Industrial / General Purpose Pneumatic Clutches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Industrial or general-purpose pneumatic clutches are devices that transfer power from one part of a power transmission driveline to another using compressed air or other gases as an operating fluid. They engage to transfer power from an engine to downstream devices such as transmissions and drive wheels, and disengage to stop the power transfer while allowing the engine to continue running.
Working Principle
Pneumatic clutches operate by using compressed air to engage and disengage the clutch mechanism. When engaged, the clutch transfers power from the engine to other components in the driveline. The use of compressed air allows for precise control over the engagement and disengagement process, which is beneficial for applications requiring accurate torque control. Pneumatic clutches are particularly useful because they do not generate heat during extended periods of engagement, thanks to their ability to direct air across the clutch plates for cooling. This feature enhances their thermal capacity and efficiency.
Applications
Pneumatic clutches are used in a variety of applications. They are commonly found in systems requiring web tension control, automation, or robotics. Additionally, they are used in conveyor drives and pump motor drives. In larger, heavier vehicles like buses, pneumatic clutches are often paired with pneumatic brakes to provide reduced braking distances.
Advantages over other Pneumatic Clutches
Pneumatic clutches offer several advantages over other types of clutches. They provide more accurate torque control compared to mechanical clutches due to the simplicity of using compressed air. They can transmit higher torques than similarly sized electric or mechanical clutches, although not as high as hydraulic clutches. Their lightweight and relatively low maintenance requirements make them an attractive option for many applications.
Limitations
One limitation of pneumatic clutches is that they do not achieve the same torque levels as hydraulic clutches. Additionally, while they offer precise control, they may not be suitable for all applications, particularly those requiring extremely high torque or where hydraulic systems are already in place.
Considerations
When considering pneumatic clutches, it is important to evaluate initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance requirements. Pneumatic clutches are generally low maintenance, but the cost of compressed air systems and their operation should be considered. Durability and accuracy are strengths of pneumatic clutches, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure optimal performance. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the decision-making process, as these can vary depending on the specific application and operating conditions.
from Tolomatic
"12" Clutch and Sprocket [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
- Shaft: Parallel
from Force Control Industries, Inc.
Eliminate Constant Repair in Severe Duty Applications. The Posidyne Clutch is currently available in two styles, 1. the foot mounted unit which is basically the Posidyne clutch brake with just the clutch stack; and 2. the PTO designed to engage a diesel or gasoline engine to the load. The standard... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Marine
- Rotary Speed: 3600
- Torque: 43.2 to 6583.3
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
CB. Eaton Airflex Type CB units are the perfect fit for both clutch and brake applications in high-speed, cyclic operations as well as for coupling and general power transmission. With torsional resilience delivered via power transmitted through the sidewalls of a flexible neoprene and cord... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Torque: 96666.7
from WPT Power Corporation
The WPT Low Inertia (LI) High Torque Clutch is a pneumatic design for high energy, high cycle applications requiring end-shaft mounting. The High Torque version of the LI Clutch provides maximum torque in limited space. Our LI High Torque Clutch is time tested and used extensively throughout the... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission; Other; Metal Forming, Stamping Equipment
- Rotary Speed: 2140
- Torque: 2166.7
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
from Andantex USA, Inc.
