With bicycle assembly stands and bike lifts, the frame must be securely fixed in place – without pressure marks, scratches or damaged paintwork. This is exactly where EPDM clamping jaws come into play: a small component with a big impact.

A firm grip and a sensitive surface – a combination that has to work

Clamping jaws are firmly mounted in the gripper jaws of bike lifts and assembly stands, where they perform a key task: they ensure that the bicycle frame is held securely while maintenance or assembly work is carried out.

Depending on the application, the top tube or seat post, for example, is clamped. The clamping jaws must therefore meet two requirements at the same time:

• Reliable hold for safe working
• Protection of the frame from scratches, abrasion or paint damage

The right elastomer material is the ideal solution for this combination.

Why EPDM? Proven properties for everyday use

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) was used for the clamping jaws – a material that has proven itself in many applications where resistance and elasticity are important.

EPDM offers the following advantages, among others:

• Very good resistance to UV radiation, ozone and weathering
• Good resistance to oxygen, water, hot water and steam
• Good compatibility with glycol-based brake fluids
• Good resistance to many diluted acids, alkalis and polar media
• Good elastic recovery and effective vibration damping

Depending on the mixture, EPDM compounds typically cover a temperature range of approximately –30 °C to +120 °C – ideal for workshop operations, mobile applications or use in environments with fluctuating temperatures.

The challenge: implementing undercuts economically and cleanly

A well thought-out design is crucial to ensure that the clamping jaws sit securely in the gripper jaws. In this case, undercuts ensure that the component later snaps into place reliably.

These undercuts were created using a sliding jaw tool – a solution that enables consistently high quality despite economical production. The result: more than 30,000 cycles with consistent properties and clean functioning.

Practical benefits: greater safety during assembly – less risk to the paintwork

In daily use, the EPDM clamping jaws offer clear advantages:

• Secure fixation of the bicycle during work
• Noticeably reduced risk of paint damage
• Pleasant handling thanks to the elastic surface
• Long-lasting performance thanks to consistent material properties

This turns a simple component into an important contribution to quality and efficiency – especially where high-quality bikes are professionally processed or assembled.

Do you also need a moulded part that is designed to grip, cushion or protect?
Then get in touch with us – KREMER develops and manufactures custom-fit elastomer solutions based on drawings.