Fail-Safe Cylinder Rod Locking for Industrial Applications
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.
Empower yourself with the knowledge to spec the right safety or holding solution—and keep your operation running smoothly.
From CAD models and catalogs to safety guides and FAQs, our resource hub gives you the tools to make confident, informed decisions. Need expert input? Our engineers are here to help. Whether you’re selecting a rod lock for a new design or ensuring compliance with safety standards, we’re happy to review your application and recommend the best fit.
AMLOK rod locks are used across numerous industries to improve safety and accuracy wherever linear actuators are employed. Some typical applications include:
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.
SITEMA safety catchers have been evaluated according to OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-043. OSHA has determined that the SITEMA safety catcher meets all of the requirements of the directive.
A step-by-step guide shows how to replace the seals in an RCH Hydraulic Rod Lock unit from AMLOK.
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