Wedge Clamp Supports Upper Die if Pressure Loss Occurs

In Booth A-1633, Hilma (Fenton, MO) has expanded their line of wedge clamps with a new version of the clamp featuring a patented safety notch added to the tapered clamping bolt to support the upper die in the event of a pressure loss. The wedge clamp consists of a hydraulic cylinder block and a bolt guided within the housing. As it clamps and the bolt advances, it mechanically locks the die in place with its 20 deg tapered clamp surface. In the unlikely case of a pressure loss, this new safety feature in the bolt will engage with a mating notch in the tapered clamping plate on the die set, securely holding the upper die. During unclamping, the extended bolt retracts fully into the housing for easy die removal. The wedge clamping elements, with single or dual action, exert forces of three tons to 69 tons and have a maximum temperature rating of 570 deg F.

These clamps can be actuated via hydraulic, electric or springs. Position sensors are available to verify the extended / clamped or retracted / unclamped positions. Wedge clamps come in a variety of styles that allow shops to configure clamping arrangements by using a range of options, from cooling circuits to sequence valve controls.

Hilma, 927 Horan Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, 636-386-8022, www.hilma-usa.com.