EMC SQKL Left-Turning Clamping Pneumatic Cylinders
EMC Series SQKL pneumatic cylinders are double-acting swivel clamps designed to move the clamping arm clear of the workpiece before applying linear clamping force. The SQKL version turns counter-clockwise during the clamping movement, giving machine builders a defined left-turning orientation for fixtures, jigs and automated workholding systems.
Unlike a conventional linear pneumatic cylinder, SQKL combines rotational clearance and linear clamping movement in one actuator. This allows components to be loaded or removed while the clamp arm is rotated away from the workpiece, before the arm swings into position and performs the final clamping stroke.
Browse all EMC pneumatic cylinders, compare the wider clamping pneumatic cylinder range, or compare the opposite rotation direction with EMC SQKR right-turning clamping pneumatic cylinders.
Counter-Clockwise Rotation During Clamping
The most important distinction between SQKL and SQKR is the direction of rotation.
SQKL turns counter-clockwise during the clamping movement when viewed from the terminal end. The corresponding SQKR version rotates clockwise.
This direction must be preserved when replacing an existing swivel clamp because the surrounding fixture, workpiece and tooling are normally designed around the path followed by the clamping arm.
EMC SQKL Technical Specification
| Manufacturer |
EMC |
| Series |
SQKL |
| Product Category |
Swivel clamping pneumatic cylinders |
| Operation |
Double acting |
| Rotation Direction |
Left turning / counter-clockwise during clamping |
| Swivel Angle |
90° ±10° |
| Bore Sizes |
16, 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm |
| Clamping Strokes |
10, 20 and 30 mm; 50 mm also available on 32 and 40 mm bore versions |
| Position Detection |
Magnetic piston |
| Cylinder Switch Type |
D series |
| Cushioning |
Rubber cushioning |
| Body Material |
Anodised aluminium |
| Piston Rod |
Hard-chrome-plated steel |
| Seal Materials |
NBR / PUR |
| Maximum Operating Pressure |
10 bar |
| Temperature Range |
-10°C to +70°C |
| Clamp Arm |
Removable and adjustable in 90° increments |
How an SQKL Swivel Clamp Works
The movement takes place in two stages. During release, the clamping arm lifts away from the component and rotates clear of the working area. During clamping, the sequence is reversed: the arm rotates towards the workpiece before completing the final linear clamping movement.
This creates clear access around the component during loading and unloading while retaining a positive pneumatic clamping action once the part is in position.
The design is particularly useful on production fixtures where a conventional vertical clamp would obstruct the operator, robot or component during loading.
16 to 40 mm Bore SQKL Pneumatic Cylinders
SQKL Bore and Stroke Availability
| Bore |
Standard Clamping Strokes |
Pneumatic Port |
| 16 mm |
10, 20, 30 mm |
M5 |
| 20 mm |
10, 20, 30 mm |
M5 |
| 25 mm |
10, 20, 30 mm |
M5 |
| 32 mm |
10, 20, 30, 50 mm |
G1/8 |
| 40 mm |
10, 20, 30, 50 mm |
G1/8 |
The current Cylinder Warehouse clamping range already includes SQKL products such as SQKL 16/10, SQKL 16/20, SQKL 16/30, SQKL 25/10, SQKL 25/20, SQKL 25/30, SQKL 32/10, SQKL 32/20, SQKL 32/30, SQKL 32/50 and SQKL 40/50. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
90° Swivel Movement
EMC specifies a nominal swivel angle of 90° with a tolerance of ±10°. The swing movement allows the clamping arm to clear the workpiece before the component is inserted or removed.
This feature is often the main reason a swivel clamping pneumatic cylinder is selected instead of a standard linear clamp. The actuator can hold the component during machining, welding, assembly or inspection without permanently obstructing the working area.
Removable Adjustable Clamp Arm
SQKL is supplied with a removable lever arm that can be repositioned in 90° increments. This provides additional flexibility when integrating the pneumatic clamp into an existing fixture or designing a new workholding system.
