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About ellis clamps

Types of Ellis clamps

Ellis clamps come in various types, and their differences depend on the materials and settings used. Some of the common types include the general-purpose, the special ones for cutting and bending, and hydraulic ones, which do not need to be operated by hand. Each clamp is made for different jobs, and they work best in tight and very soft places to hold still the workpiece until the job is done. Sometimes, a few clamps that are not Ellis brands might be needed to do the job as perfectly as possible.

Magnetic Ellis clamps

Magnetic clamps use magnets to secure the materials on the selected work angle for operations such as welding where the hands are needed elsewhere. High-strength neodymium magnets are embedded at the corners of the clamps to provide the holding power necessary for securing the workpieces on the project surfaces.

Adjustable Ellis clamps

These clamps allow tighter or larger grips depending on the workpiece size and requirement, which is done by adjusting the screw on the two jaws. Adjustable Ellis clamps are great for those projects where the materials being worked on will be of different sizes or shapes. They help eliminate the need to change the clamping tools constantly.

T-slot Ellis clamps

This type of clamp uses a T-slot to secure the workpieces onto the machine tables and fixtures in the right position and orientation. Things like holding down the materials for machining or making detailed shapes cut within the workpieces are what special T-slots and Ellis clamps are used for. They also feature a bar with a threaded end and a star knob for tightening purposes.

Pneumatic Ellis clamps

Pneumatic Ellis clamps are powered by compressed air. They are mainly used within industries and production areas because they enable the operator to secure the workpiece quickly and repeatedly. Ellis pneumatically operated clamps have been specially manufactured with a high clamping force to handle many tough applications. Due to their speed and effectiveness, Ellis air clamps are ideal for higher production run jobs.

Industry applications of ellis clamps

Engineering construction

Ellis clamps are used when welding and fabricating metal parts and equipment. It is important to hold the two metal pieces together when doing welding to ensure the weld joint is correctly done, and that's why Ellis clamps come in well - to hold those pieces of metals firmly. They also help improve safety since metalwork involves hazardous activities such as cutting and welding.

Automotive

All these activities require a lot of precision, and even the smallest mistake can be very costly. Ellis clamps are used for holding different components during fabrication, welding, and assembly. They ensure that all the parts are in their correct positions during the different manufacturing processes.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry requires a lot of precision and safety due to the work involving aircraft and spacecraft components. Ellis clamps are used to hold various critical components during manufacturing and assembly. Due to the nature of the work, Ellis clamps used in this space must pass the inspection for accuracy, reliability, and, most importantly, weigh very little.

Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding also requires a lot of strength and stiffness as it is done with large metal structures. Ellis clamps are used to hold the materials together when welding, bending, cutting, and assembling ships. Ellis clamps for this industry need to be corrosion-resistant and, at the same time, have a higher holding capacity due to a hostile working environment and large metal sheets.

Offshore

Ellis clamps are also used in offshore construction and repair work, similar to the shipbuilding industry and underwater submersibles. They assist in holding the huge, tough pieces of materials together when welding, bending, cutting, and assembling. Ellis clamps must, therefore, be corrosion-resistant and very durable to survive the rough offshore environments continually.

Metallurgy

Ellis clamps are used to hold materials in extreme operations such as cutting, bending, welding, etc. The clamps should be made of materials that can bear high temperatures, which are usually generated during these processes. Ellis clamps are typically manufactured with heat and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure smooth operation in such a hazardous working condition.

Product specifications and features of ellis clamps

Technical specifications of ellis clamps

  • Finer clamping jaws

    Ellis clamps are equipped with finer clamping jaws that offer more significant benefits of clamping with fewer contact points. This ensures that the clamping force delivered to the workpiece is well distributed and, hence, no deformation occurs.

  • Wear resistance

    Ellis clamps are designed for longevity and reliability. The clamping surfaces of Ellis clamps are hard-faced with tungsten carbide to enhance wear-strength. This means they are abrasion-proof and ideal for companies that require tighter tolerances and increased-production rates.

  • Mitre clamping jaws

    Ellis clamps are supplied with mitre clamping jaws as an alternative clamp with angled contact surfaces that provide support for the workpiece, especially in welding, where the two pieces need to be jointed along a mitre edge.

  • Jaws

    Ellis clamps are delivered with a standard clamping jaw and a clamping jaw with a sliding block to support the workpiece effectively. The sliding jaw compensates for the varying centre distances and reduces deformation.

How to install Ellis clamps

  • Position the Ellis clamps

    Position the clamp on the workpiece where the manufacturer stated it should be clamped. Be sure to have the clamping jaws in the proper orientation so that once the clamp is tightened, the desired force will be applied in the correct direction.

  • Secure the clamps

    Using the provided mounting hardware, secure the Ellis clamps to the machine. Depending on the type of clamp, this may involve bolting it to a T-slot track, sliding it into place, or attaching it to a magnet. Ensure a tight, secure connection that will not loosen during operation.

  • Align the clamps

    Properly align the clamping jaws with the workpiece. Make sure each clamping jaw is positioned appropriately on the workpiece to evenly distribute clamping forces and avoid any possible deformation.

  • Adjust the clamping pressure

    If the Ellis clamps have any adjustable pressure settings, be sure to set them properly based on the particular workpiece material and the machining operation. This helps prevent damage by providing just enough force.

