Increase Clutch Brake Life

Reliable clutch and brake performance is critical for machine uptime and efficiency. Using solid state clutch brake control power supplies can increase clutch brake life, improve system reliability, and simplify installation for industrial automation applications.

Common Challenges with Traditional Systems

Many clutch and brake systems rely on a PLC or sensor to control an electromechanical relay, which then switches the output of a power supply (bridge rectifier) to the clutch brake unit. While functional, this approach has several limitations:

• No delay between clutch and brake cycles: When the brake turns off and the clutch engages (or vice versa), overlapping energy can create ‘fighting,’ shortening clutch brake life.
• Extra panel space and wiring: PLC (or sensor)-to- relay-to power supply connections increase installation complexity.
• Limited relay lifespan: mechanical relays have an inherently shorter life than a solid state switch, requiring frequent maintenance.

These factors can reduce efficiency, increase downtime, and add unnecessary maintenance costs.

How Solid-State Clutch Brake Controls Improve Performance

A solid state clutch brake control power supply can help solve these problems by combining switching and power supply functions in a single device. Key advantages include:

• Adjustable switching time delay: Eliminates clutch/brake overlap (the ‘fighting’).
• Direct PLC or sensor connection: Simplifies wiring and panel layout.
• High-Durability: Solid state devices can endure hundreds of millions of cycles, compared to thousands for mechanical relays.

Regent Controls ClutchBraker

Regent Controls’ ClutchBraker™ is an all-solid-state power supply relay designed for 90 VDC magnetic clutches and brakes. Its advanced features allow clutches and brakes to operate at very high speeds with less mechanical wear. Other benefits of this clutch supply product include:

• Adjustable switching time delay for optimized performance and longer clutch brake life.
• Choice of logic configurations for easy PLC or sensor interface.
• Models available for 90 and 24VDC clutch brakes.
• No interfacing relays needed.
• Compact size, DIN rail or panel mount.
• LED status indictor for each load.

View more details about the ClutchBraker™.

Partner with Regent Controls to Increase Clutch Brake Life

When choosing a clutch supply product, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application. Our brake and clutch control manufacturing experts are available for support and can assist you with the selection of the right clutch supply product, or we can engineer a custom solution to meet your needs.

Contact us today. As a leading provider of brake and clutch supply products, we can help you extend the life of your equipment and improve its performance. Fill out the brief form on this page and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.