Technology
What is the FCS Clamping System?
It is the means of connection (bridge) of the workpiece to the machine table and it carries-out the following functions:
Withstanding
Keep the workpiece hold to the machine table avoiding the displacements that can be caused by the cutting tool and the gravity force.
Adaptability
Follow a workpiece geometrical deviation caused by thermal gradient, metal cutting or machine inaccuracies.
Alignment
Lead the workpiece in an aligned status (angular and linear position) according to the machine axis
The coexistence of the above-mentioned functions together with tight workpiece tolerances and large dimensions gives rise to the most complex clamping applications.
How to use it in your company?
The method requires to make the virtual clamping configuration (set-up) of the workpiece per each production phase at the CAD stage. Just beyond it, the CAM simulation will validate the clamping configurations.
The output comes from the above activities (also called digital twin), will be transferred to the production department for the REAL EXECUTION of the job.
The digital twin represents the virtual replica of the real process.
- CAD simulation of the clamping configuration
- CAM simulation
- REAL EXECUTION machining
Standard Breyl
The connection on the workpiece side can be managed by means of different technologies.
FCS was the inventor of the Standard Breyl technology which still represents a recognised and excellent worldwide reference on how to clamp parts with complex geometry to be manufactured in single unit/low volume.
The Standard Breyl represents the standardized technical references for the
clamping seats on the workpiece. Each seat is identified by the letter«M» (Metric thread) and by a number (thread size). That identification provides all the technical details of the clamping seats (including: depth of the thread, counterbore diameter depth and grid step).
The clamping seat range (from M5 to M24) is a Standard reference defined on the manufacturing needs and practices. It allows to clamp small parts (on the M5 side) becoming even suitable for medium and large parts (going towards the M24 side).
Lower than M5 (very small parts), the Standard Breyl technology becomes overly invasive leaving that application window to different technologies (micro vises, dovetail coupling, etc.).
On the other side, the M24 upper limit, is based on the parts normaly freightable on the road.
The double values of the counterbore diameter work for the clamping seats adjusting; following to a geometric workpiece deviation (caused by thermal gradient, metal cutting or machine inaccuracies), the diameter of the counterbore can be increased and displaced to re-match it with the position of the grid.
Download the FCS Clamping Library
You can download free 3D files of the standard components of the FCS CLAMPING System. The files are optimized for use in designing clamping setups within CAD/CAM software.
Curious to learn more?
Let’s connect! If you’re interested in learning more about how we work and what we offer or would like to explore new possibilities, please book a meeting with our team.
We’d love to share more and answer any questions you might have.
