subject: Plate Lifting Clamps - What? Why? How? Where? [print this page] So, what exactly is a plate clamp? The answer to this question is easy, a plate clamp is a piece of equipment which is designed explicitly for lifting and handling sheet materials such as large sheets of steel for example. There are different types available, the most typical types are the vertical and horizontal plate clamps which lift the sheet materials in their respectively named position, universal hinged plate clamps may also be found which contains both of the aboves properties.
Within both the vertical and horizontal plate clamps ranges you will discover different models appropriate to different applications, some are best for lifting thin sheeting, or may have more adaptable jaws, some are hinged and there are some versions for extra heavy operations with hard steel jaws; there are also models that happen to be named non-marking, these do not make any marks on the steel due to their special protective jaws. There is almost a model suited to the majority of operations.
Next allow us to take a closer look at every kind, to start with the vertical plate clamp.
A vertical plate clamp is usually utilised to transport sheet materials in an upright, vertical position yet some versions allow the sheet to be rotated through a hundred and eighty degrees. If you need to move big sheets that could yield easily then it is common practice to utilize two or more plate clamps at the same time in conjunction with a spreader beam ensuring regular spacing for stability. The vertical plate clamp consists of two jaws held within a rigid casing, 1 jaw is set but the 2nd jaw is moveable so that the jaws may be adjusted and tightened until they close securely on the sheet material, the spring loaded cam action ensures the clamping force which must be double the weight of the material being lifted. The clamp also needs to be capable of withstanding a static load of two x the safe working load limit with no permanent deformation and three x the safe working load limit before the load is released. It is also imperative that it is impossible to unintentionally discharge the load.
Next are some details regarding the horizontal type
Horizontal plate clamps will always be utilised in two's to move single or multiple sheet materials in a horizontal position although some models can be used individually for lifting .. The same as with the vertical clamp they incorporate two jaws. They're often utilised attached to a chain sling and the clamping strength comes from the weight of the load through the chain slings legs, the amount of clamping force depends on the angle of the sling legs in addition to the weight of the load, so it will be significant for the weight of the load is evenly dispersed as well as consistent with the centre of gravity from the centre lifting point of the sling. A short piece of plate can be easily lifted with only two plate clamps located centrally, since the force within the sling legs has a horizontal element and, since the plate is only supported at its edges, this tends to bend the plate inwards over its width, so if bigger pieces of plate material need to be lifted it is typically required to make use of 4 or more clamps , together with a spreader beam for an even balance and stability , particularly if the material is thin and bendable since it might easily bend and therefore distort.
There is a further form of plate lifting clamp which may be called either a universal clamp or a hinged clamp. The hinge mechanism facilitates steel plate to be lifted, moved and lowered from one position to another, i.e. from vertical to horizontal. They can be used at a variety of angles making them extremely adaptable.
Most types of plate lifting clamps are incredibly service friendly due to the fact that they have interchangeable parts, and repairs and servicing can usually be carried out promptly by a competent lifting gear business.
