Clutches

Clutches

Clutches are power transmission components that connect and disconnect a rotating drive from a driven load — either under control (manual or electromagnetic engagement) or automatically in response to torque or speed conditions. In industrial drive systems, clutches serve both operational and protective functions: enabling controlled start-up of heavy loads, protecting drive trains from overload, and allowing machinery to disengage from a running motor without stopping the power source. AIMS Industrial supplies clutches and torque limiters for industrial power transmission applications.

Types of Clutches

• Centrifugal clutches: Engage automatically when the input shaft reaches a set speed. Widely used on engine-driven equipment — the motor or engine accelerates to operating speed before the load is picked up, reducing start-up shock and allowing a small engine to start without load. Common on compressors, conveyors, and agricultural equipment.
• Torque limiting clutches (overload clutches): Slip at a preset torque value, protecting the drive train and driven equipment from overload damage. When torque exceeds the set limit, the clutch disengages or slips until the overload condition clears. Used on conveyor drives, pump drives, and wherever jamming or overload can cause drive train failure.
• Friction clutches: Manually or mechanically engaged clutches that transmit torque through friction between disc or cone surfaces. Used on machine tools, industrial presses, and application-specific drives where controlled engagement is required.
• Electromagnetic clutches: Engaged by electrical signal, allowing remote and automated engagement. Used in automated machinery, packaging equipment, and conveyors where clutch control is integrated into machine logic.

Torque Limiter Selection

Torque limiters are selected based on the normal running torque, the maximum tolerable shock torque, and the required reset mechanism (automatic, manual, or shear pin type). Setting the trip torque too low causes nuisance tripping; setting it too high defeats the protective purpose. The shaft diameter and bore configuration must also be matched to the drive arrangement.

Installation and Maintenance

Clutch and torque limiter performance depends on correct installation, alignment, and periodic inspection of friction surfaces. For torque limiters, the trip torque setting should be verified after installation and rechecked periodically, as friction surface wear can alter the effective trip torque over time. The mounting bore, shaft diameter, and keyway configuration must also be confirmed before ordering — most clutches and torque limiters require a specific bore machined to suit the shaft. AIMS Industrial supplies clutches and torque limiters for Australian industrial drive applications. For technical selection assistance, contact our team.