There are many methods to mount a Clutch/Brake hub to the shaft of a Stamping Press or other heavy machinery. Torque Inc will help you pick the best type of connection for your application. The following is a summary of the benefits and limitations of the various methods:
Key with clearance
Using a clearance fit between the hub and the shaft while and hand fitting the key (or two keys) is the most common method. Clearance of a couple of thousandths of an inch with line/line for the keyway is typical. This connection will likely gradually get loose at some point in time, is likely the most common type used on a press.
Key with interference
Adding a slight interference with a hand fit key is a more permanent solution, albeit requiring a modest heating of the hub (to about 250- 300 degrees F through via oil bath, oven or induction heater). Typical fit of line/line to .001”/.002” for shaft size of 6”.
Key with heavier interference
Increasing shrink to .0005” per inch of diameter (ie. .003” interference for 6” bore ) is achievable with a 300-400 degree heat and dry ice of the shaft. This fit is recommended for high shock load/high reversing loads like shears and high stripping force dies, cold forging etc. Care must be taken not to end up with too tight a fit over a key, in that this can cause the hub to split through the keyway. Heavy interference fits are difficult to remove without damaging the shaft/bore interface.
Heavy Interference without key
Using a .001” per inch of shaft diameter interference (ie. .006”-.009” shrink for a 6” shaft) , or more, can often times gain enough torque to drive without a key or supplemental locking device. However, we do not recommend retrofitting using this method due to the following problems, indluding but not limited to:
1. Precise material specifications are required,
2. Precise machining is required,
3. Installation is tricky
4. Removal does damage to the shaft and hub bore.
The best system is a Engineered Locking Element without a key
Using an engineered locking device such as a Ringfeder, Climax or Bloc creates the advantages of heavy inference shrink fit connection (ie. No backlash ever, removability, ease of assembly and strongest possible shaft and hub design due to no stress risers from keys) without the disadvantages. Some applications are hard to retrofit due to space and material issues. These devices require proper dimensions and installation procedures and torque instruction be followed in order to function properly. However the devices have a 100% success rate when properly engineered and installed (in fact they frequently can carry more torque than the shaft itself can!) .
There are two primary types of keyless locking devices.
Wichita Clutch CCB with Shrink Disc mounted hub
The “shrink disc” goes outside of a hub extension and squeezes the hub to the shaft. Advantages are a infinite choice of shaft sizes (ie. Can match any existing shaft assuming it is round and finished properly) and has a relatively high torque rating. Material can be cast iron or steel
Industrial Clutch Hub mounted to shaft with internal locking element.
The internal “locking assembly “ is sometimes easier to fit in (goes inside existing hub) but can only fit a finite number of standard shaft sizes and requires an adequate OD to provide enough strength the keep hub from cracking. Material required to be steel or steel sleeved cast iron.
Proper selection of either version of an engineered locking element requires the qualified engineering assistance that Torque Inc. can provide to insure a successful installation.
Often the cost of the device is offset by the reduction in labor/machining cost associated with putting a connection together!
Retrofit of Wichita CCB with a Shrink Disk mounting.
REASON TO UPGRADE
* SERVICEABILITY:
Obsolete Clutch/Brake
Costly Parts
Parts Unavailable
Difficult to Service Clutch/Brake
Clutch/Brake Requires Frequent Maintenance
* FASTER STOP TIME:
Shorter Safety Distance
Better Fault Protection
* CHANGES IN OPERATION:
Increased Tonnage
Increased Single Stroke Operation
Increased Continuous SPM Operation
For whatever issue your current Clutch/Brake limits your production, your Torque Inc. Application Engineer has the application knowledge and experience to assess and recommend the best solution to your needs. Torque Inc. Application Engineers have a broad range of Clutches, Brakes and Combination CCB’s to select the optimum solution for your machine. These include:
* Wichita Clutch - Air Clutches, Spring Set Brakes and Combination Clutch/Brakes
* Industrial Clutch – Air Clutches, Spring Set Brakes and Hydraulic Combination Clutch/Brakes
* Herion – Hydraulic Combination Clutch/Brakes
* Kobelt – Caliper Disk Brakes
* Mach III – Small Air Clutches, Brakes and Torque Limiters
ABOUT TORQUE INC:
Torque Inc. has represented Wichita Clutch for 60 years and continues to provide Heavy Duty Clutches/Brakes to the Metal Forming, Coil Processing, Converting, Printing, Marine, Mining and other heavy industries. Our staff of expert application engineers and professional customer service representatives is available to support you with:
Don’t be misled by companies selling imitation parts for your Wichita and Industrial Clutches and Brakes. Genuine Wichita/Industrial parts are engineered and manufactured using best practices to provide correct form, fit and function in your Wichita/Industrial units. Using only Genuine Wichita/Industrial parts in your clutches and brakes, ensures safe and reliable operation of your critical equipment.
