Use Cases for Industrial Clutches
Stearns industrial clutches are designed to engage and disengage power transmission from a drive shaft to a driven shaft. They are used in various applications such as material handling and packaging. Shaft-mounted clutches start and stop inertial loads when voltage is turned on, and are designed to mount on standard motor shafts.
How to Select the Right Clutch Type
The first step in selecting a clutch or brake is to determine the configuration required. Unit type is determined by the
function to be accomplished.
- Clutch Coupling: When power is to be transmitted between two in-line shafts
- Clutch: When power is to be transmitted to a parallel shaft
- Brake: When stopping or positioning a load
- Clutch Brake: When starting and stopping of a load are required
Difference Between Clutches & Couplings
Clutches
- Connection Type: create a temporary connection between an industrial driver and drive shaft
- Use Case: used in applications that leverage parts requiring start and stopping motions
- Shaft Alignment: transmit power between two collinear shafts
- Speed: can range from slow to fast
Couplings
- Connection Type: creates a permanent connection between an industrial driver and drive shaft
- Use Case: used in applications that leverage parts requiring continuous motion
- Shaft Alignment: coupling features tend to be more dynamic in that they are used to transmit power between two collinear shafts or two parallel non collinear shafts
- Speed: can run only at the speed equivalent to the driver
Find a Stearns Shaft-Mounted Clutch by Industry:
Crane & Hoist | Elevator | Food & Beverage | Forestry | Forklifts | Material Handling | Packaging