What Is a Pillar Clamp?
A pillar clamp is a mechanical component used for securely joining two or more pillars. Unlike a “muff,” which is tightened by hand and suitable for frequently assembled and disassembled equipment, a pillar clamp uses bolts and nuts for a more robust connection. This makes pillar clamps ideal for long-term installations or supporting heavy laboratory equipment.
Uses of Pillar Clamps
Pillar clamps are vital in situations where a strong and stable connection between support pillars is required. Loose connections can lead to the collapse of the entire apparatus, risking damage or injury. While muffs offer a screw-tightened connection, they may not provide the necessary strength for prolonged installations or heavy loads. Pillar clamps, with their bolt-and-nut securing mechanism, are preferred in such scenarios.
They can be used not only for vertical connections but also for side-by-side horizontal alignments, and some designs allow for rotation at the connection point.
Principle of Pillar Clamps
Pillar clamps are typically made from materials like aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or synthetic resin. They feature a hole for the pillar to pass through, and once the pillar is in place, it is secured with a bolt and nut. This mechanism provides greater strength compared to muffs, which are tightened only with a screw.
Various shapes of pillar clamps are available, allowing for versatile assembly options:
- Designs with two vertical holes for perpendicular pillar placement.
- Models with two horizontal holes for side-by-side pillar arrangement.
- Versions with a cylindrical arm extending from the clamp for attaching additional clamps or muffs.
- Clamps with a square hole for use with square pillars to prevent rotation.
When selecting pillar clamps, it is important to ensure compatibility with the pillar’s thickness and shape. Also, while complex pillar combinations are possible, it is crucial to maintain a stable center of gravity to prevent the equipment from toppling over during assembly.