How to choose the right clutch for a lathe?
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The electromagnetic clutch allows smooth disengagement and engagement of the drive in a lathe or other machine tool, enabling controlled movements and rotational speeds. Therefore, proper clutch selection is critical to machine performance and safety. In today’s article, we will show the characteristics and use of three types of electromagnetic clutches: multi-plate, single-plate and toothed, and we will suggest what parameters to pay attention to when choosing the right clutch for a lathe.
Types of electromagnetic clutches used in metal lathes
Three main types of electromagnetic clutches are found here:
- multi-plate electromagnetic clutches – they are characterized by a characteristic structure with internal and external plates installed alternately; when power is applied to the coil, the armature is attracted and the clutch plates are tightened, thus transmitting the torque. These types of couplings are used in many metalworking machines, including conventional lathes.
- single-disk electromagnetic clutches – in contrast to multi-plate clutches, here there is a friction disc permanently located in the rotor (body) of the clutch, after supplying power to the coil, the armature is attracted to the friction lining and the torque is transferred. Disc clutches are mainly intended for dry operation (i.e. without lubrication), but special linings are now available that also allow operation in oil.
- toothed electromagnetic clutches – an advanced type of clutches that combine the advantages of electromagnetic and mechanical clutches. They have special shaped teeth on the discs that ensure precise and stepwise engagement and disengagement of the drive. They are capable of transmitting high torques. They are used in precision machining machines, drive systems requiring fast and precise operation, as well as in some types of mechanical transmissions. The clutch can be engaged only at the relative speed of both rings = 0 or at synchronous rotations, while the clutch can be disengaged at any rotational speed and under any load.
How to choose an electromagnetic clutch for a machine tool?
When preparing to select the right clutch for the machine tool, you should first of all take into account parameters such as: dynamic torque, engagement and disengagement time, power supply method, coil voltage and power, clutch design. The operating environment is also important, other clutches are designed for dry operation and others for oil operation. These parameters will be crucial when choosing the right coupling that will be able to safely transfer the required torque. For design reasons, the size of the coupling that we intend to install in a given system is also important. It must freely enter the place intended for it. There are many more factors determining a well-chosen clutch, so in each case it is worth seeking advice from specialists or the manufacturer of the clutch or lathe to choose the right model.