Round Bar Clamping with an Air Balancer on a 5T Rail

FullSharp installed a 200 kg 5T overhead rail along the machine area with a FullSharp air balancer and a pneumatic gripper that hugs the bar body, for round stock two workers used to carry and roll to the lathe. The clamp grips both sides, the bar holds still at the height the worker needs, and a light turn brings it into position.

Workshops machining round bar stock usually need two workers to carry and roll each piece from the pallet to the machine table. Round stock rolls easily and offers no grip point, so it is both tiring and prone to scratching the surface.

FullSharp installs a 200 kg 5T overhead rail running along the machine area, carrying a FullSharp air balancer and a pneumatic gripper tool that hugs the bar's body. The clamp grips both sides, and once lifted, the stock holds still at the height the worker needs, with a light turn to bring it into position.

5T Overhead Rail, 200 kg, FullSharp Air Balancer for Round Bar Clamping

5T overhead rail with a FullSharp air balancer and round bar gripper tool at the machining area.

Equipment Installed

200 kg 5T rail: hung from the ceiling by threaded rods, the trolley runs smoothly and covers the full rail length with a hand pull.
FullSharp air balancer: holds the load suspended by air pressure, the worker pushes vertically without pressing any up/down button.
Pneumatic round bar gripper: two clamp jaws hug the bar's body, with a lock valve holding clamp force even if pressure drops.
Air filter and hose: removes moisture before the air reaches the balancer, with a coiled hose that follows the trolley without blocking the aisle.

Key Specifications

Rail load capacity200 kg
Rail type5T overhead rail
Mounting typeCeiling-mounted

Benefits for the Factory

Light-handed all shift

The air balancer carries the stock's weight while the worker only guides it, keeping productivity up until the end of the shift.

No slipping

The gripper hugs the bar's body and locks the clamp force, so the stock does not roll out of the jaws while lifted.

Keeps the floor clear

Since the rail is ceiling-mounted, the workshop floor stays open for carts and pallets to move normally.

Actual Installation Photos

5T Overhead Rail, 200 kg, FullSharp Air Balancer for Round Bar Clamping - photo 1

5T Overhead Rail, 200 kg, FullSharp Air Balancer for Round Bar Clamping - photo 2

Click a photo to enlarge. Album of 2 photos taken on site.

Suitable Applications

Machining shafts and round bars in mechanical workshops
Feeding stock for lathes and milling machines
Assembling tube-shaped part clusters
Metal semi-finished goods storage

Frequently asked questions

How do you lift round bar stock safely?

Use a gripper that clamps both sides of the bar. Round stock rolls and has no grip point, so a clamp holds it firmly where slings or hands slip.

What does the air balancer do here?

It carries the bar weight so it floats at the height the worker needs. The worker then turns and guides it into the machine with little effort.

What load does the rail carry?

The 5T overhead rail in this project is rated at 200 kg. FullSharp sizes the gripper to the real bar diameters and lengths.

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Installation Consultation for Your Factory

FullSharp carries out a site survey to measure the ceiling span, check the hanging structure and the available air supply. We then finalize the rail length, trolley position and clamp jaw type to match your stock diameter.

Round bar clamping for lathes and mills with an air balancer and pneumatic gripper on a 5T rail