Copper keeps brakes cool

Feb. 22, 2007
The Kopper Kool line of airtube brakes and clutches from Wichita Co. Ltd., a firm based in the U.K. (wichita.co.uk), rely on copper-alloy wear plates and liquid cooling to absorb heat and keep the brakes and clutches operating.

The air-activated devices, with tension directly proportional to the air pressure applied, can dissipate up to 2,250 hp (1,689 kW). And air passages through the brakes further cool the device.

A triple roto-coupling lets the brakes serve as a constant-slipping clutch for web applications. A flexible fiberglass pressure plate evenly distributes pressure from the actuator to the braking surfaces, providing maximum friction surface area. Coolant and air connections are said to be easily accessible for installation and maintenance.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less heat.
April 16, 2025
SEW-EURODRIVE Introduces DR2C motor, IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency Motor
March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!