Steel Plate Lifting Clamps
A plate clamp makes lifting steel plates safe and easy when using a crane or other lifting devices. Plate lifting clamps can be used to lift plate and ibeams in a vertical or horizontal position. Find 1, 2 and 3 ton options from Campbell gx, Terrier and Bison Lifting.
What is a plate lifting clamp?
Plate lifting clamps are an important piece of equipment when lifting large slabs of concrete or steel plates by crane onto the jobsite. They attach to the plate and allow for vertical or horizontal lifting by a crane or other overhead lifting devices. As the load is lifted, the exertion of force of the clamp on the cam and pad is increased because of the gravitational forces pulling on the load itself. Vertical plate lifting clamps are commonly used to move pipe, steel plates, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, girders, ibeams, sheet plates, steel piles, rolled steel joists, manhole pipes, and even shipping containers.
There is no universal type of lifting clamp because there are so many uses for them in industries such as construction, steel production, manufacturing and more. Campbell tools manufacturer a variety of clamps for the construction industry.
These plate dog clamps have a pair of jaws that clamp together and the downward weight pushes down against the clamp creating friction. Three main principals define clamping, namely penetration, friction and retaining.
Steel plate lifting clamps are made of steel, heavy-duty rubber or thermoplastic polymer. The load carrying components of a clamp are the lifting eye, eye shaft, body, and pivot. The latch and springs are non load bearing.
Vertical Plate Lifting Clamp
Vertical lifting clamps hold the material in a vertical and upright position. The reinforced jaws secure the steel plate and lift it from a horizontal position and slowly moves the plate into a vertical position as the clamp increases in height.
Horizontal Plate Lifting Clamp
Horizontal plate lifting clamps do a similar type of job but they hold the material in a horizontal or flat position. The load is wider so the downward forces are more spread out in comparison to vertical clamps. Two sets of campbell gx plate clamps hold the material in a horizontal position as it is maneuvered. These are ideal for horizontal lifting of steel plates.
How do you select the right plate clamp?
Determine the size:
The working load limit of the hoist clamp has to be very close to the material weight load that is being lifted. A big difference results in an inefficient clamp and it adds more stress to the lifting. This adds risk of the clamp failing and damages the clamp over time as well. The minimum weight should be 10% of the work load.
Determine the type of plate clamp to be used:
Clamps are designed to lift specific materials so pick the appropriate one for your material so that it does not damage the material while it is being lifted. Whether you are using it as a steel plate lifting clamp or as a vertical lifting clamp you should always consult the factory before purchase to make sure it will work for your application.