MagnaShear motor brakes: Maintenance-free solution for onboard and port-side cranes

(FAIRFIELD, Ohio) — The MagnaShear marine duty motor brake from Force Control Industries employs oil shear technology, providing longer service life even in demanding applications like the frequent start/stop cycles seen on cranes, hoists, winches, and other marine material handling equipment. High grade castings, marine duty coatings, stainless steel fasteners and accessories make these brakes an ideal solution for onshore and offshore crane applications. Proven oil shear technology transmits torque between lubricated surfaces — thereby eliminating wear on friction surfaces. A patented fluid recirculation system dissipates heat — eliminating heat build-up, which is the most common problem in dry braking systems. Elimination of the wear significantly increases service life and virtually eliminates adjustment which also elongates maintenance intervals. They are ideal for applications where the motor is reversed each cycle such as cranes, winches, and hoists as well as loader/unloader conveyors.  

The oil shear technology also provides a smooth “cushioned” stop which reduces shock to the drive system, further extending service life of downstream components.  

The totally enclosed MagnaShear brakes are impervious to moisture, dirt and dust that is common in concrete block plants as well as asphalt shingle manufacturing, coal, bulk materials handling, forest products manufacturing, and more.

How oil shear works

Unlike dry brakes, oil shear technology includes a layer of automatic transmission fluid between the brake disc and the drive plate. As the fluid is compressed, the fluid molecules shear — thus imparting torque to the other side. This torque transmission causes the stationary surface to turn, bringing it up to the same relative speed as the moving surface. Since most of the work is done by the fluid particles in shear, wear is virtually eliminated. Elimination of wear also eliminates the need for adjustments which are common for dry braking systems.

In addition to transmitting torque, a patented fluid recirculation system helps to dissipate heat which is the major problem with traditional dry brakes.  

Along with heat removal and torque transmission, the fluid serves to continually lubricate all components of the oil shear brake, elongating their service life.  

MagnaShear brakes with oil shear technology provide significantly longer service life, characterized by virtually maintenance-free operations.  

Suitable for a wide range of motor sizes

These proven motor brakes are available to accommodate a wide range of applications. Spring set torque ratings from 3 to 1,250 foot-pounds are available. MagnaShear motor brakes can be sized to the correct torque independent of the motor frame size or horsepower.

MagnaShear motor brakes feature “quick mount” features for quick and easy mounting to drive motors in NEMA frame sizes 56 to 449. They are shipped ready to install, with no assembly or adjustments required. They are also available pre-mounted on a motor for severe duty applications. MagnaShear motor brakes can be furnished to fit a NEMA or IEC frame motor, as a complete motor and brake assembly, or to mount on a machine frame or other special mounting configuration.  

These proven motor brakes are totally enclosed from outside contaminants, with seal integrity for harsh fresh water and saltwater environments. A modular design /assembly allows for ease of servicing and maintenance.  

Headquartered in Fairfield, Ohio, Force Control Industries is the world leader in oil shear technology, offering a full line of clutches, brakes, and clutch brakes for OEMs in diverse applications. Their manufacturing campus includes three manufacturing facilities with over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space along with engineering, design, customer support and administrative offices. All facilities are ISO9001/2000 certified for quality assurance. For additional information contact Force Control Industries Inc., 3660 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014, or visit www.forcecontrol.com, e-mail sales@forcecontrol.com, or call (513) 868-0900.

By Professional Mariner Staff