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RCH Hydraulic Rod Locks
Heavy-duty hydraulic rod lock delivering axial holding forces from 1,100 to 80,000 lbf. Spring-engaged, hydraulic-released design; fits NFPA cylinders.
Specialty Products
AMLOK Rod Locks
AMLOK, an Advanced Machine & Engineering legacy product, equips you with the position holding and power-off rod locking devices you need.
AMLOK Rod Locks
put safety, precision, and productivity first
AMLOK® rod locks are power-off clamping devices that mount directly to pneumatic or hydraulic actuators (or a separate guide rod) to hold a load securely in place whenever air or hydraulic power is removed or lost. These rod locks automatically grip the cylinder rod to prevent motion—eliminating drift, bounce, or collapse in the event of pressure loss. Designed and built by AME in the USA, AMLOK rod locks put safety, precision, and productivity first by ensuring your machine axes stay exactly where you need them, even during e-stops or power failures. Whether you need to lock a vertical axis for safety or hold a position for machining accuracy, AMLOK solutions provide reliable, easy-to-integrate performance.
| Common Applications | |
| Machine Tool Fixturing & Positioning | Locking the position of milling heads, boring bars, or fixtures on CNC machines to maintain alignment during cutting or tool change operations. |
| Hydraulic Presses & Actuators | Preventing drift of press rams or die platens in hydraulic presses, stamping machines, and molding machines, especially during maintenance or loading/unloading. |
| Automation & Assembly Equipment | Holding cylinder positions in robotic assemblies, pick-and-place units, and automated material handling systems to ensure repeatable alignment and to act as a brake during emergency stops. |
| Mobile Hydraulic Equipment | Supporting arms, booms, or outriggers on mobile cranes, construction machinery, and municipal vehicles (utility trucks, fire truck ladders, etc.) by locking hydraulic cylinders to avoid collapse. |
| Lift Tables & Elevating Platforms | Securing the height of scissor lifts, elevator platforms, and theatrical stage lifts to prevent sudden descent if power is cut – protecting personnel working on or under the platform. |
| Mining & Heavy Industry | Providing additional safety on mining equipment or heavy earth-moving machinery where hydraulic lifts hold heavy loads, by locking cylinders to avoid any gradual settling or sudden drops. |
AMLOK Overview Catalog
Safe processes are profitable processes. We make our customers successful by protecting people and machines from the manufacturing environment and waste.
Complete Guide to Power-Off Clamping
Learn about power-off clamping, position and hold applications, pricing factors, and more.
AMLOK Rod Locks
Key Advantages
Automatic Load Holding
Locks the rod instantly and holds position if system pressure is lost—preventing unintended movement or dropping of the load.
Direct Cylinder Mounting or Stand-Alone
Attaches directly to standard actuator cylinder interfaces or can be mounted on an independent guide rod for custom applications.
Mechanical Spring Clamping
Utilizes robust spring-force clamping internally, with pneumatic or hydraulic pressure used to release the lock; this fail-safe design means the default state is locked (intrinsically safe).
Infinite Position Locking
Capable of clamping at any position along the rod’s stroke (no indexing required), allowing precise positioning and holding at exactly the desired location.
Dual-Direction Holding
Provides high holding forces in both directions (push or pull) so that the rod is securely clamped against movement in either direction of load.
Sealed & Customizable Options
Available in sealed versions for washdown, food-grade, or even underwater environments. Custom designs and sizes can be engineered to fit unique applications.
AMLOK Rod Locks
Product Lineup
RCHX Hydraulic Rod Lock Exclusion Series
Rugged hydraulic rod lock for severe and submersible applications. Features enhanced sealing and corrosion-resistant construction for extreme conditions.
RLI Pneumatic Rod Lock (ISO 15552 Metric)
Compact pneumatic rod lock providing axial holding forces from 200 to 2,450 lbf. Spring-engaged, pneumatic-released design; fits ISO 15552 cylinders.
RLN Pneumatic Rod Lock (NFPA Inch)
Compact pneumatic rod lock providing axial holding forces from 200 to 2,450 lbf. Spring-engaged, pneumatic-released design; fits NFPA cylinders.
AMLOK Rod Locks
Application Stories
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