A precision milling vise is an essential tool for anyone working in mechanical milling. This type of vise, especially the rotating type, allows you to securely and precisely hold the workpiece, ensuring stability during the milling process.
Visually, a precision swivel vise appears as a sturdy block of metal, usually made of cast iron or hardened steel. The base is solid and heavy to ensure excellent stability, while the upper part consists of two parallel jaws that, when closed, hold the workpiece in place. Its distinguishing feature is its 90-degree rotation to both the right and left, making this vise particularly versatile for angled milling operations. The rotation system is equipped with a locking mechanism that allows the vise to be locked in the desired position.
The precision vise in question has a maximum opening of 200 mm , while the jaw width is 160 mm . These dimensions are ideal for working with medium-sized pieces, allowing for secure and stable clamping. The ability to rotate 90 degrees left and right makes this vise extremely flexible, allowing you to work from different angles without having to reposition the piece.
The clamping mechanism is typically operated by a fine-pitch screw that allows the jaws to be gradually and precisely tightened around the workpiece. The jaws themselves are often made of hardened steel to resist wear and ensure long life. The smooth movement of the rotation and clamping mechanism is essential to ensuring precision, a crucial aspect in milling.
Using a precision rotary vise is relatively simple, but requires care to ensure quality results. First, place the vise on the milling machine table, ensuring it is securely bolted. Once installed, place the workpiece between the jaws and tighten using the clamping screw. Thanks to the 90-degree rotation, you can machine the workpiece from different angles without having to remove it from the vise. The vise can be rotated and locked in the desired position using the locking mechanism.
A precision vise can be combined with various accessories, such as angle plates for securing complex workpieces or additional vises for working on multiple surfaces. You can also add smaller parallel vises for working on delicate or smaller workpieces.
Workpiece positioning accuracy can be calculated using formulas that take into account the mechanical play and tolerance of the clamping system. For example, clamping force can be determined using the following formula:
F=TdF = \frac{T}{d}
Where:
The precision swivel vise can be used to clamp a wide range of materials, from metals like steel and aluminum to softer materials like plastic or wood. The choice of workable material depends primarily on the tools mounted on the milling machine and the mechanical characteristics of the material itself.
To maintain a precision vise in good condition, it's important to regularly clean the contact surfaces of the jaws, removing any chips or debris that could compromise accuracy. Moving parts, such as the clamping screw and rotation mechanism, must be lubricated periodically to ensure smooth operation.
When evaluating a used precision vise , you should check the jaws for wear and ensure there is no excessive play in the rotation and clamping mechanism. A quality vise, even if used, should not show obvious signs of damage or deformation, and the clamping system should operate smoothly.
Precision rotary vises are widely used in precision mechanics, manufacturing, and industrial crafts. Purchasing a used vise can be cost-effective, especially if it's a high-quality model. Even after years of use, if properly maintained, a used precision vise can provide excellent performance at a significantly lower price than a new one.
In short, the 200x160 mm rotary milling vice is an indispensable tool for anyone working in the milling sector, and purchasing a used model in good condition can offer excellent value for money.
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