Modular Vises Clamp with Tension

Available from Exsys Tool, Gressel’s Gripos machine vises clamp by tension rather than compression to eliminate baseplate deflection and promote high accuracy. The vises are designed on a modular platform to ensure equipment versatility for all types of applications. They offer 160-degree rapid clamping where there is no need for an additional angle drive or cranking operations, resulting in complete clamping in less than 1 sec. and reduced setup times, the company says. Each vise’s encased force transmission prevents chip and coolant contamination. They are said to be easy to handle and quickly attach to a machine table via baseplates rather than clamping claws. Clamping pins in the base plates enable use with quick-change pallet systems. Mechanical and hydraulic versions are available.

Mechanical vises include the Gripos 100, 125 and 160 models with 100-, 125- and 160-mm jaw widths, respectively. A manual-force cassette and spindle assembly generate clamping force ranging from 4 to 30 kN on the 100 model, and 4 to 40 kN on the 125 and 160 models. Additional options include extended clamping range models, models for clamping molded workpieces, an adapter and swivel plate, high support jaws, high support jaws with extended clamping ranges, vertical units with dual Gripos, and a tombstone with four Gripos.

Hydraulic offerings include the Gripos 125-H and 160-H with 125- and 160-mm jaw widths, respectively. A hydraulic cassette and modified spindle assembly generate the clamping force via hydraulic pressure rather than a clamping lever. The 125-H has a clamping force of 40 kN with a maximum clamping stroke of 5 mm, while the 160-H’s force is 70 kN with a maximum stroke of 6 mm. The vises are also available in extended clamping ranges.