Electromagnetic brakes are devices that rely on electromagnetic force to hold loads in place. There are several variations available, all of which operate on the same principle—applying an electrical current through an electromagnetic coil to create a magnetic field strong enough to move an armature on or off of a magnetic face. The friction surface is what generates the necessary braking torque.
At SEPAC, we specialize in designing, engineering, and manufacturing motion control products, including electromagnetic brakes. Below we outline our brake offerings.
Electromagnetic Brakes
Our electromagnetic brakes are classified into two main categories:
Magnetically Engaged (Power-On) Brakes
Magnetically Engaged Brakes, also known as power-on brakes, engage the brake mechanism when power is applied to the coil. The application of current draws the armature toward the friction surface that holds the load in place. When current is removed, the armature disengages.
Our Magnetically Engaged Brakes include:
Tooth Brakes – METB
Our magnetically engaged tooth brakes offer the highest torque-to-size ratio of our entire brake catalog (between 40 to 5,200 lbs per foot of torque.) They can operate dry or in oil. Options for modified designs and customized assemblies are available.
Spring Engaged (Power-Off) Brakes
Spring Engaged Brakes, also known as power-off brakes, engage the brake mechanism when power is not applied to the coil. The application of current allows the friction surface to move freely in relation to the armature. When the flow of current ceases, the armature is pulled into contact with the friction surface, generating enough braking torque to hold the load firmly in place. These brakes are often used as safety brakes because they engage in the case of power loss.
Some of our Spring Engaged Brakes include:
Tooth Brakes (SETB)
Our spring engaged tooth brakes can provide static torque between 20 to 2600 lbs per foot. They operate both dry and in oil and can be piloted on either the outside diameter or the magnet body bore. Options for modified designs and customized assemblies are available.
Spring Engaged Brakes (SEB)
Our spring engaged brakes are highly configurable with available sizes ranging from less than 1.0 inch OD to over 20.0 inch OD. They offer static torque ranging from under 0.08 to 4330 lbs per foot and can be used dry or in oil, depending on the friction material employed.
Thin Spring Engaged Brakes (TSEB)
Our thin spring engaged brakes are a readily available commercial-off-the-shelf brake option. They feature a slim profile that does not sacrifice torque-to-size ratio (static torque ranges from 20 to 2600 lbs per foot.)
Ultra-Thin Spring Engaged Brakes (UTSEB)
Our ultra-thin spring engaged brakes are the slimmest length available in our commercial power-off brake line-up. They provide static torque outputs ranging from 0.53 to 28.32 lbs per foot and accommodate mounting to the rear or front of the motor. The integration of a PWM controller reduces heat and energy usage in continuous-duty operations.
Manual Release Brakes (MSEB)
Our manual release brakes are readily available commercial solution and easy to mount to a motor or frame for dry operation. Key features include a manual release lever that allows operators to override the brake when there is no power, a dust cover for the friction surface that eliminates debris buildup for more consistent performance, and a torque-adjustment collar for manual adjustments. They offer static torque ranging from 2.95 to 354 lbs per foot.
Permanent Magnet Brakes
The integration of permanent magnets in permanent magnet brakes allows for the continuous generation of magnetic fields without the flow of current. These fields force the armature plate to engage with the brake’s friction surfaces in the absence of power. The application of sufficient power enables the brake to create a flux path that counters the one created by the permanent magnets, allowing the armature to disengage from the friction faces.
The commercial permanent magnet brakes we offer are suitable for dry applications. They provide a high torque density to size ratio (static torque capabilities range from 0.3 to 103.3 lbs per foot.) While they are primarily used for static holding operations, they can also be used for dynamic braking with zero backlash.
Working with SEPAC
At SEPAC, we have extensive experience designing, engineering, and manufacturing electromagnetic brakes. We offer a variety of standard products, as well as customization and modification services for customers with highly specific or unique applications.
Regardless of braking requirements, our team is committed to delivering products that meet the industry’s highest quality standards. As an AS9100 and ISO 9001-certified company, we employ comprehensive quality control protocols to ensure that all of our motion control products work well and hold up over time.
To learn more about our electromagnetic brake offerings, request more information today.
