AMLOK ROD LOCKS

Fail-Safe Cylinder Rod Locking for Industrial Applications

Safety Professionals Trust AMLOK

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.

Key Features

  • 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.
  • Made in USA Quality | Engineered and manufactured by Advanced Machine & Engineering, ensuring high-quality materials, strict manufacturing standards, and local support for your AMLOK products.

AMLOK Rod Lock Products

RCH Hydraulic Rod Lock
RCH Hydraulic Rod Lock
Heavy-duty hydraulic rod lock delivering axial holding forces from 1,100 to 80,000 lbf. Spring-engaged, hydraulic-released design; fits NFPA cylinders.
RCHX Hydraulic Rod Lock (Exclusion Series)
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)
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)
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.

RESOURCE HUB

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.

Common Applications

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.

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