Safety Catcher Vs. Rod Lock – What Do I Need?

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Safety catchers and rod locks are very similar, but they have different functions. Safety catchers are meant to do just that, catch a falling or sinking load. Implementing a safety catcher on a separate guide rod is vital to preventing catastrophic damage from a falling platen.

A rod lock system is designed to position and hold along a rod. So, it’s less about safety and more about the refined position, although rod locks can be added to a safety system in conjunction with a safety catcher for redundancy and simplify system recovery.

But, what is the real difference between a safety catcher and a rod lock, and how do I select the best option for my specific application? 

Safety Catcher Vs. Rod Lock – What Do I Need?

AMLOK position hold, power-off rod locking device is a double-acting solution with springs that create the holding capacity as seen below (RLN and RCH). It holds the load during a power or pressure loss and is designed to directly attach to your cylinder/actuator providing holding in both directions. It can also be used in stand-alone applications.

 

Safety Catcher Vs. Rod Lock – What Do I Need?

 

A safety catcher is a single-acting, self-intensifying solution that functions similar to a finger trap where the load creates the holding—so more load equals higher holding forces.  

 

SITEMA Safety Catcher Graphic

 

SITEMA Safety Catcher

 

So, which one is the correct device for you?

Ask yourself, “Is my application a ‘position and hold’ or ‘gravity fall’ application?

Answer: Position and Hold Application
Solution: AMLOK series
Why: Amlok units are bi-directional precision locking devices that hold in a precise location. The best solution for holding your rod or cylinder in place mechanically is the AMLOK. Whether you need to hold an external load in place or counteract the inherent issues with a cylinder (over travel, bouncing, drifting, reverse travel) this is the best way to resolve these issues. If positioning is important to your team, then Amlok is the solution.

 

AMLOK Rod Locks used to hold position and maintain the shape of during the repair of an A10 Warthog

 

AMLOK used in a position and hold application

 

Answer: Gravity Fall
Solution: Sitema Safety Catcher
Why: In the case of a falling load where you want a safe and reliable solution, a SITEMA Safety Catcher is the Defacto standard. These are designed to decelerate and stop a falling load in the event of a gravity fall situation. The device is single-acting. This creates a situation where the load is held until the power system is back online and functioning (you need to move the press upwards after power is restored to “reset” the SITEMA ensuring you are in a safe condition. 

Sitema used for gravity fall prevention in a press safety application

 

How do I choose the correct device?

Answer: 

  • If the application is a “position and hold” application, then utilize the AMLOK series units. 

  • If the applications is a “gravity fall” condition, then utilize the SITEMA Safety Catcher. 

  • For special custom applications, please consult with an engineer at AME. 

 

 Sitema Safety Catcher

 AMLOK Rod Lock

  • Releasing under load is not possible, the unit is safe against unintended release
  • Releasing is possible, even under load, the load to be secured can therefore still fall down.
  •  Releasing is not possible before the load has been taken off the clamping unit. Therefore, it is automatically made sure that the load has been safely taken over.
  • Releasing is possible even when the load as not been taken over. A dangerous situation can result from this behavior.
  • This also ensures a smooth release by use on a cylinder. 
  • Depending on the cylinder pressure, the load will jump upwards or sink down during releasing.
  •  Clamping system strained only when necessary.
  •  Clamping system always full strained.
  •  This results in a high service lifetime.
  •  This results in a comparatively short service lifetime.
  •  Safety factor > 2 already included
  •  Load cannot be lifted at pressure failure, trapped persons remain trapped.
  •  Loads up to 220kN can be secured with pneumatic clamping units.
  •  Usually high holding forces are only possible with hydraulic clamping units.
  •  DGUV approval for all standard Safety Catchers and Safety Brakes.
  •  Usually no DGUV approval

 

The simple way to look at what you need: 

  • Position and hold: AMLOK
  • Bi-Directional Movement: AMLOK
  • On the end of a cylinder:  AMLOK
  • Press Safety: Typically SITEMA

  • Safety Solution for Press Applications: Typically SITEMA
  • Gravity Fall Prevention: SITEMA
  • Braking Applications: SITEMA

 

At the end of the day, there can be some overlap on the different clamping solutions. Please consult the factory for any advice on your application. 

 

Comments (3)

  1. James Gralinski:
    Mar 30, 2022 at 03:46 AM

    Greetings,

    I am designing a rotary type of machine. I need to clamp the load and hold it in place so that it does not fall vertically due to gravity as I rotate it 180 degrees. Once it is engaged with a lowering mechanism, I want to release the load and lower it.

    Please advise which of your products I should use.

    Thanks so much!

    Regards,

    Jim Gralinski

  2. Mike Waidelich:
    Sep 14, 2022 at 01:39 PM

    We are looking to add safety equipment to a number of Pneumatic and hydraulic presses. Our application is identical to the illistartiion on this web site of a press with the SITEMA catcher device installed. The purpose of these upgrades will be to lock the presses in an "open" position while technitions preform setup and maintenance proceedures.
    I would like technical information regarding sizing these components for the load

  3. Crystal Van Vleet:
    Sep 20, 2022 at 04:58 PM

    Hi Mike, If you haven't already, please submit your inquiry via the form at the bottom of this page: https://www.ame.com/rod-locks-press-safety#rfqform and we will be happy to touch base with you on your specific application!

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