Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches are devices used to transfer power within a power transmission driveline. They utilize compressed air or another gas as an operating fluid to engage and disengage the clutch, allowing for the control of power flow from an engine to other components such as transmissions and drive wheels.
Working Principle
Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches operate by requiring power to engage the clutch, while a spring mechanism is used to disengage it. This type of clutch is also known as a power-on clutch or non-fail-safe clutch. The use of compressed air allows for efficient power transfer without generating heat during extended periods of engagement, which is a significant advantage over other types of clutches. The ability to direct air across the clutch plates for cooling further enhances their thermal capacity and operational efficiency.
Applications
Specific applications for Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches include their use in factory environments where compressed air is readily available. They are integrated into machine tools, conveyors, and other equipment to safely control the operation of these components without the additional weight associated with hydraulic systems.
Advantages over other Pneumatic Clutches
One of the primary advantages of Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches is their superior thermal capacity, as they do not generate heat during extended engagement periods. Additionally, the unlimited supply of working fluid (compressed air) ensures reliability, as small leaks will not lead to clutch failure. This makes them more reliable than hydraulic clutches in certain applications.
Limitations
A limitation of Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches is that they require a continuous supply of compressed air to function, which may not be feasible in all environments. Additionally, they are not fail-safe, meaning that in the event of a power loss, the clutch will disengage, which could be a disadvantage in safety-critical applications.
Considerations
When considering the use of Spring Return / Disengage Pneumatic Clutches, it is important to evaluate the initial costs, which may include the installation of a compressed air system if one is not already in place. Operating expenses are generally lower due to the efficiency and reliability of pneumatic systems. Durability and maintenance costs are favorable, as the lack of heat generation reduces wear on the clutch components. However, regular maintenance is required to ensure the integrity of the compressed air system and to check for leaks that could affect performance.
from Montalvo Corporation
Montalvo's C-Series clutches use the same compact design as the C-Series brakes. Applications include narrow web and light to medium-duty. They are available in several versions. Modular design and interchangeable parts make C-Series clutches easy to set up and maintain. [See More]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Rotary Speed: 5500 to 7000
- Torque: 66.0 to 100.0
- Pneumatic Pressure: 75
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Engagement: Friction
- Torque: 84166.7
- Application: Industrial
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- 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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- 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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 390.8
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- 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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 47.8
- Engagement: Friction
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch engages with air pressure and is designed for continous slip. Clutch is spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Foot brackets attach to machine frame or other fixture. Pulleys or sprockets mount to the clutch's... [See More]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 5.5
- Engagement: Friction
from Mach III Clutch, Inc.
Operation. Friction clutch engages with air pressure and is designed for continous slip. Clutch is spring released when air is exhausted. Torque is linear in response to air pressure applied. Mounting. Through/Mid Shaft or End of Shaft. Anti-rotation arm required to prevent rotation of the air... [See More]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 5.5
- 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. Through/Mid Shaft or End Shaft. Friction clutch slides on shaft and is fixed with set screws and a customer supplied key. [See More]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 46.2
- Engagement: Friction
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]
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Engagement: Friction