The ultimate guide to clamps & grippers
Understanding the nuances between clamps & grippers is essential. These seemingly simple tools are, in fact, critical to determining precision, efficiency, and product quality. A mismatched or suboptimal clamp or gripper can introduce errors, slow down production, or even compromise product integrity. This comprehensive guide will give you the knowledge to select and use the right tool for your job, covering:
When to use them: industries & applications
Different types of clamps & grippers
What are clamps & grippers?
Clamps are tools designed to hold objects firmly in place by applying pressure. The aim is to prevent movement. Grippers are mechanical devices primarily used for grasping and manipulating objects, often within automated systems like robotics. Unlike clamps, grippers are designed to handle objects rather than simply immobilise them.
When to use them: industries & applications
In essence, clamps are used to hold things still, while grippers are typically used to pick things up and move them – but there can be some crossover between the two. Each clamp and gripper has its own purpose, but in general, these are the industries and applications where they’re commonly used.
1. Automotive
Crucial for securing parts during assembly and manufacturing, ensuring precision and stability.
3. Heavy machinery
Clamps & grippers must handle large and heavy components while providing stability and precision during machining.
4. Metalworking
Metalworking demands strong and precise clamps & grippers to secure metal pieces during cutting, welding, and machining.
5. CNC machining
The industry relies on accurate clamping solutions to ensure parts are held securely for automated operations.
6. Electronics
In electronics manufacturing, clamps are used to handle and secure small, delicate components to ensure accuracy and prevent damage.
7. Precision manufacturing
Clamps provide exacting control and stability for intricate parts during detailed operations.
8. Construction
Clamps hold structural elements securely during assembly and construction for safety and alignment.
9. Rail manufacturing
Clamps ensure accurate positioning and alignment of rails and components during production and installation.
10. Prototyping and custom machining
Clamps can accommodate unique or irregular parts during development.
11. General manufacturing
General manufacturing requires a range of clamps & grippers to hold materials and components securely for various production processes.
12. Electrical industry
The electrical industry uses clamps to securely hold wires and components during installation and maintenance for safety and accuracy.
13. Precision and high-load applications
Clamps need to handle significant forces while maintaining stability and performance.
Different types of clamps & grippers
Clamps & grippers come in different types, each engineered to address specific needs and challenges. A low-profile clamp keeps the clamp out of the path of tooling. A high-strength gripper is necessary for heavy loads. A versatile tool works for custom applications. The point is, understanding the different options available is crucial for optimising performance and ensuring high-quality results.
View our range of clamps & grippers
Clamp types
The different clamps you’ll find helpful include:
Compact wedge clamps
Compact wedge clamps are designed to handle high loads and strong pressure while maintaining performance. Their compact size makes them ideal for tight spaces or small workpieces. Featuring a wedge design, these clamps provide a secure hold by applying equal clamping force both downward and sideways.
Ideal for: Precision machining, electronics assembly, and medical manufacturing
ID Xpansion clamps – machinable
These expansion clamps are designed for holding parts with an inside diameter ranging from 4.1mm to 250mm, making them ideal for high-density machining on both vertical and horizontal mills. Their low profile is particularly useful for secondary operations on lathe workpieces, allowing for efficient use of space and accommodating more pieces per fixture. These expansion clamps are simple to adjust with a hex key or hydraulic pull cylinders.
Ideal for: Machinability, medical devices, electronic manufacturing, and automotive applications
Talongrip clamps
Talongrip clamps are a versatile, bolt-on device that enables aggressive machining with a clamping depth as minimal as 1.5mm. Featuring a strong clamping force and a pull-down action, Talongrip clamps secure components effectively, making them perfect for small production runs, intricate tasks, or prototyping.
Ideal for: Construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair applications where custom fixtures would be impractical
Vice jaw sets
Vice jaw sets for Talongrip clamps is a bolt-on accessory that enhances conventional vises, enabling aggressive machining with minimal clamping depth of just 1.5mm. This system provides a customizable gripping surface, making it ideal for small production runs, complex tasks, or prototyping where custom fixtures are impractical.
Ideal for: Heavy-duty applications like metalworking, composites, and precision workholding
Uniforce clamps
Uniforce clamps are highly durable and versatile, capable of clamping two pieces with equivalent force using a single unit. Designed to endure heavy loads and high pressure while maintaining performance, the uniforce clamp is helpful for high-volume machining. Their compact size, along with tapped holes and slots, makes them easy to integrate into fixtures.
Ideal for: Construction, metalworking, and precision machining
Modular pitbull clamps
The modular pitbull clamp is designed with a low profile and strong downward force, making it ideal for use in fixtures and cubes. The slotted version of these modular clamps feature a clamping step that lifts the workpiece off the machine table during milling or drilling, while the smaller modular clamp is suited for sequential clamping and aligning the next workpiece using its back surface.
Ideal for: Power transmission systems, machinery, construction, and rigging applications
Pitbull wear plates
These wear plates are compact, sturdy metal plates that fit between the pitbull clamp and its holding fixture, acting as a protective barrier to help minimise potential damage to the jig. The pitbull wear plate is ideal for lightweight or soft metal fixtures needing full clamp motion and maximum holding pressure. These wear plates extend the service life of clamps, reducing wear and tear on critical equipment and lowering maintenance needs.
