1.what is toggle clamp and how it works 2.advantages 3.comparison with cam clamp 4.more at www.lizhida.net/blog/toggle-clamp-introduction

1. What are toggle clamps
the advantages and comparison
Toggle clamps are also named quick clamp,quick release clamp,over-center clamp etc.
A toggle clamp is a fastening device that usually consists of a handle to control the
device, a holding bar to grip the work piece, and a linkage system of pivot pins and
levers to boost the applied force(see structure picture below). Once engaged, the
toggle clamp essentially becomes locked. Atoggle clamp typically serves to secure an
object tightly in order to prevent it from moving or separating when inward pressure
is applied.
Your toggle clamps contain:
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Handle to operate
Clamping arm to reach the work
piece
Linkages for multiplying the applied
force
Spindle for pressure adjustment
Base for mounting at the
workplace

2. HOW it works/toggle principle
Toggle action clamps operate through a linkage system of levers and pivots (fulcrum).
The fixed-length levers, connected by pivoting pins, supply the action and clamping
force. The toggle action has a lock point which is a fixed stop and linkage. Once in
the lock position, the clamp does not unlock unless the linkage is moved/released.
Although oriented in different ways, most toggle clamps are designed using this basic
principle.
Types of toggle clamps
Most frequently used toggle clamps belong to one of the following five main types,
which are :
Vertical handle toggle clamp
Horizontal handle toggle clamp

3. Push&pull toggle clamp
Latch type toggle clamp
SqueezeAction Clamps
Horizontal and vertical handle — their handles are horizontal and vertical when it’s
clamped up.

4. Push&pull type —these have a moving plunger that slides along its axis,to push or
pull to load it.
Latch type — clamps of this type have a hook or U-bolt as the clamping arm and are
designed specifically for applications that require a closure mechanism, such as mould
closures, sealing chambers or doors.
Squeeze Action — This type of clamps holds part together using a pinching or
squeezing force. Vise-grips and toggle-pliers operate with this action.
The advantages of toggle clamps
 TIME SAVING: The clamping and release is achieved in seconds, this gives
tremendous time saving per cycle.
 EASY TO INCORPORATE: No additional accurate machining, slotting etc. is
needed while using this clamps in any tooling.
 VERSATALITY: Available in push, pull, hold down, latch type, plier type.
 DURABILITY: All vital components are hard and zinc plated giving adequate
wear and corrosion resistance ensuring longer working life.
 LOW MAINTENANCE: These clamps are virtually maintenance free.
Occasionally few drops of lubricating oil are all that is needed to keep them in
good working condition.
 COST SAVING: Tooling costs are reduced as tool design and tool making
become simpler. Reduced cycle time reduced with low maintenance. Reduced
production cost by increasing productivity
Toggle Action Clamps Compared with Cam Action Clamps
Cam action uses frictional force to effect a lockingcondition between the cam surface
on the bar andthe follower on the handle. Toggle action clamps have many advantages
over cam action clamps,mainly because cam action damps allow some movement
while clamping. Toggle action clamps thus provide a more consistent clamping point,
can be manufactured from inexpensive materials, and are available in stainless steel
for outdoor or corrosive applications. If the material being clamped has a variable
thickness, however, a cam action clamp has the ability to better accommodate this
application.
You can read more details at toggle clamp introduction