Iron Powder for Powder Brakes
and Powder Clutches

Powder brakes and powder clutches are electromagnetic devices that provide precise, quick-response tension control for light tension applications. Powder brakes also known as magnetic particle brakes are quiet alternatives to friction brakes, and are ideal for clean environment situations.

How magnetic particle brakes work?

Powder brakes are comprised of an electromagnet and a disk inside a powder chamber. The disk can spin using a shaft that extends to the outside of the chamber. Without any magnetic field the powder acts like a fluid and the disk can spin freely. A magnetic field produced by the electromagnet will harden the powder causing friction so that the disk can no longer spin freely. The tension is controlled by the strength of the electromagnet.

Iron powders for powder brakes and powder clutches?

Selecting iron powder for magnetic particle brakes and clutches is a delicate task. Some of the important factors affecting the operation of a magnetic particle system are the particle shapes, hardness and magnetic properties. For example very hard particles with sharp edges can grind and damage the internal structure of a powder brake or powder clutch system. Using iron powder with spherical particles prevents such problems.

IRON325 and IRON100 have been successfully used in powder brakes and clutches. To discuss your specific application please call us during business hours.