Industrial equipment requires varying capabilities depending on industries and applications. To optimize the operations of industrial equipment, one of the most important components is a clutch. Therefore, understanding how clutches work is crucial in helping you to select the suitable types for your equipment and maintaining them well to get high value for money. This post takes a deeper look at industrial clutches to answer the main question, “How do they work?”

How Do Clutches Work?

A clutch is a power transmission device used for coupling and uncoupling two devices/ bodies of rotation. The two devices/bodies may be shafts, sprockets & gears, motor, or their combination. Then, the driven devices can be fans, pumps, generators, compressors, gearboxes, or power take-off shafts.

Although clutches do the same task, coupling and uncoupling two bodies of rotation, they work differently depending on their type. The main categories of industrial clutches, based on their operation, are mechanical, electric, and pneumatic. Depending on actuation, clutches may also be energy applied or spring applied.

In the case of energy-applied models, the endplate is drawn towards a buttressed plate when the clutch is actuated. If it is a spring applied, an armature is positioned close to the buttressed plate, and an engagement spring is added between the buttressed plate and armature. The springs push the armature from the buttressed plate, helping to squeeze the discs on the plate end to permit torque transfer.

Common Industrial Clutch Designs

With advances in technology, especially in industrial mechanics, the clutch designs have been improving progressively to enhance equipment’s efficiency. Here are some of the common designs:

• Low Inertial High Torque Clutches

This is a heavy-duty type of clutch, which is designed for most industrial operations. Particularly, it is recommended for high-cycle power transmission and controlled acceleration. The clutch is designed to be mounted on the end of shafts and is the most preferred model in petroleum, material handling equipment, power generation, and metal forming industries.

• Power Grip Clutches

This is another common clutch design preferred for in-line or shaft-to-shaft torque transmission, especially when dealing with high-inertia loads. They withstand torsional vibrations and heavy shock well, making them the perfect pick for heavy-duty industrial operations. If your application requires smooth starts, this clutch design will also be a great pick.

• PTO Clutches

Power take-off clutches are the most recommended clutches for in-line or side load industrial tasks. Good examples Of PTO clutch operations include agricultural machinery, road building, and rock crushers. Some of the PTO clutch designers do away with the pilot bearing to simplify installation and minimize the risk of crankshaft damage.

Conclusion

If you want your industrial facility to work effectively, it is important to start by understanding power transmission and the role of clutches. In this post, we have looked at the main types of clutches that you can use to transfer power from the source, such as a motor, to your machine. To optimize your equipment operations, it is also crucial to ensure they are maintained in top conditions. You should also consider automation. Remember that maintenance should not be limited to the clutches only, but the entire industrial machinery system.