What is a centrifugal brake?
Centrifugal brakes provide automatic, speed-dependent deceleration without requiring external power.
It does so through a combination of centrifugal force and friction. As the rotational speed increases, internal weights (flyweights) are thrown outward, pressing friction linings against a stationary outer drum to slow the rotation.
Where are centrifugal brakes deployed?
As they require no external power source, centrifugal brakes inherently provide a fail-safe speed control, making them an ideal backup to electronically controlled spring-applied brakes where people or goods move.
Below are some key scenarios where they are beneficial:
Fall & Rescue Equipment: Used as automatic descenders for industrial abseiling, emergency escape systems and safety backups on climbing auto belays and zip lines.
Industrial Lifting: Serve as redundant, speed-regulating brakes on construction hoists, overhead cranes as well as elevators to prevent uncontrolled, catastrophic drops.
Marine & Energy: Regulate lowering speeds on lifeboat davits into water and emergency descent systems in wind turbines.
Security & Doors: To control the smooth, safe closing speed of heavy rolling security gates and fire-protection doors.
Reel Mechanisms: Prevent high-speed backlash in heavy-duty measuring tapes and self-retracting lifelines.
Through our decades of expertise in delivering brake systems and working with a wide range of customers we’re able to supply both bespoke brake systems as well as the Amsbeck range of centrifugal brake systems.
Since 1982, Amsbeck has been manufacturing safety braking systems to support the construction, agriculture and industrial machinery sectors. The family-owned business produces centrifugal clutches, centrifugal brakes, shifting clutches and push-on gears for OEMs. And we have worked together for a number of years to provide specialised braking systems when a precise speed control is required.
We’re also able to provide designed solutions that meet specific customer requirements, typically in applications such as abseiling equipment, rolling gates and elevators.
How to choose the right brake?
There are some key considerations we go through with our customers when selecting the ideal centrifugal brake to meet precise operational limits.
The first is to look at torque capacity as the brake must safely accommodate the maximum operational torque required by your system without slipping. Engagement speed is then also critical to verify that the brake triggers at the exact RPM necessary to keep your specific equipment safe or to function as an effective speed limiter.
Heat management is a key safety and durability consideration. Owing to the heavy friction-induced heat generated during operation the system must be capable of managing them without fading and premature wear.
Furthermore, modular and accessible brake designs allow for quick friction pad replacements and routine servicing which can minimise equipment downtime.
If you have a system that requires a proven method for controlling speed, that is cost-effective and can be designed to meet your exact requirements for safety and durability contact our team to discuss the right solution.