Clamping – safe and flexible at the same time

ERC rocker clamps optimize your tool clamping process.

How easy would it be if you only needed one clamp to suit different molds as well as dies? To have a clamp in stock that is easily adjusted to any T-slot and can be operated horizontally as well as vertically. And the program itself is even more versatile.

The ERC rocker clamp offers safe and secure clamping and has optional features that make it a very popular item with customers in different markets.

Every machine in your factory has its own specifications. And maybe every tool has a different back plate. Of course, standardization it the way to go. EAS has developed a clamp that allows for situations where standards are not possible or not implemented as well as transitional situation and a fully standardized operation. With one clamp it is easy to have a very smooth and quick turnover from one tool to the next. Whether you want a manual of fully automated operation, the ERC rocker clamp can do the job.

For quick and safe changeovers from one product to the next, you want operation to be smooth and secure. EAS offers a wide range of solutions and components that allow you to configure your system in just that way that suits your specific set up best. If your machines and tools are not standardized yet, you can safely choose the EAS system, as they are the ideal system to operate for your present as well as your future set up.

The ERC rocker clamp is fitted with a T-slot pin which screws in and out of the base of the clamp. This allows easy and quick adjustment of the clamping height to any DIN 650 T-slot. There is also a range to suit the Euromap pattern. If desired, the clamp can be exchanged between machines with a minimal risk of damaging the T-slot as well as the tool. The clamps are mounted in a right angle to the loading direction.

Single acting

The ERC rocker clamp with its compact design is a single acting spring returned hydraulic cylinder for clamping a tool onto a platen. When the hydraulic port is pressurized, the hydraulic piston will push the back of the rocker upward. The other side of the rocker moves downward and thus clamps the tool onto the platen. The clamps are available with clamping forces from 20 up to as much as 250 kN. The larger models are standard equipped with handles.

To ensure safe operation, each platen is fitted with 4 cylinders that are supplied with two separate hydraulic circuits. The pumps are equipped with pressure switches and if the set pressure is reached the pump switches off. If the pressure drops below the set pressure, the air operated hydraulic pump automatically switches on until the set pressure is reached again. Furthermore, the machine will stop if the hydraulic pressure drops below the defined safety pressure. In case of power failure, the cylinders will stay under pressure and the clamping function remains in operation.

Extra functionality

The standard rocker clamp can be fitted with a range of options, depending on the desired operation.  First of all, we offer an optional support roller. This ensures the fixation of the clamp on horizontal machines, preventing it from pivoting. Further options are air cylinders, proximity switches and hydraulic check valves.

In the standard situation the clamp is moved along the T-slot manually. The clamp can be fitted with an air cylinder to automate the clamp movement along the T-slot pneumatically. The air cylinders are mounted on the T-slot with a T-slot slide nut. The plunger end of the air cylinder is mounted onto the clamp. The double acting air cylinders need to be operated and controlled by a separate air circuit.

A proximity switch will further automate the clamping process. The proximity sensor detects the approach of the tool and stops the forward movement of the clamp when the right proximity has been detected. Sequentially it signals the hydraulic circuit to initiate the clamping sequence.

An extra safety measure can be fitted by means of a hydraulic check valve. This ensures the clamping force is maintained under all circumstances. Each clamp is fitted with a check valve that will keep the pressure on the cylinder constant, even if there is a leakage in the main hydraulic system. One port of the check valve is connected to the clamp and the other to the main hydraulic system. A separate hydraulic circuit, connected to the secondary oil inlet of the valve, releases the check function.

Easy ordering and quick delivery

The ERC rocker clamp is very suitable to use as a retrofit. Ordering precisely the right clamp is easy and quick. With its compact design it is able to clamp narrow tool edges. And all that with ambient temperatures up to 200°C. Because of the standardization of the cylinder, delivery times are extremely short. The cylinders can be operated by air operated hydraulic pump units from EAS.

 

SMED and EAS

Changeover times are an important aspect of modern manufacturing. Being able to change production from one product to the next in the shortest possible time helps reduce overall costs.

EAS offers different solutions, not only for enabling quick changeovers but also for keeping a tool in excellent condition. These solutions help reduce production costs, while at the same time increasing safety and enable you to react flexibly to new orders without losing valuable production time for time-consuming tooling up or changing.

All of EAS’ solutions are focused on producing the highest quality possible, whether fully automated or manual where preferred. An unrivaled way to get the best value for your money and keeping your personnel safe at the same time. What is not to like about that?