Urethane Grippers Provide Secure Holding, Surface Protection

Available from Fixtureworks, Fairlane Products’ Sof-Top urethane grippers combine secure workholding with protection for finished surfaces in assembly, machining, inspection or repair operations. The “bubbled” texture of the urethane top offers firm holding and allows air to escape so no suction is created between the contact surface and the top of the rest pad as it is compressed. The urethane surface, which offers abrasion and wear resistance, is available in three durometers (strength ratings).

The grippers are available in several sizes and mounting configurations. With the fixed gripper configuration, the urethane surface is permanently bonded to a 300 series stainless steel pad. They are blind-hole tapped for backside mounting and are offered in sizes ranging from ⁵/₁₆" to 1" (8 to 25 mm).

The replaceable, swivel-ball configuration, available in sizes ranging from ³/₈" to ⁵/₁₆" (10 to 24 mm), features a cylindrical body that can be installed in tight areas. The replaceable ball swivels for self-alignment on uneven surfaces. A Viton O-ring holds the ball in place while keeping contaminants out and providing smooth ball movement. The housing is made from a smooth alloy steel, heat treated to Rc 43/46 with a black oxide finish, and tapped for backside fastening.

The thrust screw assembly configuration, available in sizes ranging from ³/₈" to ⁵/₁₆" (10 to 24 mm), allows straight-line static load thrust without transmitting torsional or radial force to the contact area. The free-floating ball design allows the thrust screw to continue to rotate while the ball remains stationary against the contact surface. This configuration is ideal for irregularly shaped or contoured applications, the company says. The housing is made from alloy steel, and heat treated to Rc 43/46 with a black oxide finish.