Air Clamp Replacement: CMC 8500, 8000 and 5000

When an Air Clamp blows/leaks, it needs to be replaced.

Move the Gantry to the right until it moves no further.

Determine which Clamp is leaking and remove the appropriate Clamp mounting screws with an Allen wrench.

Loosen the 7/64” Allen Screw holding the Air Clamp, and gently lift Vertical/Horizontal Clamp to view small air hose fitting.

Lift fitting from its groove and disconnect it by unscrewing the two halves.

Note that the CMC 5000 air fitting is straight, and the CMC 8000/8500 is an elbow fitting.

On later machines, simply pull the two hoses apart.

Lay the Vertical/Horizontal Clamp upside down to look at its construction.

Loosen the two Allen screws at each end of the rubber tube until you can pull the Air Clamp out.

The Air Clamp has been removed.

Place the metal end of the Air Clamp (side without hose) into the slot closest to the end of clamp bar.

Push the metal end firmly into clamp bar and tighten the Allen screw.

Each Allen screw should have two washers and should be tightened against the flat side of the metal crimp.

Grasp the other side of the Air Clamp and stretch until the other metal ring can be inserted into its slot.

Push the metal ring into clamp bar and tighten the Allen screw.

Each Allen screw should have two washers and should be tightened against the flat side of the metal crimp.

While holding the Vertical/Horizontal Clamp near its mounting position, attach the air fitting and lead the air fitting to its pocket.

Note that the CMC 5000 air fitting is straight, and the CMC 8000/8500 is an elbow fitting.

Slip the fitting into its pocket as the clamp is being turned over into its mounting position.

Align the mounting holes and screw the Vertical/Horizontal Clamp back onto the CMC by tightening the two outside screws first, then the inside screws to ensure that the Rail is level.