Overview. These clutches are used wherever different sections of a machine needs to be first disengaged from the drive train then re-engaged while maintaining the same phase or angular relationship which existed prior to disengagement. They are often used in a line-shaft, between printing units on... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 110
- Torque: 222.0
- Rotary Speed: 2700
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch mechanism engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Through/Mid Shaft or End of Shaft. Heavy duty clutch mechanism slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
1207-08 clutch, 35A25 sprocket, & P20DA brake, high torque, no slippage [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
- Shaft: Parallel
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
CM. Including all of the same great features as the CB element, Eaton Airflex CM assemblies are specifically engineered for the marine industry on diesel-driven, reverse-reduction gears. They feature ventilated friction shoes to permit clutch slippage at low-energy rates during vessel maneuvering,... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Torque: 269666.7
from WPT Power Corporation
The WPT Power Grip Clutch is designed to accommodate in-line and shaft-to-shaft power transmission applications. With available sizes ranging from 8 ” to 60 ”, WPT ’s air-actuated dry-clutch is recognized as the industry standard. Common applications include but are not limited to;... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission; Other; Oilfield Applications, Clutch Coupling
- Rotary Speed: 2100
- Torque: 6535.0
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch mechanism engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Set screws and customer supplied key connect the heavy duty clutch mechanism to one shaft and the coupling hub to a... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 2.5
- Torque: 0.0 to 20.6
- Rotary Speed: 1745
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
HEVC. Eaton ’s Airflex HEVC products are designed to excel in severe clutching and braking applications on heavy-duty equipment. By expanding the energy capacity of traditional drum-clutch products, the HEVC can provide longer slip times (up to 15 sec in grinding mills) and are capable of... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
from WPT Power Corporation
The WPT Power Grip PO Clutch is designed to accommodate in-line power transmission applications. With available sizes ranging from 14 ” to 36 ”, WPT ’s air-actuated dry-clutch is recognized as the industry standard. Common applications include but are not limited to; Mining, Oil... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission; Other; Oilfield Applications
- Rotary Speed: 2100
- Torque: 312.5
- Pneumatic Pressure: 130
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch mechanism engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Clutch mechanisms can be mounted Through/Mid Shaft or End of Shaft. Clutch mechanism slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 7.5
- Torque: 0.0 to 52.9
- Rotary Speed: 1745
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
E. Whether they ’re used as slip clutches, tension brakes or just general power transmission service, Eaton Airflex E elements are ideal for handling the large thermal loads of medium-speed cyclic applications. With simple air engagement and a spring-assisted release to counteract centrifugal... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Torque: 84166.7
- Engagement: Friction
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch coupling engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Set screws and customer supplied key connect the clutch mechanism to one shaft and the coupling hub to a second, fully supported... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 10
- Torque: 0.0 to 83.3
- Rotary Speed: 1750
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
EB. It ’s easy to manage clutch and brake service for light starting loads with Eaton Airflex EB element assemblies. Although similar in design to CB assemblies, Eaton EB units expand, allowing them to behave as centrifugal clutches. They exhibit the same torsional resilient principle made... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Industrial friction clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. End of Shaft. Friction clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. No anti-rotation arm... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 2.5
- Torque: 0.0 to 20.6
- Rotary Speed: 1745
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
ER. Eaton Airflex ER expanding couplings thrive in applications where a disconnection is required without stopping the prime move, or when the driving or driven equipment must be frequently withdrawn from the drive. With a neoprene facing, flexible ER units are used as shaft couplings or holding... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Torque: 9833.3
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. End Shaft. Heavy duty clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. No anti-rotation arm... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 390.8
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 7.5
- Torque: 0.0 to 52.9
- Rotary Speed: 1745
from Eaton Hydraulics Group
VE. For heavy-duty clutch and brake service, large thermal load capacity is key. That ’s why Eaton Airflex VE expanding-type elements not only offer all of the same characteristics as other Type E units, but also feature a special heat-dissipating design that excels in medium-speed cyclic... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Engagement: Friction
- Torque: 18416.7
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. End Shaft. Clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. No anti-rotation arm required. Designed for... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Tolomatic
Disc plate, pilot-mount design, high torque, no slippage space-saving [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Power: 10
- Torque: 0.0 to 83.3
- Rotary Speed: 1750
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch is engaged with spring pressure. A fixed amount of torque is transmitted. To release clutch, air pressure is applied to overcome the spring pressure. Mounting. End of Shaft. Heavy duty clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Rotary Speed: 1750
- Torque: 0.0 to 241.8
- Pneumatic Pressure: 90
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Industrial friction clutch is engaged with spring pressure. A fixed amount of torque is transmitted. To release clutch, air pressure is applied to overcome the spring pressure. Mounting. End of Shaft. Spring Engaged friction clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a... [See More]
- Application: Industrial
- Rotary Speed: 1750
- Torque: 0.0 to 42.2
- Pneumatic Pressure: 90
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch coupling engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Set screws and customer supplied key connect the clutch mechanism to one shaft and the coupling hub to a second, fully supported... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Set screws and customer supplied key connect the heavy duty clutch mechanism to one shaft and the coupling hub to a fully... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Mounts between a c-face motor and gear reducer. Not suitable for belt drive (pulley output) applications. Consult engineering for options. [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Motor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 47.8
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Industrial friction clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Through/Mid Shaft or End Shaft. Friction clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Through/Mid Shaft or End of Shaft. Clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. Anti-rotation arm required... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction type heavy duty clutch engages with air pressure, spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Through/Mid Shaft or End of Shaft. Heavy duty clutch slides on the shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied... [See More]
- Application: Industrial; Conveyor; Power Transmission
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage