Maximize Machining Precision with TE-CO Clamping Solutions
Since 1926, TE-CO has been a leading name in manufacturing high-quality, American-made industrial tooling components, specializing in secure workholding and fixture setups for machinists. Known for eliminating vibration, increasing accuracy, and maintaining tight tolerances, TE-CO's clamping components ensure precision and reliability in every machining process. Whether for single parts or repeatable setups in high-volume production, TE-CO offers versatile, durable, and cost-effective solutions, all available at KBC Tools & Machinery.
The Modular Advantage
TE-CO clamping components are like Legos for machining – highly modular and customizable. You can mix and match to create the perfect solution for clamping almost anything to any table or fixture with t-slots. Your knowledge, experience, imagination, and the job at hand allow you to create your ultimate workholding solution, and then take it apart and use the components again and again. Whether working on milling machines, drill presses, CNC machines, or surface grinders, TE-CO clamping components provide flexibility for all your setups. These components aren't just limited to holding workpieces—they can also serve as spacers to ensure accurate and stable setups.
Options include:- Clamping directly to the machining table
- Clamping a vise to the table and holding the workpiece in the vise
- Clamping an angle plate to the table and securing the workpiece to the angle plate
- Clamping a fixture to the table and then clamping the workpiece to the fixture
Clamping 101: How to Properly Clamp Your Material
To get the most out of your clamping system, follow these basic steps for secure material positioning:
Positioning the Toe Clamp: Start by sliding the entire assembly right up against your material. Tighten the bottom toe clamp first to secure the assembly.
Common Concerns When Selecting Clamps
One major consideration when selecting clamps is interference. Ensure that the clamps are positioned in a way that they don’t obstruct the machine’s cutting tool motion during the machining process. Proper clamp placement ensures efficient cutting cycles without interruptions or complications.Basic Clamping Design Principles
When setting up a clamping system, keep the following design principles in mind:Strength: The clamps should be strong enough to securely hold the workpiece and resist any movement during machining. This ensures that the material remains fixed and does not shift due to cutting forces or vibrations, leading to more accurate cuts and fewer mistakes.
No Damage: The clamping setup should not damage or deform the workpiece. Properly distributing clamping pressure prevents dents, scratches, or warping, ensuring that your material stays intact and ready for further processes or final use.Efficiency: The setup should allow for quick loading and unloading of the workpiece, minimizing downtime between jobs. A well-designed clamping system ensures that you can set up, adjust, and remove materials with ease, helping to keep your workflow fast and smooth without sacrificing precision.
Build Your Custom Clamping Set
At KBC Tools & Machinery, we offer individual TE-CO components like ball knobs, washers, goose neck clamps, lever type plungers, t-slot nuts, flange nuts, coupling nuts, step blocks, serrated end clamps, and studs, allowing you to build a custom clamping system piece by piece. You can supplement your existing clamp sets or design a new, personalized setup from scratch.For a convenient, all-in-one solution, check out our vise mounting clamp kit (Item #1-903-90442), which includes everything you need to mount your Kurt vise or any standard vise to your machine table. The kit features studs, t-nuts, flange nuts, washers, and a t-slot cleaner—giving you everything required for secure, precise workholding.