Types of Automation in Clamping

1. Pneumatic Automation

   It is used only for small aluminium components, due to force and space constraints. In majority of the applications, hydraulic or hydropneumatic clamping is preferred.



2. Hydraulic Automation

   It is used in SPMs, where it need long stroke, speed, sequencing and high volumes.



3. Hydropneumatic Automation

   It has two types

   • Hydropneumatic Intensifier

     It is widely used on conventional machines and SPMs, where a hydraulic power unit is not available on the machine. Low cost, simpler circuit and no oil heating as compared to hydraulic power unit, are some of its advantages.

   • Hydropneumatic Pump

     It combines advantages of hydraulic and hydropneumatic automation. Longer stroke and sequencing is possible without oil heating problem.

Another consideration is the production volume.

1. Manual clamping is used in prototype production or batch production where production volumes are low. As the production increases, even conventional machines are dedicated for specific operation.


2. Hydropneumatic clamping is generally used at this production level (50 to 200 jobs per shift).


3. Hydraulic clamping in SPM is preferred when the production level goes near 1 job per minute.