Ideal for: Metalworking, industrial machinery, and manufacturing
Eccentric pull down clamps
Eccentric pull down clamps, with their small, sturdy, and stable construction, are ideal for providing pull-down and side clamping forces in limited spaces. They combine a tapered cone with an offset eccentric thread, enabling clamping above or below the component's surface, and are unaffected by swarf ingress. This pull down clamp offers strong, tensile and side thrust clamping force, featuring a low profile and small footprint, making them simple to use.
Ideal for: Multi-component clamping in automotive, construction, and machining applications.
Cam clamps
Cam clamps are simple, robust devices designed to firmly hold and grasp workpieces with a cam mechanism for quick tightening or relaxing of the grip. By rotating the cam, the clamping force can be easily adjusted to meet specific application needs, ensuring a secure grasp without damaging the workpiece. The cam clamp accommodates a range of sizes and shapes while delivering uniform clamping force.
Ideal for: Metallurgy, electronics, and construction
Clamping plates
This clamping plate is for a spiral cam clamp. It features precision-machined surfaces and a durable structure for a secure grasp on workpieces, which prevents deformation. The clamping plate has a flat, hard surface with a bent side and a centrally drilled mounting hole that aligns with the clamp's mounting point. This design ensures dependable and repeatable clamping, delivering consistent and precise results.
Ideal for: Machining, woodworking, and assembly processes
Eccentric fixture clamps
This fixture clamp uses an eccentric machine screw for fine torque control and adjustable grip while ensuring precise alignment and even distribution of clamping force. Our fixture clamps offer rapid and robust clamping, designed for durability and longevity.
Ideal for: Precision machining, assembly, and hold-down applications
Variable hexagon clamps
Variable hexagon clamps are designed to firmly hold workpieces in limited vertical spaces, with a strong and reliable grip while maintaining a low profile. The hexagonal clamping surface provides multiple gripping areas, ensuring a secure hold and potentially reducing clamping costs on fixtures. Installed with an Allen key, the hexagon clamp operates via an eccentric screw.
Ideal for: Electronics assembly, machining centres, and medical equipment.
Toggle clamps
Of course, there are also toggle clamps for workholding applications. To help you learn more, our experts have put together this handy guide, Everything you need to know about toggle clamps.
Selecting the right clamp
Selecting the appropriate clamp for your project is essential to ensure stability, precision, and efficiency. With so many clamp designs available, each suited for specific applications, it's important to consider the following key factors:
Application requirements
● Workpiece material: Identify the material you're working with, such as metal, wood, or plastic, as some clamps are designed for specific materials.
● Type of work: Determine whether the clamp is needed for holding pieces during cutting, welding, assembly, or other operations.
Clamping force
● Strength and durability: Ensure the clamp can apply the necessary force without deforming the workpiece and that it is built to last.
● Load capacity: Verify that the clamp can handle the weight and pressure it will encounter.
Space constraints:
● Size and shape: Choose a clamp that fits within the available workspace, especially if space is limited or the workpieces are small.
● Profile: Low-profile clamps are ideal for applications with height restrictions.
Ease of use
● Installation and adjustment: Select clamps that are easy to install and adjust, saving time and effort.
● Mechanism: Decide whether a manual or eccentric mechanism best suits your needs.
Specific features:
● Design elements: Features like a hexagonal clamping surface, wedge design, or eccentric shaft can offer unique advantages.
● Compatibility: Make sure the clamp works well with other tools and fixtures in your setup.
Gripper types
We offer two different types that provide outstanding results.
TalonGrip serrated grips
This serrated grip is designed to provide superior grip and stability. Its unique serrated pattern enhances gripping force and minimises slippage. Toothed grippers allow for a high level of grip required for more aggressive machining operations.
Ideal for: Machinery, metalworking, and manufacturing
Versagrip grippers and clamps
Versagrip grippers and clamps feature a reinforced grip with puncturing teeth that bite into the workpiece, limiting lateral and horizontal movement. They provide a secure and adjustable grasp on irregularly shaped items, circular tubes, or flat surfaces. The clamping force is adjustable for excellent stability and evenly distributed force, minimising slippage or movement.
Ideal for: Electrical work, machining, and automotive applications
Selecting the right gripper
The wrong gripper can lead to reduced productivity, product damage, and increased downtime. Follow these tips to understand the key factors to consider when selecting a gripper.
Application requirements
● Holding capacity: The gripper must be able to handle the forces encountered during machining.
● Speed: Consider the required gripping and releasing speed, if relevant.
● Precision: The level of accuracy needed for handling the object.
● Repeatability: Consistency in object placement.
● Cycle time: The overall time for the gripping process.
Object characteristics
● Size and shape: Determine the dimensions and geometry of the object.
● Forces during machining: Consider the forces exerted on the object during machining to ensure the gripper can maintain a secure hold.
● Surface type: Consider the object's surface texture (smooth, rough, etc.) for grip selection.
● Orientation: How the object is presented to the gripper.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. If you’re not quite sure which clamp or gripper will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you. Free samples of some products are also available – just ask us.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.