By Ken Kelly, Force Control Industries
Force Control motor brakes employ oil shear technology, providing a longer service life with no maintenance or adjustment in demanding palletizer applications. Proven oil shear technology transmits torque between lubricated surfaces—thereby eliminating wear on friction surfaces. A patented fluid recirculation system dissipates heat—eliminating heat build-up, which is the most common failure mode in dry-friction braking systems. The elimination of the wear significantly increases service life and virtually eliminates adjustment, which also elongates maintenance intervals.
In addition to palletizers, they are ideal for applications where the motor is stopped/started frequently, or reversed each cycle such as cranes, winches, and hoists, conveyors, rail car spotters and dumpers, ship and rail car loading conveyors, trippers, and pallet return conveyors. The oil shear technology also provides a smooth “cushioned” stop that reduces shock to the drive system, further extending service life of downstream components.
Force Control’s totally enclosed, IP56-rated motor brakes are impervious to moisture, dirt, and dust that is common in concrete block plants as well as asphalt shingle manufacturing, coal, bulk materials handling, forest products manufacturing, and more.
HOW OIL SHEAR WORKS
Unlike dry-friction brakes, oil shear technology employs a layer of automatic transmission fluid between the brake disc and the drive plate. As the fluid is compressed, the fluid molecules shear—thus imparting torque to the stationary surface. and bringing the rotating surface to a stop. Wear is virtually eliminated, as is the need for adjustments that are common for dry braking systems.
In addition to transmitting torque, a patented fluid recirculation system helps to dissipate heat, which is the major problem with traditional dry brakes. Along with heat removal and torque transmission, the fluid serves to continually lubricate all components of the oil shear brake, elongating their service life.
Force Control brakes with oil shear technology provide significantly longer service life, characterized by virtually maintenance-free operations.
SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF MOTOR SIZES
With spring set torque ratings from 3 to over 2,000 foot-pounds, these proven motor brakes are available to accommodate a wide range of applications. Force Control motor brakes can be sized to the correct torque independent of the motor frame size or horsepower.
A “quick mount” feature is available for quick and easy mounting of MagnaShear® brakes to drive motors in NEMA frame sizes 56 to 449. They are shipped ready to install, with no assembly or adjustments required. They are also available pre-mounted on a motor for severe duty applications. Force Control motor brakes can be furnished to fit a NEMA or IEC frame motor, as a complete motor and brake assembly, or to mount on a machine frame or other special mounting configuration.
These proven motor brakes are totally enclosed from outside contaminants, with seal integrity for harsh and washdown environments. A modular design and assembly allow for ease of servicing and maintenance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Headquartered in Fairfield, Ohio, Force Control Industries is a world leader in oil shear technology, offering a full line of clutches, brakes, and clutch brakes for OEMs in diverse applications. Their manufacturing campus includes three manufacturing facilities with over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space along with engineering, design, customer support, and administrative offices. For additional information, call 513.868.0900, email sales@forcecontrol.com, or visit www.forcecontrol.com.
MODERN PUMPING TODAY, July 2022
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