Air Rest Buttons

Overview

When used with machining fixtures, air rest buttons can detect the precise loading of workpieces. Its modules are constructed of a threaded body attached to a fixture holding a floating plunger. Our Press-Fit-Type Rest Buttons are compatible with this plunger's reamed holes, available in a choice of three diameters.

The plunger retracts fully into the body of the Air Rest when a workpiece is properly placed on the assembly. The system's overall pressure increases as a result of the sealing off of air flow (30 psi maximum air pressure). To read this pressure value, a resistance sensor, analog or digital, is used, which is subsequently connected to a control system or PLC. Made in USA. U.S. Patent No. US20190232446A1.

Applications

In the following example, three Air Rest Buttons provide a full three-point support under a workpiece. Each plunger has a rest button installed in a press-fit design. Presented here are two circuits for measuring air pressure.

Operation

Ready for Workpiece Loading	After Workpiece Loading
As the floating plunger is loaded, the Rest Button, which is attached, assists in extending the plunger.	Workpiece weight presses the plunger downward, preventing air flow during operation and providing control signal.

Installation & Design Considerations

Upon installation of a Rest Button, the plunger protrudes .020" above the top of the fixture (the flange of the body is .125", and the plunger protrudes .145" above the fixture surface). After installing all the Rest Button assemblies, the top surfaces of all Rest Buttons can be reground to achieve ultimate precision.

Keep the support surfaces reasonably clean when using pneumatic position control. You should avoid operations that create small chips, such as when machining cast iron. Flood coolants, or aggressive coolants, should also be avoided.

Air connection with an external fitting	Air connection with a drilled manifold passage

Material

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