Air Rams: All About Pneumatic Clamps
Pneumatic clamps, also called power clamps, are heavy-duty pneumatic locking clamps that use air rams and are mostly used in the automotive industry. Power clamps began to replace manual clamps when they were first developed in the mid-1980s. Today, modern pneumatic clamps are used in all industries because of their automation, reliability, and robust design and capability.
The need for pneumatic clamps
Pneumatic clamps are mostly used in automated manufacturing processes in which one of the requirements is to accurately and repeatedly clamp components as quickly as possible. Because power clamps do not need an external power source, they are most useful in limited spaces or if the clamp needs to be located remotely in the assembly line. Pneumatic clamps are even used in incinerators to hold the oven doors closed, or desert heavy machinery.
Using pneumatic clamps outside the automotive industry
Pneumatic clamps were originally developed solely for the automotive industry. They do remain the primary user, but power clamps are now used in different applications and automated environments such as aerospace manufacturing or wherever there is an automated environment like an assembly line.
Different types of pneumatic clamps
Generally, all pneumatic clamps refer to the operation wherein there is an over-centre clamp with an arm that pivots and rotates into the closed or clamped position. All clamps in the power clamp family perform more or less the same function.
It is the size that differentiates the types. Small pneumatic clamps ranging from 25 to 40 bore sizes are usually made from aluminium that gives them reduced weight. They are also hard anodised for increased strength. The bigger pneumatic clamps from 50, 63, to 80 bore sizes are all made from steel that gives them extra strength and endurance. This also makes them more resistant to damage and increases their thread strength.
Pneumatic “gripper” clamps of the 40 bore size are those that are mounted on robot arms in manufacturing plants and assembly lines. But instead of clamping down on something for assembly, the action is more for gripping.
MasterMac 2000
In manufacturing and assembly line businesses, you will need to find high-quality air rams for your pneumatic clamp systems. In Australia, MasterMac 2000 is the sole distributor of high quality and durable pneumatic valves, flow control valves, and pressure control valve systems in the Queensland and New South Wales areas. Call us today on 07 3344 4711 for your crucial valve or cylinder needs, or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.