Fast fixture

One very useful fixture I used long time ago when for pad printing process. Extremely useful where fast lock/unlock is required in combination with big external forces.

If unlocked it allows free XY movement and free rotation in quite big range (in this case 50-60mm). When locked it becomes rock solid, there is no problem to do even milling on the detail attached to the fixture - it can withstand large forces.

By simply screwing and unscrewing a screw the fixture could be locked or unlocked - very fast operation in slim design. A short animation is available on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti3kszMwe2I

SolidWorks design files and IGES were added.

The secret how it works is in the compressing ring - it has slant edge which stays against the sharp edge of the screw. When screwing the screw the edge is pushing the slant edge and creates substantial force down which is transferred to the top plate. The end result is - top plate is pressed against the bottom plate and the