SlidingClamp
SlidingClamp is a type of adjustable workholding device used to clamp parts at variable positions along a work surface. It consists of a fixed jaw attached to a base, and a sliding jaw that travels along a guide rail, allowing clamping at multiple locations along the length of a workpiece.
Construction often features a rigid base plate with a straight or dovetail guide. The sliding jaw is
Some designs incorporate a spring-loaded detent to hold the sliding jaw in discrete positions, improving repeatability
To use, the operator slides the jaw to the desired position, positions the workpiece, then tightens the
Variants include sliding dovetail clamps, T-slot sliding clamps, pneumatic or hydraulic sliding clamps, and cam-action sliders,
Used in woodworking, metalworking, jig and fixture construction, CNC setups, and assembly lines where parts require
Key benefits include flexible placement, fast setup, repeatable clamping pressure, and a compact footprint compared with
Limitations include the need for precise rail alignment, wear on the guide, finite clamping force at long
Sliding clamps emerged as part of modular fixturing systems in the late 20th century, evolving with improvements