Automation Swing Clamp – Flange Base

Automation-type Swing Clamps are ideal when it is essential to know exact timing of swing-arm position for unrestricted workpiece loading and unloading. With their sturdy, reinforced swing mechanism and extended helix rod, these clamps are particularly suited for: clamping fixtures with workpiece loading via handling systems; transfer lines; test systems for motors, gears, and axles; automated manufacturing systems; and assembly lines.

Available in three sizes, each with a choice of clockwise, counterclockwise, or zero° swing, standard fittings or manifold mounting. Clamping force at 7250 psi with a Pivoting Clamping Arm:

          2800 Lbs     (5 series)

          4500 Lbs     (6 series)

          7800 Lbs     (7 series)

Swing Clamps are pull-type cylinders where part of the total stroke is used to swing the piston, and the remaining stroke is available as the clamping range. Applying fluid pressure to the A (clamping) port swings arm 90° over workpiece then clamps down. Switching pressure to the B (unclamping) port positively lifts arm then swings it back 90° for loading/unloading.

The safety-clutch mechanism normally incorporated into our swing clamps is omitted in this design. In case the workpiece hits the clamping arm during loading, the angular position of the swing-clamp arm will be exactly maintained. Using a heavier clamping arm or swinging too quickly (due to high fluid-flow rate) will also not declutch the swing arm and affect arm position. The reinforced swing mechanism endures a collision of the clamping arm with the workpiece during clamping up to a pressure of 1500 psi.

Do not exceed maximum fluid flow rate in table. A simple flow-control valve may be required if the fixture is powered by a high-flow-rate power source and only contains a few clamps. Clamping time should be at least one second. Due to the missing overload protection device, assembly and disassembly of the clamping arm has to be done carefully despite the reinforced swing mechanism. When tightening and untightening the fixing nut, the clamping arm or the hex socket in the piston must be prevented from turning. Tighten and untighten arm in unclamped position. Frequent collisions with the clamping arm in the radial direction should be avoided.

                 

            Version 1 – standard fittings                             Version 2 – Manifold Mounting  

Several possible mounting methods: 1) fasten to top of fixture plate with four socket-head cap screws inserted through the flanged base from above; 2) Mount through a bored hole in the fixture plate, fastening with four socket-head cap screws inserted through the flanged base from below; 3) Mount through a tapped hole in the fixture plate, securing with a lock ring; 4) Mount through a bored hole in the fixture plate, securing with one or two lock rings.

Clamping Arms 

Order clamping arm separately – see clamping accessories. Order clamping arm separately. Maximum allowable operating pressure depends on the type of arm selected. Choose a Pivoting Clamping Arm for 7500 psi max (requires a rear support), a Gooseneck Clamping Arm for 5000 psi max, or a Long Clamping Arm for 3000 psi max. Longer, custom clamping arms will further reduce allowable operating pressure, inversely proportional to arm length.

Optional Position Monitoring

The helix rod protrudes through the clamp’s bottom cover, allowing pneumatic or electrical control of piston position outside the chip and coolant area. As an accessory, a pneumatic position control control is available, and is shown attached to the bottom of the clamp in the photo. A brass control slide is displaced in a stainless housing. The slide opens and closes bore holes, so that a pressure switch or differential pressure switch can signal the position as “clamped” or “unclamped”. It is also possible to install this control directly in the fixture body by means of drilled air passages.

Optional Metallic Wiper 

This optional, additional wiper protects the Viton wiper against physical damage, e.g. by hot chips. These Swing Clamps are ready for mounting the metallic wiper, which consists of a radially floating wiping disk and a retaining disk which is pressed onto the existing collar.