Advantages of Magnetic Workholding

Magnetic workholding is a term used for the practice of making use of magnetic chucks as an alternative to mechanical work holding methods and is becoming increasingly commonplace in a growing number of metalworking industries. 

Magnetic chucks have the appearance of a rectangular or circular box that has a flat surface and comes with either a key insert or a switch that can be turned on or off on the side. There are a series of inserts on the interior of the work holder that has been arranged has the flux increased along any device’s surface. 

Flux is able to be maximized, making it possible for any ferrous materials that are put on the top of the device to be secured by having the insert arranged into a parallel design. 

The devices come in different types and varieties, making them compatible with a wide array of metal pieces and while traditionalists may find it strange to be working without the need for mechanical clamping or holding while milling or metal shaping, the removal of physical clamps offers a number of advantages to make life easier for professionals. 

Accessibility

The use of magnets means no protruding bolts or clamps, which means that it is much easier to get closer to the workpiece for a variety of tasks up to the likes of five-sided machining. 

Consistency of clamping

Magnetic chucks that are used in the correct manner offer a reliable and predictable clamping force with just one touch of a button. 

Energy efficiency of Magnetic Workholding

Because the use of electricity is only required when activating or deactivating the system, this means it is only being used for a few seconds, thus making the magnet very ergonomically and environmentally friendly. 

Flexibility

It is possible to magnetically clamp a ferromagnetic workpiece of any shape or size. 

Low maintenance

Magnetic work holding means that users do not have to deal with moving parts, threads that need to be stripped, oil that needs to be cleaned up, as little to no maintenance is required for magnets. 

Safety of Magnetic Workholding

Permanent Electro Technology offers an electromagnet’s level of power together with a permanent magnet’s steady reliability, making the system failsafe as it only uses power when the unit is being switched on or off.

There are a number of magnetic systems that provide an extra safety interlock via a machining centre PLC being integrated with the magnet controller. 

Speed of  Magnetic Workholding

Magnets provide a way of clamping and unclamping that is quicker than is the case with any other system, the result of which is less downtime for the machine between setups. 

Uniform clamping

The use of a magnet is the only way to have full surface clamp force provided, which results in an overall enhancement of quality in addition to a reduction in vibration. 

While almost everyone seems to want to the latest in technology in regards to the likes of laptops or tablets, too many use methods that are positively ancient when it comes to work holding. The modern age has provided a more reliable, safer and all-round superior work holding system that everyone should embrace.