Electromagnetic clutches and brakes: what are they used for?
The electromagnetic clutch and brake perform two complementary functions within the same machine: transmitting motor torque in a controlled manner (clutch function) and stopping a rotating shaft whenever safety or the process requires it (braking function). Unlike a purely mechanical friction system, electrical control provides very short response times, on the order of a few milliseconds, while significantly reducing wear.
This combination is used in many applications, including packaging machines, food processing and packaging lines, medical imaging equipment, industrial robots, and automated conveyor systems. In every case, the goal is the same: ensure precise, reliable stopping without compromising production throughput.
Power-off brake or power-on brake: which technology should you choose?
Binder Magnetic's range covers the two main families of electromagnetic motor brakes:
- Power-off brakes: braking engages automatically as soon as power is cut. Ideal for applications where safety is the priority, such as lifting equipment, robotics, or vertical axes.
- Power-on brakes: braking occurs only when power is supplied to the coil of the electromagnetic brake. This type is suitable for tension control, positioning, or speed regulation applications where the braking torque needs to be modulated.
- Power-on clutches: they selectively transmit torque between two shafts. Combined with a brake, they form a compact clutch-brake assembly suited to machines with rapid operating cycles.
Each model is available in several sizes and braking torque ratings, making it suitable for everything from a small servo motor to a high-power motor.
Benefits of industrial electromagnetic brakes
Long service life and reduced maintenance: wear is significantly limited because braking is based on a magnetic field rather than direct friction contact. Fewer mechanical parts are subjected to stress, extending maintenance intervals and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Precision and repeatability: response time is very short, enabling precise control of braking force. The delivered torque remains consistent from one cycle to the next. On a high-throughput production line, this consistency results in less scrap and more uniform finished-product quality.
Quiet and clean operation: with no continuous mechanical friction, the brake generates little noise and vibration. It also produces no wear dust, making it especially well suited to sensitive environments such as medical, food processing, or pharmaceutical applications.
Thermal performance and reliability: certain configurations provide better heat dissipation than conventional friction systems. Combined with reduced mechanical stress, this helps ensure reliable operation over time, even with frequent braking cycles.
Electromagnetic brakes at the heart of your industrial applications
The electromagnetic brake is used in machines across a wide range of industries. Applications include food processing (packaging lines, dosing, cutting), medical equipment (imaging systems, powered operating tables), robotics, automotive (test benches, assembly equipment), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and special-purpose machinery. Each application requires a specific torque, size, and control method, which our teams help you define.
Choosing an electromagnetic brake from Binder Magnetic means benefiting from more than 55 years of expertise in industrial power transmission. The company relies on an exclusive partnership in France with KENDRION, a leading European manufacturer of electromagnetic components, to offer reliable, proven products compliant with DIN VDE0580 and RoHS standards.
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