Friction Pneumatic Clutches
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Friction 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 or disengage the clutch, thereby controlling the transfer of power from an engine to other components such as transmissions and drive wheels. These clutches are known for their ability to manage power transfer efficiently without generating heat during extended periods of engagement.
Working Principle
Friction pneumatic clutches operate by generating friction between contact surfaces to transmit torque. When engaged, compressed air is used to press the friction surfaces together, allowing power to be transferred from the input to the output. This mechanism is beneficial because it provides accurate torque control and can handle higher torques compared to similarly sized electric or mechanical clutches. The simplicity of pneumatic systems also contributes to their efficiency, as they can be easily integrated into various mechanical systems.
Applications
Friction pneumatic clutches are commonly used in systems where precise torque control is necessary. Specific applications include their use in larger, heavier vehicles like buses, where they are combined with pneumatic brakes to reduce braking distances. They are also employed in conveyor drives and pump motor drives, as well as in automation and robotics systems where web tension control is required.
Advantages over other Pneumatic Clutches
One of the primary advantages of friction pneumatic clutches over other types is their superior thermal capacity, as they do not generate heat during prolonged engagement. Additionally, they offer more accurate torque control compared to mechanical clutches and can transmit higher torques than similar-sized electric clutches. Their design allows for air to be directed across the clutch plates for cooling, enhancing their performance in demanding applications.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, friction pneumatic clutches have limitations. They may not achieve the same torque levels as hydraulic clutches, which can be a drawback in applications requiring extremely high torque. Additionally, the need for a compressed air supply can be a logistical challenge in some settings, and the system's performance can be affected by air quality and pressure variations.
Considerations
When considering the use of friction pneumatic clutches, several factors should be taken into account. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity of the system and the specific requirements of the application. Operating expenses are generally lower due to the minimal maintenance needs and the durability of the system. However, the accuracy of torque control and the potential need for regular maintenance of the air supply system should be considered. Replacement and maintenance costs are typically low, but ensuring the availability of clean and consistent compressed air is crucial for optimal 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Rotary Speed: 5500 to 7000
- Torque: 66.0 to 100.0
- Pneumatic Pressure: 75
from Ondrives.US Corporation, formerly Rino Mechanical
Shaft to shaft friction clutches [See More]
- Engagement: Friction
- Mounting: Shaft
- Torque: 1.7 to 25.0
- Bore Diameter: 0.2500 to 0.6299
from Tolomatic
"12" Clutch and Sprocket [See More]
- Engagement: Friction
- Shaft: Parallel
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
- Mounting: Pilot Mount
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
- Torque: 96666.7
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Shaft: Parallel
- Pneumatic Pressure: 100
- Mounting: Pilot Mount
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
- Torque: 269666.7
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
- Torque: 84166.7
- Application: Industrial
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Application: Industrial
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Power: 10
- Torque: 0.0 to 83.3
- Rotary Speed: 1750
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 47.8
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 5.5
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage
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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 5.5
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- 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]
- Engagement: Friction
- Pneumatic Pressure: 80
- Torque: 0.0 to 276.7
- Spring Assistance: Spring Return/Disengage