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Why A Magnetic V Block Is Important In A Metalworking Industry

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A magnetic V block is also known as a base, and is an important device in the metalworking industry. These are simple tools that use a permanent magnet to secure metal pieces without the need for clamps. They can be found in a variety of designs for handling parts of any size. Because metalworking shops contain many ferrous items, these bases can be switched on and off at will. This encourages additional safety and precision.

One of the most important tasks a worker undertakes while shaping metal is measuring
. A fabricated piece needs to conform exactly to a set of dimensions, and most shops verify this by manually inspecting the size of the part. The best way to secure an iron or steel piece is with a magnetic V block, for several reasons. Traditional clamping vices can cause damage to the part and affect its function. This is unacceptable in precision fabrication. Trying to accurately measure a piece without securing it can be unsafe.  These devices hold the item in place with just enough force to keep it still, but not so much that it is damaged in any way. They are much safer to use and do not present any injury risk to the operator. Vices and clamps can crush fingers or suddenly fail, releasing its grip in the process and dropping the item. There is no chance of failure with a magnetic V block and no crushing force that can harm the operator.

A base is also mobile and can be maneuvered into any position
. They are normally placed on swivel connectors that offer range of movement in multiple directions. This is important when inspecting an item for quality and uniformity. For this reason, the optics industry also makes regular use of these devices. Finally, the base can be switched off when it is not in operation. While the attractive force isn’t strong enough to pull items not in contact with the base, switching it off will prevent it from grabbing anything that comes in contact with the magnetic V block.

The tool works by sandwiching a layer of nonferrous metal (usually aluminum or brass) between two layers of iron
. On the side of the block, a cylindrical shaped hole is bored into the metals. Into this hole, a permanent magnet in the shape of a cylinder is inserted. The cylinder’s poles (north and south) are labeled and a handle is fixed to the end for easy moving. In the “on” position, the poles are oriented so they are in contact with the iron. This aligns the weak fields already existent in the iron layers and creates a strong attractive force that extends through iron. In effect, the two slabs of iron on either side of the magnetic V block become extensions of the cylindrical magnet. At the top of the device, a gap is cut into the metals. The part that needs to be examined is placed in this gap and grabbed by the attractive field. When the operator is done measuring or inspecting, switching the cylinder to the off position will neutralize the field. In this state, the poles are in contact with the nonferrous metal.




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