Different Types Of Holding Devices For Sheet Metal Fabrication

Metal structural repairs are necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft when damage or wear occurs. Failing to conduct these critical metalworking tasks may pose safety risks by compromising vital parts, so they must be performed according to the best available techniques to ensure plane integrity.

Sheet metal is a significant component in the design and construction of modern airplanes. It is found throughout airframe sections that serve as structures, commonly being installed for the outer covering with fasteners such as rivets or screws. Sheet metals used for aircraft include aluminum alloys, and they are a crucial component of many aircraft types, ranging in use from airliners to single-engine airplanes. In addition, sheet metal is found in instrument panels or wings.
 
The technician handling sheet metal must have excellent working knowledge about different techniques and methods that they can use when fabricating structures with such materials. One such step in particular involves using tools like clamps, fasteners, and vises, which hold various pieces of sheet aluminum together. To work with metals during fabrication, technicians use devices that vary based upon the operation at hand and what kind of material is used. Now, we will go over each of these devices in detail.
 
Clamps and Vises
 
Clamps and vises are a must-have for any workshop. They allow you to securely grip and position workpieces regardless of their size or shape for an ease of using tools on the workpiece. The clamp has two jaws; one is fixed, and another is movable for size adjustments.
 
There are two types of clamps: temporary and permanent. C-clamps are good examples of quick clamps that are used to hold components while fixing them together.
 
C-Clamps
 
The C-clamp is a sizable C-shaped clamp with three parts: a threaded screw, jaw, and swivel head. A C-clamp is a handy tool for working on aircraft. The size of the jaws dictates where they are used, so keep this in mind when choosing your clamp. Aluminum surfaces should be marked if not protected with masking tape or other protection devices when using a C-clamp.
 
Vises
 
Vises are another clamping device that enable you to hold the workpiece in place while performing several operations such as sawing, drilling, or cutting. The vise has two jaws, one being fixed and the other is a movable or adjustable jaw opened or closed by a screw or a lever. The vise jaws are provided with textured surfaces to enhance their gripping ability.
 
 
The two vises widely used for sheet metal purposes are the machinist's vise and the utility vise. The machinist's vise has a swivel base and flat jaws, if you need something to grip pipes or rods more securely. It makes for an excellent tool to gain leverage when doing light jobs. Padding is often required when using such equipment, and padding may be procured at a local hardware store.
 
Reusable Sheet Metal Fasteners
 
Reusable sheet metal fasteners are an essential component of any workshop. They hold the parts together while you rivet or drill them, ensuring that your workpiece stays tight and stable so it can be finished properly with no gaps! The most common type is called a Cleco, and they are used for holding sheet metal shapes accurately.
 
Cleco Fasteners
 
The Cleco fastener is an attractive design consisting of a steel cylinder body with a plunger on top, a spring, step-cut locks, and spreader bar slips. You can find these fasteners in six sizes: 3⁄32, 1⁄8, 5⁄32, 3⁄16, 1⁄4, and 3⁄8-inch diameters. The color-coding on these tools make it easier to know which size is right. A particular type of plier fits all six sizes, and when installed correctly, they are usable.
 
Hex Nut and Wing Nut Sheet Fasteners
 
Fasteners like the hex nut and wingnut can be used in a way that allows for temporarily fastening sheets together when higher clamp-up pressures are required. The hex nut fastener provides up to 300 pounds of clamping force with the advantage that it can be quickly installed and removed. Wingnut sheet metal fasteners offer consistent and reliable force from 0 to 300 pounds. The aircraft technician can turn these wing-shaped protrusions designed for strength and make it easy to tighten them with one hand. The Cleco hex nut fastener is an excellent choice for installing pneumatic inserts.
 
Conclusion
 
An aviation technician will often use various holding devices to work with sheet metals during fabrication, making such components very useful to have. Aerospace Purchasing is a streamlined site by ASAP Semiconductor for sourcing and purchasing aircraft parts, providing customers with top-class quality products. We are an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accredited company specializing in delivering on time. We are directly connected with ASAP Semiconductor, and our customers 

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