Hydraulic Workholding Selection Guide
Select hydraulic workholding from the workpiece, machining load, locating scheme, support requirements, clamping direction, hydraulic circuit, and automation sequence.
01. Define the Workpiece & Operation
Define the workpiece, machining process, material condition, loading method, cycle requirements, and fixture space.
| Parameter | Engineering Considerations |
|---|---|
| Workpiece | Material, geometry, stiffness, finished surfaces |
| Operation | Milling, drilling, turning, grinding, assembly |
| Loading | Manual, robot, pallet, top or side access |
| Cycle | Cycle time, clamp frequency, production rate |
| Environment | Coolant, chips, contamination, temperature |
02. Establish the Locating Scheme
Locate the workpiece from stable datum surfaces before applying clamp force. Separate locating from clamping wherever practical.
| Locating Requirement | Selection Check |
|---|---|
| Primary Datum | Stable support surface and repeatable seating |
| Secondary / Tertiary Datum | Control lateral and rotational movement |
| Loading Clearance | Maintain locator access for part loading and unloading |
03. Identify Machining Loads
Define the magnitude, direction, and point of application of machining and inertial loads. Include torque or overturning moment where applicable.
| Load Parameter | Engineering Considerations |
|---|---|
| Machining Load | Magnitude, direction, point of application |
| Torque / Moment | Rotational tendency and effective lever arm |
| Inertial Load | Acceleration, deceleration, indexing, or part transfer |
| Load Path | Reaction through clamps, locators, and supports |
04. Select the Clamping Direction
Apply clamp force toward stable locators and support points wherever practical. Avoid clamp directions that lift, twist, or distort the workpiece.
05. Choose the Workholding Type
Choose the workholding type from the required motion, loading clearance, force direction, and available fixture space.
| Workholding Type | Typical Selection Use |
|---|---|
| Swing Clamp | Clear loading area with swing-away clamp arm |
| Link / Hinge Clamp | Compact lever motion and low-profile clamping |
| Work Support | Support flexible sections and reduce machining deflection or vibration |
| Push-Pull / Clamping Cylinder | Direct linear clamping or auxiliary actuation |
| Hole / Bore / Expansion Clamp | Internal clamping where external access is limited |
| Pallet Clamp | Repeatable pallet positioning and clamping in automated systems |
06. Verify the Holding Strategy
Verify force and moment equilibrium using the actual machining loads, clamp positions, locator and support reactions, and lever arms. Required holding capacity depends on the load path and contact conditions; do not use a universal fixed clamp-force multiplier.
Force & Moment Equilibrium
ΣF = 0 ΣM = 0
Use Actual Load Directions & Lever Arms
07. Add Work Supports Where Required
Use work supports under flexible, thin, or overhanging sections where machining loads may cause deflection or vibration. Verify support capacity and operating method against the application and selected series; a work support is not the primary clamp.
08. Check Deformation & Load Path
Check that clamp and support reactions pass through stable workpiece regions without unacceptable distortion. Review contact points, wall thickness, overhang, and machining-force direction.
09. Confirm Mounting & Fixture Envelope
Verify mounting method, working stroke, swing angle or lever clearance, piping access, fastener space, and service access against the fixture layout.
10. Define Hydraulic Pressure & Circuit
Confirm operating pressure, actuation mode, available flow, required sequence, and pressure control. Verify all values against the selected product series.
| Circuit Parameter | Selection Check |
|---|---|
| Operating Pressure | Available pressure at the fixture and product-series limits |
| Actuation Mode | Single Acting or Double Acting |
| Available Flow | Required operating speed and product flow limits |
| Sequence | Work support, clamping, machining, and release order |
11. Hydraulic Workholding Selection Assistant
Preliminary Workholding Selection Assistant
Select the application conditions below to identify a suitable workholding approach. The result is a selection direction, not a specific product model.
Suggested Workholding Approach
Swing Clamp
Engineering VerificationVerify machining load magnitude and direction, required holding capacity, clamp position, operating pressure, mounting, piping, and selected-series limits.
12. Piping, Valves & Sequencing
Select the piping method, port size, flow control, pressure control, and sequence functions according to the fixture circuit and required operating order.
| Circuit Item | Selection Check |
|---|---|
| Piping Method | Manifold, drilled passage, or external piping |
| Flow Control | Control clamp and release speed where required |
| Sequence Control | Coordinate work supports, clamps, and release order as required |
| Pressure Control | Maintain required pressure within product-series limits |
13. Sensing & Automation
Define whether clamp position, unclamp position, workpiece presence, or pressure confirmation is required for machine interlock and automated operation.
14. Selection Verification Checklist
Review the locating, clamping, support, hydraulic, and automation requirements before final component selection.
- Workpiece and machining operation defined
- Datum and locating scheme confirmed
- Machining load magnitude, direction, and load path reviewed
- Clamping direction confirmed
- Workholding type selected
- Required holding capacity verified
- Clamp positions and lever arms reviewed
- Work supports added where required
- Workpiece deformation risk reviewed
- Mounting and fixture envelope confirmed
- Operating pressure, available flow, and circuit requirements confirmed
- Piping and port arrangement reviewed
- Work support and clamp sequence confirmed
- Position sensing and automation requirements confirmed
- Product-series limits verified
- Final engineering verification completed
15. Technical Application RFQ
Submit the available drawing, fixture layout, model, or application information for technical review and quotation.
