Improving Welding Clamps with Latching Technology

A manufacturer needed to replace the pneumatically powered clamps that held material for welding. A custom latching solenoid provided both the locking and latching functions the manufacturer required. Permanent magnets latched the solenoids in a retracted position without consuming power.

Customer Problem

A manufacturer needed to replace the pneumatically powered clamps that held material for welding. After welding was complete, the solution would release and allow the material to move down the line. In addition, the clamp replacement needed to be precise, holding each piece in a precise position.

The TLX Solution

A custom latching solenoid provided both the locking and latching functions the manufacturer required. Permanent magnets latched the solenoids in a retracted position without consuming power. While retracted, material could be positioned in the fixture for welding. A short pulse of power un-latched the solenoids, canceling the magnet and holding the part down with a heavy duty spring. When the welding was complete, a short pulse of opposite polarity returned the solenoids to the retracted position, releasing the part down the production line. The custom solenoids easily replaced the pneumatic clamps, providing an energy efficient solution.

View Design Solution

Heavy Duty Latching Solenoid

Stroke: 3.3 ± .508 mm

Net latching force: > 222 N

Supply voltage: 6, 12, 24 Vdc

Response time: 100 ms

Coil resistance at 20°C: .6 ± .03 Ω

Operating temperature range: 10°C to 50°C

Spring load (de-latched): 178 N

Durability: > 100M cycles

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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