Knu-vise Clamps - Lapeer Manufacturing Company
Monday, January 5, 2009   
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The Industry's Toughest Clamps


Even the best materials won't stand up to the test of time if they are incorporated within a poor design. That's why Knu-Vise strives to incorporate the latest clamping technology with the reliability of a sound design. Furthermore, you can be assured that we are always searching for ways to improve upon even the most recent advances in clamping technology.

Producing the toughest clamps requires a manufacturing process which utilizes the newest and most advance materials, components, and technologies. Accordingly, Knu-Vise Clamps employ only the highest-quality metals in their production. Moreover, all of our clamps are composed entirely of the strongest American-made materials. And to ensure that our tough clamps have a long life, Knu-Vise heat treats all wear components of each clamp manufactured.

To assure that you get only the toughest-quality clamps, Knu-Vise have equipped our inspection facilities with the most modern instruments. Each clamp is individually inspected, physically and metallurgically, to guarantee that every clamp will provide dependable service for performing those tough clamping jobs.

Perhaps the surest sign that our clamps are the toughest around can be found in how we rate their work holding force. When determining a clamp's holding force, most companies measure this with the spindle at the inside, or in the center, of the clamping arm . However, that's the point at which a clamp's holding force is the strongest... clamps rated in this manner usually operate with much less holding force with the spindle down near the end of the bar.

In contrast, Knu-Vise is committed to producing the toughest clamps around. As a result, we test the holding force of our clamps with the spindle at the end of the clamping arm where work holding force is at a minimum. That means, unlike our competitors, all Knu-Vise clamps perform with the holding force they are rated for, or better, regardless of where the spindle is located on the clamping arm.



Technical Information


Knu-Vise clamps are designed to give our users the longest-lasting, most productive life possible, even in the hardest shop environments. Following is technical information common to our entire clamp lineup.

Clamping Force
The range of the toggle action clamping needs is conveniently covered by the 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1200, 1600, 1800, and 2000 fixed mounted clamp series. These identifying clamp numerals represent the recommended clamping forces in pounds at the end of the toggle bar or jaw. The recommended clamping forces represent the forces for actual clamping; not holding force at failure of the clamp, or the maximum force. The recommended clamping forces can be increased by 15%-20% for maximum loading, or "holding force." In the case of heavy-duty clamps, the increase may be 115%-120%; i.e., the V-400 clamp has a maximum clamping force of 400+80= 480 lbs. The heavy-duty model has a maximum clamping force of 400+480=880 lbs.

Heat Treatment
All parts, according to their mechanical functions, stresses, strains, and wear are scientifically heat treated. This process provides the needed mechanical properties for proper operation and longer life.

Engineering Drawings/ Templates:
A complete portfolio of Knu-Vise engineering drawings is available through this website from the catalog item pages.

Stainless Steel
Lapeer offers sturdy stainless steel construction in some of its clamps. This is a very strong, heat-resistant, non-magnetic steel used often in the food processing industries because of its resistance to chemical and acid deterioration. Heavy-Duty Models: Heavy-duty clamps are made from C.R.S bar stock and include hardened, high-grade alloy bearing bolts with self-locking nuts. These nuts permit the maintaining of minimum side play, and allow for the replacement of any part.

Custom & Special Clamps
In addition to the complete line of application engineered products in our catalog, Knu-Vise has pre-engineered designs on file for special builds. Our engineering department can offer engineering assistance on any unique toggle clamp or toggle plier application you may have need of.

Finishes
The plating on most Knu-Vise steel toggle clamp part is Blue-Brite zinc, which conforms to government specifications QQZ325 Type I, Class III for environmental Standards.

Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to change or modify the materials, finishes, engineering dimensions and specifications in this catalog without prior notification to improve the performance and reliability of its products.



About Clamping/Actions


Holding Force
Holding force is the strength of a clamp in its closed position (without deflection considerations). It is the capacity of the clamp to operate without the loss of function or creating damage to the clamp components. While many clamp manufacturers measure holding force with spindle at the front of the clamping bar, Knu-Vise clamps are rated for holding force with the spindle at the end of the bar- where holding capacity is most critical. This means Knu-Vise clamps double and sometimes triple their force rating when measured toward the front of the bar.

Clamping Force
The clamping force applied by a clamp as it is closing is less then its holding capacity. A variety of factors can influence the force of a manually-operated clamp, including:
  • The position of the spindle
  • The adjustment of the spindle between the clamp arm and work piece
  • The force exerted by the operator
Fundamental Toggle Action
The Knu-Vise/Lapeer lineup of various toggle clamp systems can be broken down into four types of clamping action:

Down Forcing Action
Pull Action
Squeeze (Plier) Action
Straight Line Action

Each Knu-Vise clamp uses the over-center locking toggle principle to achieve tremendous force multiplication.




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About Knu-vise Clamping Devices