Using the Delta Universal Plate Lifting Clamp

When using the Delta plate clamp to change orientations it is most important to note that there will be fluctuations in the lifting angle. This will impose a necessary reduction to the maximum stated safe working load. For example when the hinge is fully bent to the maximum 90 degrees consequently the SWL will be reduced to 50%. At 45 degree angles reduce to 75% and from 22 degrees to vertical the maximum 100% SWL is useable.

Delta Plate Clamp Features

The hardened steel, toothed jaws use a progressive clamping technique therefore they will clamp tighter and tighter as the load is lifted and thus becomes heavier and heavier until fully lifted and the maximum force is achieved, thus the load is held securely. The hardened jaws are designed for steel sheets with up to HRC 37 surface hardness.

The Delta plate lifting clamp features a hinged lifting eye. Pivoting through 180 degrees it is this which enables angled lifting and lifting horizontally or vertically. A big plus is the fact that these clamps can lift sheets from horizontal to vertical and the other way round. Standard plate clamps can not do this, the horizontal type can only lift in the horizontal plane and vertical clamps in the vertical plane.

There is a locking lever enables the jaws to be locked open or closed as required, this makes positioning easier.

Plate clamps always come with a minimum load capacity. This is to ensure the clamp will grip tight enough on the sheets. You should never try to lift anything lighter than the stated minimum. The Delta clamp has one of the lowest minimum load weights out of all other similar clamps. It comes in at about 10% of the working load limit. If the HRC is 27 or less this can be reduced to 5%.

To ensure the clamps are up to their intended task they are supplied with test certification and declarations of conformity. Operating instructions are also included. Delta clamps are produced in compliance with the 2006.42.EC machinery directive.

Other Plate Lifting Products

A different way of lifting steel sheets is with a lifting magnet. These use magnetic forces to clamp onto the flat surface of the steel rather than clamping at the edge. Just like the clamps they are commonly used in multiples to provide good stability. Take a look and compare the two different pieces of plate equipment before making your choice. Get in touch if you need any advice.