Dynamic brakes in electric motor drives divert rising DC bus voltage seen during load deceleration. Here we explain how to size the resistors that process that voltage. By Lawrence Kren | Contributing writer Dynamic brakes divert rising DC bus voltage to an appropriately sized resistor where that voltage is then dissipated as heat. This process […]
Brakes + Clutches
Railway relies on advanced backstopping clutch technology
The famous Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire has been transporting visitors to the highest peak in the Northeastern US since 1869. At the summit, 6,288 ft above sea level, the mountain experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world with wind chill temperatures down to -102°F. A directly measured surface […]
Top 12 design considerations for power-off brakes
The proliferation of new applications for power-off brakes demands fresh design approaches leveraging leading brake manufacturers’ accumulated design experience. Key to optimizing designs for life, cost, and performance is early collaboration with the brake manufacturer. By Brian Mather • Ogura Industrial Corp. Machine designers in the motion-control industry recognize power-off brakes by the following terms: […]
Three torque-limiter options compared (and trip torque explained)
Industrial robots, conveyors, wind turbines, machine tools, packaging machines and pumps are just some of the places you’ll find torque limiters. By Lawrence Kren • Contributing writer Torque limiters actuate on the order of milliseconds to prevent overload, shock, and torque spikes that could otherwise damage components or shorten operating life. They also serve in […]
Electromagnetic-actuated clutches engage polyethelene sheet rolls quickly and accurately
Engaging individual polyethylene sheet rolls with no system downtime is accomplished with speed and accuracy using Miki Pulley CSZ Clutches. Continuously operating via servo motor power by way of a V-belt, individual roll spools automatically switch on/off as programmed when engaged by the CSZ clutches. These high-performance clutches function using electro-magnetic force generated by an […]
New micro brakes for small, precise equipment applications
Fast braking response in small, precision torque applications are the primary benefit of Miki Pulley Micro Brakes. Where high performance braking for small motion control applications are required, these Micro Brakes provide the solution. Miki Pulley’s ultra-compact brake design features a stator with integrated mounting flange, proprietary composite friction liner and armature complete with ring […]
What are electromagnetic power-off brakes and where are they used?
Power-off brakes are commonly used in motion control applications for stopping or holding a load (or both), especially on vertical axes or for emergency stop functionality in servo applications. Power-off brakes are so named because the brake is engaged when power is removed from the system — either intentionally or accidentally. (Power-off brakes are also […]
More about what it means for servo brakes to have functional-safety certification
In the article What are functional safety standards for servo drives? we review how functional safety is quantified. Now consider one example of a spring-set pneumatically released friction servomotor brake now having a third-party safety rating (from Intertek Group) certifying compliance with international safety standard ISO 13849-1. Intertek is an international London-headquartered inspection, assurance, product […]
Power-off engaged brakes for conveyor applications
Miki Pulley’s latest model BXW power-off engaged brakes are designed to halt a motorized conveyor roller when system power is disengaged. These new BXW brakes are spring-actuated electromagnetic brakes. They provide reliable dynamic braking when conveyor power is disengaged and excellent performance for longer-term holding requirements for staging, loading and unloading conveyor operations. BXW brakes […]
Inductive proximity and magneto resistive sensors enhance IoT4.0 connectivity for Nexen brake families
Nexen Group, Nexen Servo, Rail, and ZSE brake lines now have Industry 4.0 connectivity sensor options to enhance machine efficiency. Multiple sensors integrated into the brake families provide information about brake operation and health to the control system network. The sensors used in the spring-operated air-released ZSE brakes provide operation information such as brake engagement […]
