Electric Brakes

Electric brakes are equipment drive assemblies that use electrically actuated components to slow or stop shafts. There are several basic types of electric brakes. Band brakes, the simplest electric brake configuration, feature a metal band lined with heat and wear resistant friction material. Drum brakes, which are commonly used on automobile rear wheels, actuate when shoes press against a spinning surface called a drum. Disc breaks consist of a caliper that squeezes brake pads against a rotor. Cone brakes include a cone that is lined with heat and wear resistant material that presses against a mating cup surface. Typically, electric brakes are used in applications that require fast response times and precise tension control.

Specifications for electric brakes include torque rating, power, speed, and operating voltage. Spring-return brakes require power to engage. Spring-actuated brakes require power to disengage. A variety of engagement methods are available. Non-contact brakes use methods such as magnetic fields and eddy currents. Friction brakes generate friction between contact surfaces. Wrap spring brakes transmit torque from the input to the output through a wrapped spring that uncoils to disengage the brake. Electric brakes with teeth engage only during stops or at slow speeds. Oil shear brakes achieve engagement through the viscous shear of transmission fluid between the brake plates. 

Selecting electric brakes requires an analysis of measurements and mounting configurations. Important measurements include diameter, the cross-sectional width of the assembly; length, the dimension along the axis of rotation; and weight. Shaft configurations can be in-line along the axis of the load, parallel but offset from the axis, or perpendicular (right angle) to the axis. Drive and load connections for electric brakes often use shafts that attach to bores or flanges. With some drive shafts that attach to bores, the output is a drive component such as a pulley, gear, or sprocket. Often, these types of electric brakes are designed to accept several different drive components.  

Electric brakes are available with a variety of special features. Some devices use electrical or electronic signals to monitor parameters such as position, speed, torque, lockup, or slip status. Others prevent play or backlash during load engagement and prevent direction reversal during load disengagement. Washdown-capable electric brakes use housing materials that are rated for washdown cleaning.

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Part Numbers for Electric Brakes