Power Clamps

Pneumatic power clamping has been an integral part of manufacturing since the introduction of pneumatic automation systems. From simple parts holders to complex end-of-arm assemblies, power clamps facilitate increased automation by providing secure, stable, and consist workpiece location and positioning in hazardous environments. Power clamps use a pneumatic cylinder to actuate a toggle, cam, or linkage that moves an attached arm to secure workpieces in a specific orientation while welding, machining, or assembly operations are carried out. Some pneumatic power clamps feature an adjustable opening angle of up to 135 degrees and can compensate for small variations in material thickness. Irreversibly of clamping force, through the design of the linkage, maintains the closed position even if the air supply is compromised. A manual release button allows the clamp to be returned to an open position in the same unpressurized situation.

Power clamps offer many advantages over manual clamps. Power clamps can be used in jigs, fixtures, and end-of arm assemblies that provide simultaneous pressure across multiple clamps, saving time as one operation can position and secure large or ungainly workpieces. Many power clamps are unaffected by intense magnetic fields produced by electric welding equipment and provide consistent clamping force in the face of adverse environments. The enclosed design of most pneumatic power clamps protects the mechanism from potentially damaging contaminants such as weld spatter or grinding dust. Power clamps can be adjusted so that the arm opening provides minimum clearance above the workpiece, enabling the construction of more compact jigs and fixtures that can securely grip and hold complex workpieces while complicated assembly processes are performed. This adjustability also allows one model of power clamp to be used for many different clamping jobs. A variety of clamping arms are available for each model, with materials and configurations to give maximum freedom to jig and fixture designers and machine builders. Power clamps are available in both NAAMS (North American Automotive Metric Standards) and International mounting styles. The NAAMS mounts are typically used by U.S. based automakers and are offered with 50, 63, and 80 mm bores. The International mount is offered with 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, and 80 mm bores. Clamping forces can be as high as 811 foot-pounds with holding forces when closed ranging up to 2949 foot-pounds in 80mm bore models.

Pneumatic toggle clamps are usually open framed toggle linkages activated by a small attached cylinder. Toggle clamps can be seen on jigs and fixtures used for cabinet production and in industries such as window and door construction where bulky items must be fixed in position while assembled. They may be operated simultaneously, to hold an entire assembly together, or individually as needed to hold specific parts in place. Clamping force can be applied inline with the cylinder, to push parts together, or perpendicular to the cylinder to be used as a hold-down device. While not as robust as some other styles of pneumatic power clamp, toggle clamps can provide consistent and automated workpiece location to industries that use manual fastening techniques during product assembly.

Pneumatic Swing Clamps (or Rotary Clamp Cylinders) are a type of pneumatic cylinder in which the cylinder rod rotates through 90 degrees during extension. The rod end is typically fitted with an arm mounted perpendicular to the rod that presses down on a workpiece when the cylinder retracts. Swing clamps are often used on welding fixtures and tables and can be specified in clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation to facilitate easy workpiece removal after assembly operations are carried out. Because swing clamps are used in areas where weld splatter can be a problem, they often feature robust rod scrapers and anti-stick coatings on rods and rod ends.

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