Pneumatic toggle clamps fix workpieces in place, position mechanisms and hold molds together. In this way, they not only simplify handling, they also enable fully automated processes. Elesa+Ganter offers a number of flexible solutions for this purpose
Toggle clamps of the series GN 860 and GN 862 feature an important unique property:
After passing through a dead point during closing, the retaining force is maintained even after loss of pressure at the cylinder. The low-wear design as well as the option to detect the position of the clamping element by means of magnetic sensors offer additional dependability.
The retaining force itself is transmitted to the clamping point by a clamping arm or piston rod. A hybrid toggle clamp employs a hand lever to combine manual closing with pneumatic opening – an important feature for clamping applications requiring individual clamping but simultaneous, fast and automated releasing.
The compact power clamps of series GN 864 and higher are also designed to remain in the clamped position after a pressure loss. The sophisticated kinematics ensures that the setting action is fast while the actual clamping movement takes place slowly, making pneumatic end stop dampening unnecessary. The available types differ in terms of their clamping motions and are each sold in four sizes with astonishingly high retaining forces of up to 13,300 newtons. These clamps feature high stability, long lifespan and low compressed air consumption. The offering is rounded out by various mounting options and a large range of accessories from adjustment plates and blanks for indi- vidual jaw shapes to directly attachable proximity switches.
The swing clamps of the series GN 875 / GN 876 perform two motions: The clamping arm first rotates by 90 degrees from its resting position, then travels in a linear motion down onto the workpiece in the actual clamping stroke. Thanks to the rotary movement, either to the left or the right, the workpiece remains accessible from above, allowing it to be positioned and removed directly.
The freely selectable mounting brackets as well as the various clamping arm de- signs allow the clamps to be adapted to the specific situation. There is even a completely customizable adapter flange. The swivel clamps are available in block design with T-groove mounts for end stop sensors or in a compact design with male thread which can be easily mounted in a height-adjustable fashion using a threaded adapter flange.
