The AV lock is a device used in drilling and machining processes to securely hold round workpieces of wood or steel. It eliminates errors and distortion, and can be magnetic or use clamps. It can also be used to hold pipes, create flared fittings, and fix fiber optic cable.
The AV lock is a device used to keep a spare round piece safe. Typically used in the drilling and machining processes, the V-Block offers the round workpiece of wood or steel in a cradle-like support bed. The V-Block can then be placed in a vise or clamp and clamped to further stabilize the work piece. The typical V-block is constructed of heavy steel or aluminum to prevent distortion from occurring when the block is clamped to the workpiece. The fixture also has screw clamps or clamping devices attached to it to clamp down on the work piece once it is positioned correctly.
By aligning the working tool with the center of the V-block, the absolute center of the round stock can be drilled or machined as it is placed into the block. This eliminates any margin for error in most machining processes, provided the stock is held securely in the V-block. Many types of blocks are magnetic and use a charge to hold the steel piece securely in place of the clamps. These are typically electromagnets that easily turn on and off to easily position and remove the work piece.
Some V-blocks are used in vice jaws to effectively hold pipes and tubes when they are clamped in a vice. This style uses a V-shaped block on each jaw of the vise. As the clamp is tightened, the two V’s intersect and form a kind of circle around the tube. Used when cutting and machining round workpieces, this version of the V-Block prevents flattening of the round tube or workpiece when clamped in a vise.
A similar attachment method is used in pipe flaring kits. The hollow metal pipe is placed in a V-block type and secured so that the flare can be screwed into the pipe, thus creating a flared fitting. Automobile brake lines as well as fuel and other fluid lines are all created with the assistance of this type of device.
A similar style of block clamp is used to fix fiber optic cable. In this application, the cable is inserted into the vee and secured before the outer protective coating of the cable is removed. The block allows a repair crew to work on the many small strands of cable without fear of the entire component moving and creating further damage to the optical fiber.
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