Clamping elements

Clamping elements can be classified into different categories and types. At KIPP you will find:

• Mechanical clamping elements
• Pneumatic clamping elements

Mechanical clamping elements make up the majority of products at KIPP. They are operated manually often using tools such as spanners or hex keys. Pneumatic clamping elements differ from mechanical clamping elements in that they are not manually operated. This makes them suitable for applications in the automation sector and supports the digitalisation of the production environment.

In order to cover a wide range of applications, KIPP offers various sizes of clamping elements. So that a uniform system size can be implemented, the sizes range from M4 to M36. Of course, the main system sizes M6, M8, M10, M12 and M16 are covered by this.

Claw clamps and clamp straps are used where a workpiece must be clamped. For this, the claw or strap is mounted onto a fixture plate. Then the object to be clamped is positioned. The slot enables the claw or strap the be simply slid into the correct position. Tightening the nut on the stud presses the strap down, fixating the workpiece. A support element on the strap ensures that the strap is not pushed backwards by counterpressure coming from the workpiece during clamping. Riser blocks can be used if the object exceeds the maximum adjustable height of the clamp strap unit. These increase the height and also permit clamping of larger workpieces.

Clamp straps and claw clamps are used in machine, fixture and prototype construction. In addition, they are used on milling machines or ensure a secure hold of the workpiece during welding.

Hook clamps also belong to the mechanical clamping element group. The clamping force here is also applied vertically from above. This clamping device has a central screw that applies the force to the object being clamped. An integrated spring over the screw pushes the clamping hook away from the clamped surface during loosening. Similar to a swing clamp, the clamping arm of hook clamp can also be swivelled away, enabling an easy change of the workpiece.

There are various models to choose from. They differ, among other things, in how they are operated, the design of the clamping arm or the fastening possibilities. With regard to how they are operated, there are hook clamps with cap screws which are operated using a hex key. For operating without extra tools there are hook clamps with cam levers or clamping levers. The clamping arms are available in various lengths and also with protective caps. These prevent scratches on the workpiece. Depending on the model, hook clamps can be attached to a fixture plate, mounted recessed in a baseplate or positioned on the side by means of an angle bracket.

As the name suggests, the clamping function of floating clamps is - well, floating, enabling the clamp to be adjusted precisely to the workpiece. They are used for clamping overhanging clamping points on flexible and sensitive components. It prevents the workpiece from bending during machining or from being damaged due to vibrations. The floating function is deactivated when the clamp is tightened on the workpiece. In the KIPP range you will find two different versions, which differ in the way they are operated.

Models K1228 can be recognised by a red aluminium ring on the housing. The fastening of the workpiece and deactivation of the float function is effected on this model by just one clamping nut. This depends on the torque with which the nut is tightened. Up to a torque of 15 Nm the workpiece is clamped but the clamp is still floating. Over 15 Nm, the floating function of the clamp is locked.

Floating clamps K1227 are distinguished by a blue aluminium ring on the housing. They differ from floating clamps K1228 in that they have two hex nuts for operation. The workpiece is clamped via the larger AF18 hex nut, while the floating function is controlled and locked via the smaller AF10 nut.