Experts say the automobile clutch market will reach $13bn by 2026. Yet, while many people are familiar with automotive clutches, there are many different uses for clutches in various industries.
Marland Clutch is a world leader in the clutch market, with 90 years of history. You can find more than 100 different Marland Clutch products available to buy.
Keep reading this article to learn more about industrial clutches and their uses.
What Are Industrial Clutches?
A clutch is a power transmission device. It helps control the speed of movement of a motor. Engines with two rotating shafts use a clutch. The two shafts link the motor to the moving parts of the device.
So, the clutch allows them to move together (couple) or separate from each other (decouple). Separating the shafts disengages a motor’s driveshaft. This enables users to pause an engine without turning it off entirely.
Because clutches are an integral part of an engine, most mechanical devices use them, from cars to industrial machinery. For example, the clutch stops the connection between the engine and wheels in vehicles. This allows the car to pause or idle without turning off the engine.
Industrial clutch parts allow a machine to pause while still operating. Often, the clutch pauses the conveyor belt. Clutches make industrial work more efficient. There isn’t wasted time between stopping and starting the motor.
With vastly different uses, there are many varieties of clutches. But, there are a few standard clutch designs available.
PTO Clutch
One typical example is a power take-off (PTO) clutch. Experts recommend PTO clutches for in-line or sideload instruction tasks. Some examples include:
- Agricultural machinery
- Road building
- Rock crushers
- Wood Chippers
- Dredges
- Compressors
- Pumps
- Recycling equipment
There are various models of the PTO clutch, depending on its use. For example, some PTO clutch manufacturers don’t use a pilot bearing. This helps to simplify installation and reduces the risk of crankshaft damage.
Power Grip Clutch
Professionals recommend power grip clutches for in-line or shaft-to-shaft torque transmission. These clutches are an excellent choice for high-inertia loads and heavy-duty industrial operations.
This is because they can withstand torsional vibrations and heavy shock. Power grip clutches also give machinery a smooth start.
They minimize release drags, which helps create a reliable and long-lasting performance.
Low Inertial High Torque Clutch
One final example is the low inertial high torque clutch. Again, the name implies a high torque to size ratio and low rotating inertia.
Experts use this heavy-duty clutch for industrial operations with high-cycle power transmission and controlled acceleration. Some examples include:
- Petroleum
- Material handling equipment
- Power generation
- Metal forming industries
- Steel shear
- Yarders
- Fail-safe brakes
- Marine winches
Users mount the clutch to the end of the shafts. It is reliable and has a high-speed response rate.
Learn More About Industrial Clutches
Industrial clutches are much more common than most people think. Yet, they are essential to keep machines operating at maximum capacity with less maintenance.
Contact us at Kor-Pak Corporation to get expert advice on the best clutches for your applications. Our professionals will help improve your uptime and load efficiency.