Slip-Aire - Pneumatic Slip Clutches

The Polyclutch® Slip-Aire is an air pressure actuated version of the mechanical Polyclutch slip clutch. It has the same long life friction plates, assuring constant torque or tension. With air actuation it can be used to engage/disengage, to vary the torque during operation, or to adjust the torque remotely at any time. Ideal for servo mechanisms, they transmit higher torque levels than comparably sized mechanical slip clutches. Slip-Aire Clutches are less expensive to purchase and operate than electrically actuated versions. Sealed ball bearings are available on selected models.

Drawing in DWG Format Drawing in PDF Format Series Specifications PDF Installation/Instructions PDF

See chart below, for rated torque capacities based on continuous operation: *Rated torque for continuous operation at 50 RPM. **Maximum torque attainable (at 100 PSI) Higher torques and speeds are possible depending on operating conditions. Please specify your requirements on your quote request, or call 800-298-2066 to discuss your application.

Download .DWG files for each model from chart below. If your browser disables the "open or save as" prompt, right-mouse button click and select "SAVE TARGET AS..." from the menu.

 

How to Create a Part Number

 

A complete Polyclutch® part number is created from the 5 to 6 elements described below, plus any standard options expressed with a part number suffix or torque setting designations (when factory preset/fixed).

View additional part number examples:

Series 16 Slipper        Slipper         V-Series Slipper

Slip-Ease        Slip-Aire

Standard Options

Polyclutch® Slip Clutches are designed to cover a wide range of solutions. To help better fit the clutch to your specific application, here is a list of standard options:

• Bore size changes – English (inches) and metric (mm)
• High torque option, accomplished by extra springs – “H” part no. suffix
  • Will increase capacity of standard adjustable slip clutches to 50% (note: removing springs will lower capacity, increase sensitivity)
• Keyways – English and metric – “K” part no. suffix
• Low backlash in Slipper clutch – “UL” part no. suffix
• Heavy inner plates for extra cooling – “D” part no. suffix
• 303/304 stainless steel construction – “Q” part no. prefix
• Two-plate Slipper clutch – “R” version (part no. begins with “R”)
• Plastic cover for Slipper and Slip-Aire clutches

Custom Clutches

If you are looking for something outside of our standard options, our engineers will work with you to help design a
clutch for your specific application.

Please visit our contact form or give us a call 1-800-298-2066

Slip Clutch Operation

 

Construction A Polyclutch® consists of two parts: a cartridge and a housing (see above). The cartridge is set screwed or keyed to the input shaft. The cartridge includes the clutch pack: outer plates, friction pads, inner plates Plates are brass with a proprietary finish Inner plates are keyed to the cartridge hub Outer plates are keyed to the cartridge housing Friction pads are a proprietary plastic-based composite (no asbestos) The housing is either set screwed or keyed to the output shaft, or (as shown), attached to the output gear or pulley, with a bronze bearing to allow relative motion between the input shaft and the output gear/pulley. Torque is controlled by changing the pressure applied to the clutch pack. In an adjustable style clutch, the torque level is controlled by compressing the springs with the adjusting nut. In a fixed style clutch, a collar is attached to the hub in a fixed position, and the torque level is set by pushing and locking the spring collar to a calibrated position. All slip clutch torques are calibrated to +/- 20% but can be held to closer tolerances. Backlash of 6° is standard for Slipper models and 2° for the Slip-Ease models. Slipper models can be held to 2° if required. Our proprietary burn-in process insures that all Polyclutch® Slippers will perform consistently right out of the box, with no break-in period required.

Installation Shaft-through versions: Insert input shaft into cartridge and tighten set screws. Insert housing around input shaft, with torque pins engaging holes in outer plates. Input shaft will keep the cartridge and housing aligned. Shaft to Shaft versions: Insert input shaft into cartridge and tighten set screws. Insert output shaft into housing and tighten set screws. Input and output shafts must be properly journaled with centerlines within +/- .010 T.I.R. Do not lubricate the clutch. Friction materials are designed to run without additional lubrication. Lubrication will cause a change in torque and erratic behavior. The inherent axial loaded design will keep dirt and dust out of the friction surfaces. Capacity The clutch capacity is based on continuous operation at 50 RPM for over 25 million cycles. Torque, RPM, duty cycle and life are interdependent. A reduction of any of these will allow an increase in any other. (Running at 25 RPM will allow twice the torque, or running for only 10% of the cycle will allow higher RPM, etc.) The limit is based on heat buildup measured in watts per: Watts = Torque (inch pounds) x RPM x Duty Cycle* x 0.011. *(% of the time the clutch is slipping, expressed as a decimal. For example, 0.5 = 50% of the time the clutch is slipping) Please consult our factory for high torque, high RPM and rapid cycling applications.

 

Continuous Slip Clutches Solve Many Design Engineering Problems

 

Polyclutch® Slip Clutches can slip continuously or intermittently for over 30 million cycles.  This opens up many design engineering options including...

View field application examples

	Tension Control Maintain constant tension while winding or unwinding wire, paper, film, thread, etc. Slip clutch automatically compensates for changes in speed and diameter. Pneumatic clutch can change tension during operation.		Force Control Push product against gate with constant force. Remove gate and move to next position. No damage to product or conveyor – clutch does all the slipping. Also used for overload protection when jammed and for indexing the conveyor.
	Torque Control Screw bottle caps, screws, controls, etc., to correct torque setting. Combine with one way clutch to slip at rated torque in one direction and freewheel or positive drive in other direction.		Position Retention and Brake Hold lid, cover, door, screen, etc., at any position. Fingertip control. Combine with one way clutch for free movement in one direction.
	Indexing Hold index wheel with solenoid operated pin. Motor runs continuously with clutch slipping. Pin pulls back to index to next station. Can be single or partial revolution. Can index tables, conveyors, vending machines, controls, etc.		Soft Starts/Cushioned Stops Inertia makes clutch slip when starting and/or stopping. Results in less shock throughout the system. Ideal for slip at the end of stroke.
	Overload Protection Protect machinery and operator. Clutch will slip when mechanism is jammed. Motion will continue when impediment is removed.

 

Slip Clutch Mounting Options

 

All Polyclutch® slip clutches perform the basic function of controlling the torque between two elements. They can be supplied as a shaft-to-shaft coupling or a shaft to pulley, gear, or sprocket model. Polyclutch custom slip clutches can be provided with nonstandard bore sizes, keyways, low backlash or higher torque, minus housings and with pulley, gear or sprocket. Imagination and ingenuity have developed and created additional variations not shown here.

Mounting Application Examples

Click on an application below to view mounting option examples. Outlines in Green are Custom Additions or Customer Supplied

Shaft-Through Mounting Applications

Shaft-to-Shaft Mounting Applications

Vertical Mounting Application

Supply or Rewind Spool Application

Machine Frame Adapted to Housing or Cartidge

Hinge Retention Application