What is a Slip Clutch?

A slip clutch is a device that controls torque to prevent mechanical overload. This feature is particularly useful in applications like rewinding of a web, load simulation, torque limiting, and applications requiring soft starts. Placid Industries manufactures a slip clutch called a magnetic particle clutch. This type of clutch is unique in the fact that the output disk or shaft does not touch the rotor. Instead, this gap is filled with our proprietary blend of fine, dry magnetic powder. This powder is free-flowing until a magnetic field is applied from the stationary coil. The powder particles form chains along the magnetic field lines, which create the torque necessary for a controlled slip.

Other electromagnetic clutches are unable to control output torque to allow for this controlled slip by simply adjusting the supplied current. Instead, they rely on spring force or magnetic force to engage the clutch. This type of engagement typically has a response time of less than one second, and would not allow for a slow, controlled adjustment of torque that is required for precise tension control. Other varieties of slip clutches rely on friction plates to provide torque. These types of products wear easily and can create FOD (Foreign Object Debris/Damage) concerns as friction material breaks down.

Where do you use a Slip Clutch?

Placid Industries Magnetic Particle Slip Clutches are used in many industrial-type applications. This includes common applications such as rewinding rolls of film, fabric, and wire; applying a variable torque load for load simulation; applying controlled tension and torque for bottle capping (torque limiting); and applications requiring adjustable soft starts.

 

Rewinding (Film, Fabric, Wire, Etc.)
Slip clutches are often placed on the rolls being “re-wound”. The magnetic particle clutch controls the winding force of the roll, preventing uneven rolling, tearing, and worse yet, machine downtime.

 

 

Load Simulation
When a slip clutch is used for load simulation, the clutch is mounted to the output shaft. The clutch provides resistance to test the life and function of different products. This type of testing is common for power tools, motors, etc.

 

 

Bottle Capping
Bottle Capping uses slip clutches to limit the amount of torque applied to a bottle during the capping process. Without a slip clutch bottle capping typically results in overtightening, broken or damaged bottles, and overall poor quality end products.

 

Soft Starts
Slip clutches also provide a soft start feature. They work similarly as they would in a bottle capping application. The slip clutch acts to limit the amount of torque being applied to a conveyor belt, web, etc. This prevents products from falling off an assembly line and reduces product damage during manufacturing.

 

What is a Placid Industries’ slip clutch capable of?

Placid Industries magnetic particle slip clutches offer a wide torque range from as low as 0.1 oz.- in. to as high as 300 lb.-ft. The torque is smooth and repeatable, thereby offering accurate control independent of the speed.

Placid Industries offers constant current power supplies, follower-arm potentiometers, ultrasonic sensors, and signal isolation cards to use with the magnetic particle slip clutch. These accessories ensure that your motion control is accurate and precise.

Looking for more information about using a slip clutch in your application? Speak with a technical expert today! Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions and help you find the best product for your application. We take pride in shipping most customer orders within 48 hours. Want to learn more about our company?