2015 Designer's Notebook - 136

Sofstep® Design Features
Principle of Operation
Sofstep Magnetic Particle Clutches & Brakes deliver smooth, controllable, precise
torque. They engage magnetically with no moving mechanical parts. Operation is
fast and free of backlash. Designed for ease of mounting, they can be installed in
any orientation.
The primary components of a magnetic particle brake are the coil, housing and rotor.
The precision machined rotor is positioned within the housing. There is an air gap
between the rotor and housing filled with a dry magnetic powder. The powder is free
flowing until a magnetic field is applied from the coil. "Chains" are formed along
the magnetic lines of force linking the rotor (disk) to the housing. The "stick-slip"
phenomenon is virtually eliminated due to the characteristics of the magnetic
powder chains. The result is extremely smooth torque.
Output torque is controlled by varying the current applied to the coil. As current is
increased, the powder chains link together tighter and, as a result, the torque
transmitted is increased. As can be seen by the torque vs. current curve, the
increase in torque is approximately proportional to the increase in current.
The unique characteristics of the Sofstep Clutches and Brakes make it the ideal
device for many applications.

Magnetic Particle Clutches & Brakes

Tensioning
Sofstep units are widely used as tension control devices. Consistent tension can be
maintained in the processing of wire, fiber, foil or film. The amount of tension is
controlled by changing the level electrical excitation. Since torque is proportional to
current, Sofstep brakes are very accurate in open loop tensioning systems. For more
precise control, Sofstep brakes may be incorporated in a closed loop system.
MAGPOWR tension controls can be integrated with Sofstep Brakes to precisely control
tension in a variety of applications.

Soft Starts and Stops
Sofstep Magnetic Particle Clutches and Brakes are superior in applications requiring
gradual, jerk-free engagement. For smooth response, the voltage is applied gradually
to obtain the acceleration or deceleration required.

Indexing / Cycling
Sofstep Magnetic Particle Clutches and Brakes provide ultra-fast response when used with an overexcitation control.
The response time of Sofstep Magnetic Particle Clutches and Brakes is defined as the time from application of rated
voltage until the unit develops 63% of its rated torque. This response time, though short, can be dramatically
reduced through a concept called overexcitation. Overexcitation is the momentary application of higher than rated
voltages to drive the current through the coil very quickly. The result is nearly instant magnetic flux and torque
buildup to dramatically reduce response time and provide an increase in accuracy and cycle rate capability.

136 Magnetic Particle Clutches & Brakes



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2015 Designer's Notebook

Table of Contents
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