should be wiped off to avoid debris buildup. Damaged gaskets should be replaced to prevent contaminants from getting into the moving parts of the vice.

If necessary, remove the vice from its permanent fixture for thorough cleaning and lubrication. Follow the advice above to clean and lubricate to ensure the cleaning process is not extended to any other areas. Examine the device on a flat surface to check for alignment issues or damages. Address issues only in areas requiring lubrication and cleaning. Regular examination and cleaning will eliminate the frequent need to remove the vice for thorough cleaning or lubrication.

Scenarios of mechanical precision vise

Mechanical precision vises hold a workpiece securely from all sides during various mechanical operations, ensuring consistent and accurate cuts. They can be used to hold irregularly shaped objects during welding and assembly when standard jaw vises cannot be employed. Here are some specific scenarios where a mechanical precision vise is commonly used.

• In machining centers and workshops to hold down parts being drilled, reamed, faced, or milled with a cutting tool or saw. The part can be oriented at different angles when horizontally positioned in machine tables or vertically in a drill press.
• On wood and metal-surfacing planer machines to secure planks while removing excess material to achieve desired dimensions and surface finish. The screwdriver-operated vise would suffice when the job requires only a few clamped parts.
• To hold objects securely for manual operations such as filing, sanding, painting, gluing, pre-assembling, or cutting. It may comprise hand-operated devices in low-frequency operations that do not require precise part alignment.
• For welding, it can provide support and alignment of base metal workpieces that need to be joined together. In multiple welding methods, mechanical welding jigs and fixtures are often used for welding. However, mechanical welding jigs and fixtures are always preferred if quick joins are routinely required using a vise.
• As a teaching aid in schools where mechanical vises are used to hold workpieces securely for educational purposes. Other teaching aids include training equipment and workstations.
• Mechanical precision vises with long jaws are used to hold an entire board in a wood workshop machine when cutting solid wood planks. It's often referred to as a custody board. With jaw extensions or custom-made jigs with grooves, mechanical vises can also sell an entire round or square stock while that thin metal requires to achieve a desired shape.
• In assembly lines where identical parts are routinely machined to join together with screws, bearings, rivets, threaded fasteners, or other connectors. An operator may have to use a mechanical vise to hold one up while inserting a fastener.
• In mobile repair shops where the machine is mounted on a service vehicle or a small trailer, a vise may be held in place to quickly and easily repair or replace mechanical parts. It can spare when some parts can be machined elsewhere, usually dedicated service centers.

How to choose a mechanical precision vise

When choosing the ideal mechanical precision vice for a business's specific requirements, it is imperative to consider some key features.

• Application

  There are numerous mechanical precision vise applications. Hence, the type of work an individual deals with will determine the classic vise to choose. Select the perfect strength shopper will apply to the machinery or type of work material an individual's deals with. For instance, surgical precision devices are perfect for high-end material models and excellence.

• Size and throat depth

  When choosing a mechanical precision vise for a business, it is prudent to go for one with the right jaw width and throat depth. Those features are guaranteed to accommodate work items properly. Select the ones with dimensions specifically suited to a work item. For instance, an 8-inch mechanical vise with a throat depth of approximately 3 inches is great for most carpentry projects.

• Construction and durability

  A mechanical precision vise's construction model is vital to its lasting effectiveness and durability. Go for vises created from materials with a great reputation for strength and resilience. Cast iron is the most popular material for mechanical vises due to its good strength-to-weight ratio and vibration-damping properties.

• Budget considerations

  Regardless of the impact of financial limitations in determining the choice of a mechanical precision vise, it is imperative to invest in a quality product. A good mechanical precision vise will have an array of features and benefits that make up for the initial investment. By investing in a quality product, a user will not have to deal with regular breakdowns and replacement or repair expenses. A quality precision machine will also deliver great performance and excellent work output.

• Brand and warranty

  When choosing a mechanical precision vise, an individual may want to consider a reputable brand. Established brands have a reputation to protect, so they produce excellent products and offer superb warranties. Products from renowned brands are likely to offer great performance and come with solid customer support.

FAQ

Q1: How does a mechanical vise work?

A mechanical precision vises work in a straightforward way. The user puts the workpiece in the vise and then turns the handle to move the jaw forward and clamp the workpiece. The jaw applies even pressure to hold the object without damaging it.

Q2: What are some applications of mechanical vises?

A multi-purpose mechanical precisions vise is helpful for many jobs. It is used to hold objects firmly when sawing, drilling, filing, welding, or working on various tasks. The machinist can clamp objects quickly with the mechanical vise instead of using one hand to hold the item and the other to use the tool.

Q3: Can a mechanical vise be repaired?

A badly broken vise may need to be replaced, but most vises can be repaired if the jaw is flattened, slightly warped, and the threading in the screw stripped. Most mechanical vises have no user parts besides cleaning and lubricating the screw.

Q4: Is there a difference between a mechanical vise and an automatic one?

Compared to mechanical automatic vises, which are hold-fast devices that automatically clamp the workpiece using a specific mechanism, a mechanical vise relies on manually turning the handle to hold the object.