Did you know that the global industrial brakes and clutches market is predicted to reach $1.6 billion by 2026?
Of all the options out there, Wichita is one of the most highly-revered brands, known for providing the industry with dynamic engineering capabilities and the best quality tools. But would this brand work for your needs? We’re here to help you answer that question.
Read on to learn all about Wichita clutches and brakes and learn which one might be right for you.
Air Brake
These brakes are air-cooled for light and medium-duty tasks. The torque transmitted is proportional to the air pressure and is unaffected by centrifugal force.
Wichita creates combination clutch/brake units, a Model LK brake, a Model LKB brake, and a Model LKT Clutch or brake. Here are a few other options:
- Motor brakes
- AirMakks SSB Brakes
- CCB combination clutch/brake
The great thing about Wichita clutch/brake systems is that they’re designed to prevent the clutch and brake from engaging simultaneously.
Water Cooled Brakes
Water-cooled brakes allow high thermal capacities in several challenging use cases. In addition, it provides high heat dissipation compared to the competition and provides a longer lifespan than other options.
They’re available as KK/SS, equipped with “passive brakes” for emergency engagement.
Disc Brake Systems
Disc brake systems come in a few options:
- Direct-acting caliper brakes
- Spring applied caliper brakes
Spring applied brakes can be retracted pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically (depending on the caliper design). Most direct-acting brakes have some form of positive retraction device equipped.
You can also get several accessories for these brakes, like electro-hydraulic power units and monitoring units.
Air Clutch
Wichita air clutches come with a smooth start-up, and a few different high cycles, high speed, and even low inertia designs are available. There are a few air clutch options you can choose from Wichita, like:
- Combination Clutch/brake
- Low inertia clutch
- LI high torque clutch
- Standard vent clutch
There are more options available, but those are a few basics.
Hydraulic Clutch/Brakes
Most hydraulic systems you purchase will be clutch/brake combinations, except the Model HC clutch.
The Model HC clutch is oil-immersed and designed for end-shaft or through-shaft mounting configuration. It can be used as a stand-alone device for disconnecting service or conveyor soft starts.
Other clutch/brake combinations are also oil-immersed, utilizing a self-contained cooling oil pumping system. In addition, they’re quill-mounted units that can also be used for end of shaft or through-shaft designs. These unique designs also eliminate the possibility of engaging the clutch and the brake simultaneously, meaning — less danger on your part.
Wichita Clutches
Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best Wichita clutches and breaks, are you ready to try any for yourself? At Kor-Pak, we understand the importance that prime clutches and brakes play for many businesses, and we’re here to help you find the perfect one to fit your needs.
Contact us today to get started, and rest assured that you’ll have everything you need in no time.