The orientation of the arm, required swing direction and available clearance should all be considered before selecting the final SQKL configuration.
Magnetic Position Detection
EMC SQKL pneumatic cylinders incorporate a magnetic piston and are specified for compatible D-series cylinder switches.
This allows an automated machine to confirm the clamp position electrically before machining, welding, assembly or another production operation begins.
Position confirmation can be particularly important on workholding applications because the machine should not normally start its process until the component has been correctly secured.
SQKL or SQKR?
| EMC Series |
Rotation During Clamping |
Choose It When... |
| SQKL |
Counter-clockwise / left turning |
The fixture requires the clamp arm to approach from the left-turning direction |
| SQKR |
Clockwise / right turning |
The fixture requires the opposite rotation direction |
The two ranges use the same basic SQK swivel-clamp concept. Their critical distinction is the direction followed by the arm during the clamping movement.
SQKL and SMC MKB Replacement Searches
Published EMC distribution data states that the principal dimensions of the SQK swivel-clamp range correspond to the SMC Series MKB format. Landefeld also lists SQKL as a same-function, same-dimension alternative against relevant SMC MKB products. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
This makes EMC SQKL particularly relevant when sourcing a replacement for an existing MKB-style swivel clamp.
However, do not substitute solely from bore and clamping stroke. Confirm rotation direction, swivel angle, mounting geometry, clamp-arm position, pneumatic connection, sensor arrangement and required clamping force before changing manufacturer.
Example: EMC SQKL 16/20
SQKL 16/20 is a 16 mm bore × 20 mm clamping-stroke pneumatic swivel clamp with an M5 pneumatic connection.
The verified Cylinder Warehouse product specification identifies it as double acting, left turning and counter-clockwise during clamping, with an anodised aluminium body, hard-chrome-plated steel piston rod and NBR / PUR seals. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Example: EMC SQKL 32/10
SQKL 32/10 combines a 32 mm piston diameter with a 10 mm clamping stroke and G1/8 pneumatic connection.
Verified technical data specifies a 15 mm rotary lift, 90° ±10° swivel angle, magnetic piston, D-series switch compatibility, maximum 10 bar pressure and -10°C to +70°C operating temperature. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Important SQKL Installation Requirements
EMC's published operating guidance states that these swivel clamping pneumatic cylinders should be installed vertically or suspended. The clamp should act on a level surface and only within the specified clamping stroke.
The workpiece should also be stationary during the clamping operation. The SQKL is intended to secure the component after it has reached the correct position, rather than arresting or clamping a moving workpiece.
EMC SQKL Selection Questions
What does the L in SQKL mean?
It identifies the left-turning version. The clamping arm rotates counter-clockwise during the clamping movement when viewed from the specified terminal side.
How far does an SQKL clamp rotate?
The standard swivel movement is 90° with a published tolerance of ±10°.
Is SQKL double acting?
Yes. The standard EMC SQKL swivel clamp is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
What is the largest SQKL bore?
The standard documented range extends to 40 mm bore.
What clamping strokes are available?
16, 20 and 25 mm bore versions are available with 10, 20 and 30 mm clamping strokes. The 32 and 40 mm bore versions additionally support 50 mm clamping strokes.
Does SQKL use magnetic position sensing?
Yes. The documented range includes a magnetic piston and supports compatible D-series cylinder switches.
Can the clamp arm position be adjusted?
Yes. EMC supplies a removable lever arm that can be repositioned in 90° increments.
Can SQKL replace an SMC MKB clamp?
EMC distribution data states that the main dimensions correspond to the SMC MKB format, and specific SQKL products are offered as same-function dimensional alternatives. The complete application specification must still be checked before substitution.
Where can I compare other pneumatic clamping cylinders?
Browse all clamping pneumatic cylinders, compare the opposite-turning EMC SQKR range, or return to all EMC pneumatic cylinders.