How to use Ellis clamps

  • Turn the spindle

    To bring the clamping jaws into contact with the workpiece, turn the spindle with a few initial handle turns to broadly position the clamping jaws near the intended clamping points.

  • Tighten the clamp

    Use a hand-ratchet or power tool to rotate the spindle and tighten the clamping jaws against the workpiece surface. Before tightening fully, make sure the workpiece is properly oriented.

  • Check for squareness

    As the jaws tighten, periodically check for squareness by measuring angles or visually inspecting. Any slight misalignment can affect the final product, so make necessary adjustments as the jaws continue to tighten.

How to maintain Ellis clamps

  • Clean after every use

    Once the work is over, it's important to clean the Ellis clamps to remove debris, dust, or any other material residue that might affect future performance. Cleaning keeps the clamps working for many years.

  • Lubricate the moving part regularly

    Lubrication should be done after a given timeline. The manufacturer should know the duration between services. It's good to add a little bit of machine oil on parts that move so that when the wear happens, it takes care of that too, and at the same time, corrosion will be eliminated.

  • Periodic inspection

    Ellis clamps are powerful tools. Users should inspect their Ellis clamps regularly to see if any parts have worn out or if there are any small damages because nothing can be used forever. Pay attention to clamping jaws and slides, and if something is worn, it probably has to be replaced.

  • Store properly

    Storing Ellis clamps correctly is essential as such tools hardly acquire any faults. Store them in a dry place, and don't cover them with a lot of dust so that we can use them again without damaging them.

  • Use genuine parts

    While servicing, only related Ellis clamps' genuine spare parts and accessories should be used. To get spare parts from the manufacturer, users shouldn't hesitate to contact the manufacturer's customer service.

Quality and safety considerations of ellis clamps

Jaws wear and tear

Just like any other machine, Ellis clamp jaws will inevitably experience some level of wear and tear due to constant usage. The wear can either be mechanical due to prolonged contact with the workpiece or thermal due to the heat generated during clamping, mainly if the workpiece is of a material that conducts heat.

As the jaws age, they may develop uneven surfaces or even dent, resulting in poor grip and potential slippage. Slippage, of course, poses dire safety risks since the moving workpiece can unexpectedly shift, resulting in inaccurate cuts, injuries to personnel, or even damage to the equipment. To avoid this, regularly check the jaw faces for signs of wear and tear. Replace worn-out jaws immediately, however. As a general rule, users should consider the number of incidents the machine has and estimate the maintenance intervals accordingly.

Hydraulic ellis clamps are powerful

While hydraulic Ellis clamps offer superior clamping forces, this very strength sometimes poses safety risks if not properly monitored or controlled. There is a great risk of damaging the workpiece or even causing structural failure due to excessive force.

Moreover, hydraulic fluid leaks may arise, which, if not contained, could create a slippery working environment, which also brings the risk of fire if the oil is set on fire. That's why it is imperative to utilize proper hydraulic controls and sensors to help alleviate the problem. Also, in the case of a hydraulic leak, the affected area should be cleaned without delay, and the operator should wear protective gear while handling hydraulic solvents. In addition to thaty, inspecting and maintaining hydraulic Ellis clamps regularly will ensure no leaks occur.

Over-tightening can damage the workpiece

It is normally advised that while clamping an Ellis clamp, one must not over-tighten it; otherwise, the workpiece might be damaged. Excessive clamping force puts stress on the workpiece material, and this might lead to internal structural damage or even cracks. Sensitive materials like plastics or composites are going to get deformed for sure.

Moreover, over-tightening also leads to increased wear of both the clamp and workpiece contact surfaces, which might be a detriment in the long run. To avoid this, manufacturers need to install pressure sensors on clamping tools to monitor clamping force. It's always recommended to follow the prescribed clamping force by the manufacturer for that specific material.

Q&A

Q1: What are Ellis clamps?

A1: Ellis clamps refer to a special kind of tool often used in machinery and construction work. These clamps are made from strong metals like steel, aluminum, or alloy steels, which stay strong even after a lot of use. Ellis clamps can handle both small and big jobs, just like a toy that can change shape for different fun times. They come in handy for holding things still when cutting, bending, or joining them together with other things.

Q2: Which materials are used to make Ellis clamps?

A2: Ellis clamps are usually made of steel, aluminum, and alloy metals. Steel is very tough and is commonly used in making Ellis clamps. It is strong and is ideal for heavy and tough jobs. Steel, however, is prone to rust, and therefore, it should be stored in a dry area. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a lighter metal, and it is also resistant to rust. Therefore, Ellis clamps made of this type of metal are easier to move and handle and are ideal for lighter jobs. Ellis clamps are also made of alloy steel, which is strong like regular steel but has special materials added to it that make it stronger and better for longer times to avoid rust. It is great for heavy jobs and, most importantly, affordable and available.

Q3: Which industries use ellis clamps?

A3: Ellis clamps are widely used in the engineering construction industry. Basically, welders and fabricators use them to hold metal pieces in place. Auto mechanics use some of them to hold parts while they fix or put cars together. People who make planes and boats also use Ellis clamps because those things have to be really strong and made exactly right. Even people who build big things like bridges and buildings use Ellis clamps to hold the materials while they work. They help keep everything still so the work can get done safely and accurately to make sure the final product is strong and safe to use.

Q4: Are Ellis clamps safe?