Retained Clamping Elements

Elesa provides a range of products and solutions specifically developed to ensure that clamping elements remain securely integrated with the machine, in full compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. This European directive regulates the design, manufacture, placing on the market and commissioning of machinery, and defines the essential health and safety requirements that must be observed.

The loss of clamping components not only represents a serious risk to workers’ safety, but can also result in machine downtime and the associated maintenance costs. For designers and mechanical engineers, ensuring compliance with the Directive, including the integration of a retaining clamping element, is therefore a critical consideration in the design phase.

A common application is the use of threaded inserts with integrated locking mechanisms, which ensure that clamping elements remain securely in position through the unthreaded section, even when subjected to vibration or mechanical stress. Elesa’s range includes, for example, the BT-HP and BT-HP-AV series of retained fluted knobs, as well as the GN 653.2 retained screws with knurled knob.

The range also comprises retaining systems such as: HMWPE cables with stainless steel rings and plates (CV-T series); ball chains with acetal-based technopolymer (POM) end fittings and double-turn stainless steel rings (CT-S series); brass chains with stainless steel balls (GN 111 series); stainless steel cables with or without black or transparent PVC coating (GN 111.2 series); and polyurethane spiral retaining cables with stainless steel rings (GN 111.4 series).

In addition to lobe and fluted knobs, and wing nuts, Elesa has expanded its catalogue with new retaining components, including clamping handles, hydraulic blanking plugs and breather caps, thereby broadening its portfolio of compliant and reliable solutions.