The manifold approach to mounting clamps and workloaders — pioneered and perfected by Carr Lane Roemheld in its SWIFTSURE® line of power components — has proven advantages over other types of mounting.

By supplying hydraulic fluid to clamps through passages drilled in fixtures, rather than through external tubing or hoses, manifold mounting allows designing “clean” fixtures without chip traps. It also permits clamps to be located close together, so more workpieces can be loaded on a fixture.

A single fluid feed line can power several clamps on a fixture. Extended fluid passages are possible by drilling shorter passages in separate blocks, then connecting them using connecting inserts.

Special versions of many SWIFTSURE® components are available for manifold mounting. These include extending clamps, flange-base and cartridge-type swing clamps, and edge clamps for downholding action. Push clamp selections include block clamps and threaded-body push clamps. Most clamps offer both single- and double-acting versions.

Many SWIFTSURE® products, like the edge clamp and work support shown, offer manifold mounting options.

Cartridge work supports, all-threaded work supports and block-type work supports provide many workpiece-locating options. A variety of fittings, clamping valves, sequence valves and cartridge screw pumps are also available. More information can be obtained at the company’s web site, www.clrh.com.