Friction Clutches for Press Machines
Friction clutches are widely used in production press machines. The main purpose of friction clutch is to permit a sending element to drive a receiving element, or two elements to rotate at different speeds in the same direction or reverse direction of rotation. The machines that use the friction clutch are designed to perform precise and consistent operations. The adjustable friction clutch allows the press operator to sequentially regulate the precise speed and timing of the machine.
Friction clutches have been around since the Industrial Revolution. Over time, these integral components have become an essential element in modern press machine systems. Friction clutches are widely used in many different industries including metal and plastics manufacturing, automotive production and other commercial processes.
Friction clutches come in many sizes and configurations, but they all essentially perform the same basic task of controlling the transmission of power between two separate components. In metal manufacturing, press machines are outfitted with a friction clutch driven by a drive element, such as an electric motor and a cam.
The main components of a friction clutch usually consist of two concentric discs. The inner disc is attached to or part of the drive element and spin with it. The outer disc is attached to the receiving element and spins with it. The discs are designed with a surface, usually with teeth or some machined bevel, which hold against each other. The outer disc, supported by a pressure plate, uses a coil spring adjuster to apply force to keep the teeth of the two discs together. As power is supplied to the drive element, friction is created between the two discs, and that pressure is transferred to the outer disc and rotates the receiving elements.
To fine tune the machines performance, the pressure plate is adjusted using the spring adjuster. By changing the pressure applied by the spring, the operator is able to control variable speeds and timing, allowing for precise and consistent operations between the sending and receiving elements.
Friction clutches are an important element of many press machines and other equipment requiring precise power transmission. These versatile components provide a motor and cam the ability to drive and control separate elements. By manipulating the pressure applied by the spring adjuster, the operator has the ability to control variable speeds and timing, allowing for consistent and repeatable operations. The adjustable friction clutch helps press machine operators stay efficient and productive.
