JW Winco has developed a new range of pneumatic clamps, a revised product which has been updated with the primary aim of a longer lifespan.
Pneumatic clamps are standard elements in jig construction, and Winco has carried these important fastening systems in its portfolio for some time. The product family has now been reworked, primarily to increase its lifespan and reliability. The most significant improvement concerns the pneumatic cylinder, which now operates with a magnetic piston and has T-slots on the housing. Thanks to this slot, it is now much easier to attach sensors, while the magnetic piston permits more precise querying of the current position by the new, modern sensor GN 3380, which entirely replaces the previous sensors.
For high retaining forces, such as are required in car body manufacturing or in pressing or welding lines, Winco provides the pneumatically operated power clamps of the family GN 864. As part of its optimisation strategy, Winco has made two valuable improvements. The housings of the standard versions are no longer blackened; they are chemically nickel plated instead, which increases the corrosion resistance. The FG type is designed specifically for welding jigs. The PTFE coating in green colour prevents weld spatter from sticking, an addition to the optionally available protective covers which ensure long lasting operation even in aggressive environments.
The pneumatic clamps of the GN 860 series now have hardened, ground bearing bushings and tempered bearing pins for significantly reduced wear. Winco claims no meaningful alterations were observed in testing for over 250,000 cycles. Structural reinforcement of the sheet steel housing reduces wear inducing vibrations during operation, which makes a difference even under lower loads. And the new one-way restrictor in the cylinder enables smoother travel to extend the lifespan of the piston.
The new pneumatic clamps are available in versions for horizontal (GN 860) and vertical (GN 862) installation. With GN 862.1, Winco also has a version that additionally permits manual operation.
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