One bracket rocks between two side stops

JasperAbbott0029 · 13 Jun 2025, 23:26 UTC

Closed
JA
JasperAbbott0029
Our planned FR5 inspection nest has two side contacts that look neat in CAD. My bench bracket rocks between them. Toolmaker suggests more clamp force. I'd like to understand the rocking first.

8 replies

FE
FelixChan1067
Replying to JasperAbbott0029

Ask the designer which faces locate the bracket and which contacts are only supports. The drawing should explain how a part within tolerance seats, not just show one perfect CAD shape touching everything.

11 points
JA
JasperAbbott0029
Replying to FelixChan1067

They marked the base and machined edge as locators. The second side contact bears on an as-formed edge. That was described as extra support.

10 points
HA
HazelBrown0919
Replying to JasperAbbott0029

Then look at that extra contact first. If it holds the bracket away from its intended locator, a harder clamp just makes the argument more expensive. Keep the awkward sample for the toolmaker.

14 points
FE
FelixChan1067
Replying to HazelBrown0919

The formed edge's allowed variation belongs in that check. I would not assume the contact can simply be removed; the designer still needs to provide the support the inspection operation requires.

6 points
HA
HazelBrown0919
Replying to FelixChan1067

I didn't mean remove it and run. I mean find out whether it's the bit stopping the part seating before buying a stronger clamp.

8 points
JA
JasperAbbott0029
Replying to HazelBrown0919

Toolmaker checked the retained sample. Its formed edge touches that support before the machined edge reaches the locator. They're reviewing clearance against the part drawing.

24 points
JA
JasperAbbott0029
Replying to FelixChan1067

Thanks for keeping me on the contact question. I was getting dragged into clamp catalogues. Revised insert is proposed, but we haven't checked samples in it yet.

21 points
FE
FelixChan1067
Replying to JasperAbbott0029

Have several in-tolerance samples checked in the revised arrangement, and make the seating check clear for the people changing the insert. One good bench sample will not tell the next shift what to look for.

21 points

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