Increase Clutch Brake Life

A reliable clutch supply is essential for the operation of machines. Using solid state clutch brake control power supplies can increase clutch brake life, improve system reliability and simplify installation of clutch brake systems.

Many clutch brake systems use a PLC (or sensor) to control an electromechanical relay to switch the output of a power supply (bridge rectifier) to the clutch brake unit. This approach has several shortcomings. When the brake turns off and the clutch turns on (or vice versa) there is no delay time to allow the flux (energy) in the brake to fully decay before the clutch starts to engage. This ‘fighting’ or overlap between the clutch and brake each cycle shortens the clutch brake life. This approach also requires extra panel space and wiring from a PLC (or sensor) to a relay to a power supply to the clutch brake. Lastly, a relay has an inherently shorter life than a solid state switch.

A solid state clutch brake control power supply overcomes these problems. With built in adjustable switching time delay, the control can be set for optimum performance and clutch brake life by eliminating the ‘fighting’. And, because the switching and power supply functions are built in, these controls can directly connect from your PLC (or sensor) to your clutch brake. Lastly, as all solid state devices, the life expectancy can be measured in the 100s of millions of cycles instead of the thousands.

An example of an all solid state clutch brake control is Regent Controls’ ClutchBraker. An all-solid-state power supply relay for 90 VDC magnetic clutches and brakes, its advanced features offer the ability to operate clutches and brakes at very high speeds, with less mechanical wear. Other benefits of this clutch supply product include:

• Adjustable switching time delay for best performance and longest clutch brake life.
• Choice of logics for easy PLC or sensor interface.
• Models available for 90 and 24VDC clutch brakes.
• No interfacing relays needed
• Compact size, DIN rail or panel mount
• LED status indictor for each load

When choosing a clutch supply product, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application. Our brake and clutch control manufacturing experts are available for support and can assist you with the selection of the right clutch supply product, or we can engineer a custom solution to meet your needs.

Contact us today – as a leading provider of brake and clutch supply products, we can help you extend the life of your equipment and improve its performance. Fill out the brief form on this page and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.