The development of increasingly
sophisticated motor control
technologies has changed the
role of the brake in most modern
forklift designs. In these machines,
AC motors and variable speed
drives are used to optimise vehicle
performance and efficiency.
That way, as the load
on the forks increases, so
does the braking torque, providing
consistent deceleration across all
operating conditions.
Other applications need a combination
of constant torque and dynamic braking
torque capabilities for in-service use.
Magnetically applied brakes can provide
an effective solution here. The Warner
Varistop series, for example, is a range
of single face brakes which include
permanent magnets that actuate
the brake when no power is applied,
holding the vehicle stationary while
parked. The brakes are released using an
electromagnetic coil, like the ERD range,
and by varying the coil current the brake
torque can be adjusted. Reversing the
polarity of the coil means the brakes can
also be used to slow the vehicle in service
beyond the fail safe torque.
The development of increasingly
sophisticated motor control technologies
has changed the role of the brake in
most modern forklift designs. In these
machines, AC motors and variable speed
drives are used to optimise vehicle
performance and efficiency. Variable
speed drives also take on much of the
braking function during normal use, with
the motors running as generators to slow
the machine and return useful energy to
the battery.
solutions like the Warner Pan-Cake (PK)
range, which uses high friction coefficient
materials and powerful coils to provide
high torque in an extremely compact
package. The low profile design of this
type of brake also makes them easier to
integrate into applications where space is
at a premium, like back-to-back dual drive
configurations, for example.
No two materials handling applications
are the same, and manufacturers often
use combinations of different types
of brake and braking technology to
achieve their desired combination of
operating characteristics. Warner Electric
works closely with its customers in the
materials handling industry to configure
and customise brake designs to suit
their precise requirements. The lean
manufacturing capabilities of its plants
in the US, Europe and Asia mean it can
then produce those designs to meet the
demanding quality, cost and lead time
requirements of the industry.
About Warner Electric
For over 70 years, Warner Electric has
grown to become a global leader in
electromagnetic clutch & brake solutions.
Warner engineers utilise the latest
design, materials and manufacturing
technologies to develop easy-to-use and
install clutches and brakes with longer life
and improved accuracy and repeatability.
Warner Electric offers the broadest
selection of industrial clutches, brakes,
controls, web tension systems, sensors
and switches available from a single
manufacturer.
Reliable Warner Electric components
are used in a very wide range of markets
including material handling, packaging
machinery, food & beverage, elevator &
escalator, turf & garden, agriculture and
off-highway, forklift, crane and motion
control. Applications include conveyors,
lift trucks, wrapping machines, servo
motors, capping equipment, combines
and balers, baggage handling systems,
military vehicles, hoist drives and lawn
mowers.
For futher information:
Warner Electric: Neil Bruce
Tel: +44 2380 733211
Web: www.warnerelectric-eu.com
Email: [email protected]
ERD brakes come in eight standard sizes and a range of torque capacities from 5Nm to 300Nm.
The Warner Pan-Cake (PK) range uses high
friction coefficient materials and a powerful coil
to provide high torque in an extremely compact
package.
Trucks of this design still require a
mechanical brake as a backup and for
parking, however, and this requirement
has driven the development of new
For more than 60 years, Warner Electric has been
developing a vital, but inconspicuous component
of the forklift: brakes.
www.warnerelectric-eu.com