ELECTRICALLY OPERATED VISE

A movable clamping element (56) engages a workpiece, whereby a spring (86) i s compressed, limiting the amount of clamping force applied to the workpiece. A retainer nut (88) is selectively moved through the use of the tool to a selectable position along a threaded shaft (80) to adjust the spring compression, hence the clamping force. After initial setup, an electrochemic al actuator (110) is actuated to melt a polymer, forcing a piston assembly (118 , 120) and a bearing (84) to shift the threaded shaft (80) longitudinally against the spring, moving the clamping elements apart a short distance to release or receive a workpiece. The electrochemical actuator is then deactivated, allowing the spring to expand, clamping the workpiece between t he clamping elements with the selected force. A movable clamping element (56) engages a workpiece, whereby a spring (86) is compressed, limiting the amount of clamping force applied to the workpiece. A retainer nut (88) is selectively moved through the use of the tool to a selectable position along a threaded shaft (80) to adjust the spring compression, hence the clamping force. After initial setup, an electrochemical actuator (110) is actuated to melt a polymer, forcing a piston assembly (118, 120) and a bearing (84) to shift the threaded shaft (80) longitudinally against the spring, moving the clamping elements apart a short distance to release or receive a workpiece. The electrochemical actuator is then deactivated, allowing the spring to expand, clamping the workpiece between the clamping elements with the selected force.