Air Clamp Replacement: CMC Models with Air Clamp Rails

When an Air Clamp blows/leaks on the CMC 5000, 8000 and 8500, it needs to be replaced.

Determine which Air Clamp has blown.

• If necessary, run a large mat without the Blade in the Blade Cartridge (Blade Cartridge must still be inserted in Head) and listen for air escaping.

Turn off the air supply.

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

Remove the Air Clamp Rail mounting screws with an Allen wrench.

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

Lift the Air Clamp 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 has an elbow fitting.

• On later machines, simply pull the two hoses apart.

Lay the Vertical/Horizontal Air 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 Air Clamp Rail.

Push the metal end firmly into Air Clamp Rail 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 Air Clamp Rail 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 Air Clamp Rail 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 Air Clamp Rail is being turned over into its mounting position.

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

Never use sharp instruments to clean out the Air Clamps or the Air Clamp Rails.