Control 2011, Hall 5, Booth 5106, 18.04.2011
Cool clamping method
Freeze clamp technology for holding filigree parts

For complicated applications with intricate, thin walled components it is not so much the machining process which is a challenge but more the correct method of holding the parts. Where flat large surfaces are concerned vacuum clamping technology is often the best method. For small difficult parts this method is often not satisfactory and conventional clamping elements are also not suitable due to the high risk of part deformation.

For a long time tiny 3D parts could only be fixed for machining using complicated, time-consuming methods for example specially manufactured forms or by mould clamping. The fact that meanwhile these problems belong to the past is due to the development of freeze clamp technology. For machining processes parts can be clamped accurately and tension-free by freeze clamping them.

The Ice Vice chuck developed by Horst Witte Geraetebau Barskamp KG is available in standard dimensions of 75x140x300mm (clamping surface 100x150mm). For operation only a compressed air supply of 6-8 bar is required and air consumption amounts to approx. 25m ³ /h. Freezing and thawing - corresponding to clamping and releasing – is done with a simple on/off switch. Integrated mufflers ensure a comfortable reduction in operating noise level.

Within a short time parts are enclosed and firmly frozen via the capillary effect of the water, whereby a temperature of up to -10 C° has proven to be ideal for most processes. Since parts are also frozen on the sides, no vibrations develop during machining process and very high accuracy can be achieved.
After setting the ideal temperature, under consideration of temperature expansion coefficient values, manufacturing accuracy of approx. +/-5 μm is possible. The parts are held securely and remain undamaged during clamping and releasing processes.