Camlok CX Heavy-Duty Hinged Plate Clamp, 150-10000 kg WLL

The heavy-duty hinged clamp for awkward fabrications and up to 10 tonnes

The Camlok CX is the heavy-duty member of the hinged vertical plate clamp range. It shares the benefits of the CZ clamp and is aimed at lifting awkward fabrications where the clamp cannot be attached at the centre of mass. A swivelling eye cam held in a fork lets it take side loads and lift irregular plates, and the shape of the eye cam provides the clamping load. Working load limits run from 150 to 10000 kg across nine models.

Compared with the CY, the product page highlights a reinforced plate at the top of the mouth and a heavy-duty hook ring, plus a built-in lifting eye and link that let vertically racked plates be turned through 90 degrees. A plate can also be turned through 180 degrees in the plane of the clamp, which is the reason it is used on turning and stacking jobs in structural workshops.

CX features listed by Camlok

• Reinforced plate at the top of the mouth and heavy-duty hook ring
• Works on hot-rolled structural steel plates and sections up to 300 Brinell (32 HRC)
• Turns a plate through 180 degrees in the plane of the clamp, and turns vertically racked plates through 90 degrees
• Compatible with two-leg slings for larger or awkward plates
• Standard and L (large jaw) versions for thicker plate
• Replaceable parts; repairs by trained personnel only
• Design factor 4:1 and product group I2

Technical specification

CX models, jaw sizes and weights

Dimension table, mm

Operating limits and wear

Reading the model code

The number is the maximum WLL in kilograms and the L suffix marks the large-jaw version at the same capacity. The CX6000 and CX8000 share a 0 to 50 mm jaw and almost the same body, though dimension I differs (188 and 210 mm). Choose the smallest WLL that matches the load, because each clamp has a minimum WLL marked on its side and the manual says not to lift below it; the sheet therefore gives both limits, for example 600 to 6000 kg on the CX6000.

Use an L model for thicker plate: the CX6000L covers 50 to 100 mm. Order one clamp for a short plate; for long plates the manual calls for two clamps and a lifting beam.

Fitting rules from the CX manual

Check the plate for grease, standing water, oil, scale, paint and film, and keep the sling slack. The jaws are held open by turning the lever clockwise; the clamp then goes over the centre of gravity at the edge of the plate, fully into the mouth, and the lever is turned anticlockwise to LOCK once the fixed jaw sits on the plate. Look again at the position as the weight is applied.

Lift slowly with the slings vertical and the area underneath clear. On-edge use with side load is allowed at a reduced WLL given in the manual graphic. For curved parts the moving jaw goes inside the curve, and the smallest internal diameter is 2.5 times the distance from the fixed jaw to the opposite edge of the clamp. A single clamp may tilt up to 30 degrees from vertical; sling legs on multiple clamps stay within 15 degrees. Release only with the load completely off, never by forcing the lever, and keep inspection records using the daily, weekly and monthly table.

Where the CX fits best

The CX suits structural fabrication shops, plate service centres, shipyards and heavy engineering sites that turn large plates and weldments and cannot always clamp at the centre of mass. Top sizes such as the CX10000L put a 76 kg clamp on the plate, so plan handling and storage. The manual says to contact the supplier before use in high humidity, salt, caustic, alkaline, cold or elevated temperature conditions, which applies to outdoor yards in hot coastal areas.

Related clamps and parts

The product page lists the 92 series plate clamps, the CY hinged clamp, the HG high-grip clamp and the LJ non-marking clamp as related products, and the manual includes a maintenance parts diagram. For lighter hinged duty see the Camlok CY; for horizontal plate carrying see the CH and THK clamps.

Frequently asked questions

How many CX models are listed?

Nine: CX1500, CX3000, CX3000L, CX6000, CX6000L, CX8000, CX8000L, CX10000 and CX10000L.

What does the L suffix mean?

The L models have a larger jaw capacity at the same WLL, for example 50 to 100 mm on the CX6000L against 0 to 50 mm on the CX6000.

Can the CX turn a plate?

Yes. A plate can be turned through 180 degrees in the plane of the clamp and vertically racked plates through 90 degrees, per the product page and manual.

What is the heaviest CX model?

The CX10000L at 76 kg per clamp with a 50 to 100 mm jaw and 1000 to 10000 kg WLL.

Is the WLL reduced on curved plate?

The manual reduces WLL to 75 percent of the marked value on curved surfaces; the minimum WLL is not changed.

Documents and quotation

The catalogue sheet and the CX operating manual are hosted for download. Ask us to check the jaw size, capacity range and minimum load marking of the selected CX model before you order; Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and confirms availability per enquiry.