Did you know that the industrial brakes and clutches market is predicted to grow by $158.30 million over the next four years? What’s more, this annual growth is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of two percent over that period.
And by 2027? Expect to see the global industrial clutches and brakes market reach a stunning $1.5 billion. The US market alone will see approximately $364 million in sales.
Depending on the industry you’re in, the industrial equipment you use will vary greatly. Each industry requires specific technology to meet its needs and play to its advantages.
Keep reading to learn more about industrial clutches and the best designs for your specific needs. These designs are already available on the market, although bear in mind innovation continues every day.
Industrial Overrunning Clutches
Overrunning are also referred to as freewheel clutches. They permit driving in one direction of rotation while freewheeling in another. When the driven shaft is rotating faster than the driveshaft, it mechanically disconnects the driveshaft.
Used in heavy-duty applications, these clutches are popular in mining, aerospace, agriculture, industrial metal processing, indexing, etc. When multiple-speed, dual- and one-way drives and backstops are required, overrunning clutches are often used.
They can be categorized into four different types of styles:
- Roller ramp clutch
- Sprag clutch
- Wrap spring clutch
- Wedge ramp clutch
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options and how they facilitate industrial operations.
The Roller Ramp Clutch
The roller ramp is known as one of the longest-lasting designs in the industrial clutch world, and with good reason. It has cylindrical rollers positioned in a wedge-shaped area. This area is formed by an inner flat surface and an outer cylindrical surface.
How does the clutch engage? When these surfaces generate friction with the rollers, the rollers get wedged firmly as the flat inner part rotates in the driving direction.
The Sprag Clutch
You’ll find similarities in how the roller ramp clutch and the sprag clutch operate. But the sprag clutch uses bean-shaped or irregular sprags that only allow operation in one direction. The sprag clutch also has an outer and inner cylindrical shape.
These clutches offer greater torque. Yet, due to their radial space restrictions, they are limited by their bore size.
The Wrap Spring
For low-speed operations that don’t require a heavy-duty design, go with wrap spring clutches. They use a helical spring that transmits torque in one direction. This, in turn, tightens on a cylindrical sleeve.
The Wedge Ramp Clutch
If you’d like a clutch that draws from the best of all three designs mentioned above, then go with a wedge ramp clutch. Easy to repair and low cost, these clutches offer high overrunning torques and speed.
They rely on a flat surface and compact springs rather than a cylinder-shaped outer member. This design provides a larger area to boost torque.
Learn More About Industrial Clutches
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to clutches and brakes for the oil and gas, marine, and mining and metals industries. This equipment gets used in various applications, including cable laying, anchor handling, presses, pumps, draglines, and more.
Are you interested in learning more about industrial hydraulic, electromagnetic, and pneumatic clutches? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your industrial clutches needs.