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Friction Clutches and Brakes

What makes Thomson's Friction clutches and brakes different?

Thomson’s Deltran Electromagnetic Friction clutches and friction brakes connect a rotating or stationary input to an output load. Electromagnetic friction clutches provide an efficient, electrically switchable link between a motor and a load. Electromagnetic friction brakes use similar designs to provide an efficient, switchable means of stopping and/or holding the load. Under this fundamental design, Thomson offers a variety of electromagnetic friction clutch and friction brake solutions to meet almost any application:

  • Thomson's Deltran electromagnetic friction clutches and friction brakes provide efficient, electrically switchable operation between a motor and a load.
  • Friction Clutches link the motor to the load by coupling two parallel shafts through the use of pulleys, gears or sheaves or two in line shafts that are bearing supported.
  • Friction brakes provide an electrically switchable means of stopping and/or holding a load for either static or high speed dynamic engagement applications. Friction brakes are available in Power-on and Power-off versions. (Power –on hold or stop the load when power or voltage is applied, Power –off versions hold or stop the load when power is removed).

Electromagnetic Friction Clutches & Friction Clutch Couplings

Electromagnetic friction clutches and friction clutch couplings are available in 6 frame sizes and offered as shaft mounted or flange mounted models. The MCS series provides an efficient, electrically switchable link between a motor and a load. These friction clutch models offer full corrosion resistant, rotating components designed for low inertia and minimal drag, zero backlash and integral long-life bearings.

MCS/MBF Series Metric Friction Clutches and Brakes

Our metric line of clutches and brakes are designed to be used in true metric applications (dimensional). The MCS and MBF Series offer a wide selection of metric bores and metric standard keyways. The Form Fit and Function matches popular metric lines globally available and are drop-in replacements in most cases. The MCS and MBF Series have superior performance at a fraction of the cost of our competition.

MCS/MBF Friction clutch and brake design

MDB/MDC Series Multiple Disc Friction Brakes and Clutches

Multiple Disc Clutches provide a smooth efficient, switchable link between a motor and a load on in-line or parallel shafts. While the field (electromagnet) assembly is prevented from rotating by an anti-rotation tab or flange, the rotor is securely mounted on the drive shaft. The armature assembly is then mounted either directly on an opposing in-line shaft, or indirectly on a parallel shaft by means of gears or pulleys. When the coil is energized, the armature engages the friction surface of the rotor, further engaging the multiple discs within the assembly until full torque is achieved, thereby coupling the two in-line or parallel shafts, thus driving the load. A brake operates similarly by eliminating the rotor.

MDB-MDC Friction brakes and clutches

Friction Brakes

Electromagnetic power-on (BF, MBF) friction brakes provide an efficient, switchable means of stopping and/or holding a load.

The spring-set electromagnetic power-off (SB, FSB, AKB) friction brake provides a safe, efficient means of stopping and/or holding a load in the absence of power.

SB Series Spring-Set Friction Brakes (Power-off)

Our SB Series is designed as a servo brake with low backlash splines for high performance applications. The spline drive construction withstands high impact stresses imparted by typical servo systems. High temperature operation is available with Class H case assemblies containing long live brake linings (non-asbestos) and TFE coated leads. With low inertia rotating components, high rates of acceleration are obtainable.

SB Series friction brake

FSB Series Electromagnetic Friction Brakes (Power-off)

FSB Series brakes are designed in small frame size packages. The brake coupling armature assembly is secured to a shaft by set screws. Spring-set electromagnetic power-off brakes provide a safe, efficient means of stopping and/or holding a load in the absence of power.

FSB electromagnetic friction brake

AKB Series High Performance Spring-Set Friction Brakes

The AKB Series are specifically designed for use on the back end of servo or stepper motors. These spring-set electromagnetic power-off brakes provide a safe, efficient means of stopping and/or holding a load in the absence of power.

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