Article updated March 2025
For 30 years, WPT has had the pleasure of serving as an OEM Clutch and Brake supplier to dozens of metal forming machinery manufacturers the world over. This success has been due to our ability to deliver high-quality assemblies and parts at competitive prices and provide some of our industry’s best lead times.
Shearing equipment is one of our more popular applications in the metal forming industry. Whether it be a shear stationed in the middle of a stamping line or as a final step of a leveling or slitting operation, WPT has the right clutch and brake for the job.
In this installment, we would like to spotlight our Low Inertia, Spring-set Brakes as used in a slitter line. As steel is uncoiled and runs through a slitter, the sheet is cut into the desired widths. These pieces continue down the line and are then cut to length by the shear. The shear is operated with a clutch and brake that are timed to engage and disengage in a cyclic rhythm. The clutch engages a “guillotine” style shear. The shear blade chops the steel and then returns to its ready position. At this time, the brake is engaged to hold the blade in place until the clutch is ready to be engaged again. In the case of the Spring-set Brake, the internal springs keep it in an engaged position. It is not until air is introduced that the brake releases and allows the clutch to cycle. This cyclical process is repeated while the shear is in use.
The Low Inertia Spring-set Brake makes a good choice for this application for several reasons. Chief among them is the smaller, lighter internal parts that aid in less energy needed to operate the shear. This, in turn, results in less heat generated. Less heat equals more cycles and increased productivity.
If you’re a manufacturer of metal forming equipment with applications that require clutches or brakes, don’t hesitate to reach out to WPT. We offer comprehensive application reviews to specify the right equipment for your machine. Contact us at (940) 761-1971 or info@wptpower.com to start maximizing your machinery’s potential today!