What is an electromagnetic friction brake or clutch?
Electromagnetic friction brakes and clutches are the most common type of electromechanical devices. The applications for friction brakes and clutches includes packaging machinery, printing machinery, food processing machinery and factory automation. Electromechanical brakes and clutches operate via an electric actuation by transmitting torque mechanically, by friction. When a device is required to actuate, current is applied, the coil is energized creating a magnetic field that turns the coil into an electromagnet that develops magnetic flux. This flux is then transferred through the small air gap between the field armature and the rotor. The rotor portion becomes magnetized and sets up a magnetic loop that attracts the armature. The armature is pulled against the rotor and a frictional force is applied at contact. Since the brake or clutch coil is mounted solidly (most of the time), only the hub and shaft slips or comes to a stop as desired. In some types of brakes and clutches the ai