Torque Inc. has been supplying Genuine Wichita/Industrial Parts for 60 years. We maintain an extensive inventory of Genuine Parts to provide:
* Competitive Pricing
* Short Lead-Time (many Genuine Wichita/Industrial items from stock)
From your clutch or brakes Serial Number, Torque Inc. expert customer service representatives have the tools to quickly and accurately identify the exact parts you require. Torque Inc., can quickly email you detailed drawings, parts lists and quotes in .pdf format. Use the links on this page or call the PARTS HOTLINE 800-771-5921, to get started.
Having operation/maintenance issues with your clutches and brakes? Torque Inc. application engineers are available at your plant for assistance. Invite your local Torque Inc. application engineer to help identify your exact units or troubleshoot your clutches and brakes. Torque Inc. application engineers are highly trained and experienced in solving your problems.
ABOUT TORQUE INC:
Torque Inc. has represented Wichita Clutch for 60 years and continues to provide Heavy Duty Clutches/Brakes to the Metal Forming, Coil Processing, Converting, Printing, Marine, Mining and other heavy industries. Our staff of expert application engineers and professional customer service representatives is available to support you with:
Most Air Clutch/Brake operating problems are caused by the air system. Torque Inc. finds the majority of issues with our customers air Clutches/Brakes are air system related. Application problems:
* Inconsistent starting/stopping
* Brake heating
* Clutch slipping
* Rapid wearing of friction material
Reliable air Clutch/Brake operation requires a properly designed and maintained air system:
* Sufficient air volume supply
* Correct operating pressure
* Properly sized air lines
* Valve selection
* Reliable control response/timing
Call a Torque Inc. application engineer to assist your inspect your air system. Torque Inc. has the experience and expertise to ensure optimum operation of your Clutches and Brakes. In addition to general air system consultation, Torque Inc. offers a charged “Overlap Service” to monitor your air system in real-time with our high speed data acquisition system. The data acquired through our “Overlap Service” can optimize control settings and identify operational issues with your air system.
Torque Inc. recommended air system designs are available on the links below:
Torque Inc. has represented Wichita Clutch for 60 years and continues to provide Heavy Duty Clutches/Brakes to the Metal Forming, Coil Processing, Converting, Printing, Marine, Mining and other heavy industries. Our staff of expert application engineers and professional customer service representatives is available to support you with:
Reliable air Clutch/Brake operation requires proper alignment. Proper installation needs to ensure both Parallel (concentricity) and Angular Alignment of the Clutch/Brake Ring (Housing) to the shaft.
* Brakes are more sensitive to Angular Misalignment
* Clutches are more sensitive to Parallel Misalignment
Call a Torque Inc. application engineer to assist your inspect your Clutch/Brake Alignment. Torque Inc. has the experience and expertise to ensure optimum operation of your Clutches and Brakes.
Checking the alignment of a Clutch/Brake requires the use of a Dial Indicator and Magnetic Base. In addition, the ability to rotate the shaft while Ring/Housing is held in place is required.
* Mount base to hub or shaft, Indicator Tip machined face (OD of friction area on Back Plate or face of Ring). While rotating shaft note the TIR (Total Indicator Reading) for full 360 degree sweep.
* Mount base to hub or shaft, Indicator Tip machined face (ID of Ring). While rotating shaft note the TIR (Total Indicator Reading) for full 360 degree sweep.
Below is a link to the Wichita Alignment Instructions, for details:
Torque Inc. has represented Wichita Clutch for 60 years and continues to provide Heavy Duty Clutches/Brakes to the Metal Forming, Coil Processing, Converting, Printing, Marine, Mining and other heavy industries. Our staff of expert application engineers and professional customer service representatives is available to support you with:
