Electromagnetic Braking: the Next Generation

Source: IEN Europe post

BRUXELLES, Belgium – Outdoor and certain indoor applications place greater demands on an electromagnetic brake. Securing the long-term integrity of the brake in difficult conditions is all important for consistent stopping performance. Ultimately, specialization is required to deliver this performance level, which in many cases, translates to an increased brake cost.

This is especially true when it comes to specifying electromagnetic brakes with a high ingress protection (IP) rating. A higher IP rating usually translates to an increased overall cost, which is before any additional options have been specified – likely in a brake that is designed for a demanding application.

However, the utilization of modern composite materials is challenging this, allowing for innovative brakes to combine both high performance and value. The new FRCB from Warner Electric is a prime example. Designed with a specialized composite, the FRCB can provide highly reliable stopping performance in challenging conditions due to an IP66 rating.

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The result is a highly specialized brake that offers both value and performance in outdoor or demanding indoor applications. Matched with a modular design that accommodates many options – OEMs can now specify the FRCB to reduce weight and costs. However, this is achieved while still providing end users with the performance required for an optimized total cost of ownership (TOC).

Consistency is key

Like any brakes, electromagnetic brakes feature friction material. Friction material is usually tailored to provide peak stopping performance within a small operating window. While this is fine for certain applications, for heavy duty applications where temperature and atmospheric conditions can vary greatly, this operating window compromises the consistency of braking performance. The specialization of brake friction material can therefore limit the performance of electromagnetic brakes in demanding applications.

To secure consistent brake friction material performance over a wide operating window, Altra has brought the formulation of friction material in-house. This allows total control of the formulation process, which enables the operating window of the material to be widened. Furthermore, the quality consistency of the material is improved compared to sourcing from a third-party supplier.

This is the exact route taken by Warner Electric. Its new W134 brake friction material has been specialized to deliver consistent performance across varying operating conditions in heavy-duty powertrain applications. Expert chemists have formulated W134 to provide static and dynamic braking functions with high torque stability, a high friction coefficient matched by non-sticking properties ideal for outdoor applications. An exact fit for Warner’s existing range of electromagnetic brakes – W134 has been optimized to consistently carry out high energy braking and heavy stops in all conditions.

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