Chapter 3: Additional System Details
32 M47-17028-EN
Grip controls
A hand-held grip control unit (Figure 12) is supplied to control operation of the hydraulic grips. The unit
is magnetically mounted to a bracket on the front left corner of the base plate. The control unit can be
removed from its bracket for in-hand use or can be used while mounted to the bracket.
The controls consist of two three-position rocker switches, one to operate the upper grips and one to
operate the lower grips. Pressing one end of the rocker switch will actuate the jaws according to the
labeling on the control unit (see Figure 12). Each switch operates as a momentary-type when it is in the
Open position and as a latch-type when it is in the Close position. When a switch is placed in the
Open position and then released, it automatically returns to its Neutral position and grip motion stops.
When a switch is placed in the Close position, it latches in this position and closes the jaws fully. Be
sure fingers or hands are not between the grip jaws when closing the jaws. The switch must remain in the
Close position once the specimen is clamped and during testing. Do NOT place the switch in the
Neutral position until the specimen has been removed from the grips.
The clamping speed of the grip jaws was set at the factory; refer to “Clamping Speed” on page 33. It is
not recommended that the factory settings be changed; keep in mind that faster clamping speeds
increase the risk of operator injury.
These grip assemblies are designed to grip specimens for testing. Therefore, an
unavoidable pinching hazard exists. Make sure to read and understand all installation,
removal and operating instructions before using the grip assemblies!
If a switch is in the Close position and main power is lost to the frame*, the grips will stop and hold their
current position; also the switch will remain latched in the Close position but will be put into Neutral
mode (i.e. will not function). When power is restored to the frame, the grips and the grip controls will
remain in this hold/neutral condition until the switch is reset. The switch must be reset to restore grip
function. To reset the switch, move it to the Neutral position and then operate as desired.
* For conditions that result in loss of main power to the frame, refer to the System Operating Instructions
(supplied separately).
Figure 12. Hydraulic grip control handset.
Upper open
Upper close
Lower close
Lower open
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