What is a Hydraulic Machine Vice?

A hydraulic machine vice is designed to hold workpieces stationary during processing – it can function as a manual component or as a processing device. Many typical production facilities use machining vices for tools that have tight tolerances and require high precision.

The machine vice, or hydraulic machine vice, is a mechanical device used to secure an object so that work can be performed on it. The hydraulic machine vice has two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, which are tightened and spaced by a screw and lever.

The hydraulic machine vice, also known as a metalworking vice or informally as a "bench vice," is used to clamp metal, plastic, wood, etc. The hydraulic machine vice is used to hold metal during sawing or cutting. It is sometimes made of cast steel or tempered cast iron. The jaws are often removable and interchangeable, usually featuring engraved serrated or diamond teeth. To protect sensitive parts, soft jaw covers made of aluminum, copper, wood (for woodworking), or plastic may be used. The opening of the jaw of the engineering vice generally corresponds to its width, but it can also be wider.

How is the Hydraulic Machine Vice Fixed?

The hydraulic machine vice is bolted to the top of the workbench, with the front of the fixed jaw positioned directly in front of the front edge. The vice may also have other features, such as a small anvil on the back of the vice. Some hydraulic vices have a rotating base. The vice can be secured with screws at the base. If the workbench has a T-slot, the vice can be directly secured to the base. Some well-marketed hydraulic machine vices are made of cast iron. Many vices for woodworking benches have an exposed screw through which the jaws are clamped together and apart.

Where Can the Hydraulic Machine Vice Be Mounted?

The hydraulic machine vice is mounted on drilling machines, grinding machines, and milling machines. Bandsaws have an integrated machine vice with coarse threads or with a spacer. The hydraulic machine vice is a tool that can be attached anywhere. It is also welcome on a DIY workbench, as it is an indispensable aid that helps you hold the workpiece in place during processing.

Magnetic Table

The magnetic table is a device or holder that uses magnetic forces to hold a metallic object during processing. The permanent magnetic table is a type of magnetic clamping device that generates magnetic attraction and can hold various workpieces. Processes where the magnetic table is used can include drilling, grinding, and turning. It is not limited to industrial applications; some also use magnetic clamping devices for everyday use in home workshops.

Use of the Permanent Magnetic Table

The use of magnetic clamping devices offers numerous advantages. The even pressure when clamping ensures that there are no variations in how tightly or loosely the workpiece is held. Partial head clamping devices have a shorter setup and teardown time, as the workpiece can be positioned directly on the magnetic plate, and the jaws can be directly attached to the magnet. The benefits of using a magnetic clamping device typically shorten the machine's or process's setup time and reduce damage to the workpiece caused by the clamping device. Sometimes, the magnetic force ensures a stronger grip on the workpiece. The permanent magnetic table is strong enough – it has a very high holding force, making it suitable for machining heavy workpieces.

How the Permanent Magnetic Table Works

The permanent magnetic table utilizes magnetic forces to hold the workpiece in place during processing. Magnets work by inducing polarity in the iron material, which is connected across the northern and southern poles. Iron components have poles that oppose the polarity of the magnet, which is why they attract each other. The amplification and control of this current are key to the use of magnets in metalworking. The permanent magnetic table uses the magnetic force of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or electro-permanent magnetic material to achieve holding or securing. In recent years, the permanent magnetic table has gained popularity as a compelling alternative to mechanically holding workpieces for machining. In general machine workshops, the permanent magnetic table shortens the setup time and increases access to all sides of the workpiece. The permanent magnetic table is a valuable tool for holding during flat grinding or milling.

Part Head or Angle Unit with Adjustable Head

The part head unit, also known as the angle unit with adjustable head, is a specialized tool that allows for rotating indexing of the workpiece; this means it can easily and precisely rotate to preset angles or divisions. The part head unit is typically used on milling tables but can also be used on many other machines, including drilling machines, grinding machines, and lathes. The part head unit resembles a rotary table but is designed for both tilting and rotating.

Division Table or Horizontal-Vertical Division Unit

The division table is a device for precise positioning of the workpiece used in metalworking. It allows the operator to drill or cut at exactly set intervals around a fixed (usually horizontal or vertical) axis. Some division tables allow for the use of indexing panels for indexing, while others may also be equipped with division plates that allow for regular work positioning at divisions for which indexing panels are not available. The rotating clamping head used can be better described as a horizontal-vertical division unit.

The division table is most commonly mounted "flat," with the table surface rotating around the vertical axis, in the same plane as the tool of a vertical mill. An alternative setup is to mount the rotating table at its end (or the "flat" mount on a 90° plate) so that it rotates around the horizontal axis. In this configuration, the back can also be used to hold the workpiece.

With a table mounted on a secondary table, the workpiece is precisely centered on the axis of the rotating table, and this, in turn, on the axis of the tool. This way, all three axes are aligned. From this point, the secondary table can be moved in the X or Y direction to adjust the mill to the desired distance from the center of the workpiece. This allows for concentric machining of the workpiece. Off-center positioning of the workpiece at a set distance from the center allows for cutting of more complex curves. As with other settings on a vertical mill, the milling process can involve either drilling a series of concentric and possibly evenly spaced holes or milling surfaces or edges into round or semicircular shapes and contours.

Division Table – Where to Use It:

• for surface machining
• for drilling evenly spaced holes
• for cutting a round piece
• for creating large diameter holes through milling along the tool path on small milling machines that cannot drive large spiral drills
• for milling threaded drills
• for cutting complex curves (with proper settings)
• for cutting straight lines at any angle
• for cutting arcs
• for cutting round pieces

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