Clutches - Driven by excellence

Clutches - We are your technological partner and innovative manufacturer of drive technology

Mönninghoff clutches are known for their extensive variant diversity, compact design, high torque transmissions and unconditional reliability. They thus meet all demands of modern mechanical engineering and can be obtained for practically every application in an optimized customer-specific version.

Together, we can develop individual and innovative solutions for any extreme operating condition.

Electromagnetic tooth clutches

Pneumatic tooth clutches

Multiple-disc clutches

Pole face friction clutches

What is a clutch?

A clutch disconnects and connects the drivetrain. A clutch can be engaged when both input and output drive are at a standstill or when there is a difference in rotational speed between the two drive shafts.

How does a clutch work?

The transmission of torque can be realized by either friction, such as with disks or friction surfaces (see Multiple-disc clutches and Pole face friction clutches), or through positive engagement via interlocking teeth (see toothed clutches). The operating principle can be either electromagnetic or pneumatic.

When are clutches used?

Clutches are used when the drivetrain needs to be temporarily disengaged. The torque transmission can be maintained without power by keeping the drive pairs engaged with springs or through the active application of a force, such as magnetic force.

What distinguishes a clutch from a flexible shaft coupling?

A rigid or torsionally stiff shaft coupling forms a permanent connection between the input and output, compensating shaft misalignments and dampening vibrations. In contrast, a clutch connects and disconnects the drivetrain without accommodating these misalignments. Consequently, clutches and shaft couplings are often used in combination, for instance, the Electromagnetic tooth clutch Type 546 with the HexaFlex Type 313.

Can a clutch be engaged when there is a difference in rotational speed?

Positive engagement clutches like toothed clutches should ideally be engaged when there is no differential rotation to avoid damaging the teeth. In specific applications, toothed clutches can be engaged under rotational speed by adjusting the tooth geometry. Otherwise, for engagement during rotation, a friction clutch (Multiple-disc clutch, Pole face friction clutch) is a better alternative.

Find out more about the function and features of our electromagnetic tooth clutches via our YouTube channel.

Rely on Mönninghoff know-how for your drive technology:
together we will develop the ideal clutch for your application

There is an enormous number of variants in the field of clutches. Different operating principles such as positive or frictional locking, special material alloys or different designs of individual components create endless possibilities for adapting the clutch to the application. Torques between 20 and 36,000 Nm are easily possible.

As an experienced and competent partner in the field of drive technology Mönninghoff offers you the right solution for every application.

Electromagnetic tooth clutches: Thanks to our particularly high level of competence in the field of gearing, Mönninghoff tooth clutches can master any task within the drive train. The latest development in this area is an energy-efficient, bistable clutch - our patented M1. With a completely new operating principle, it can save up to 99% of the energy consumption - depending on the application - and at the same time maintains its switching state safely even during power failures.

Multiple-disc clutches: A further product group within the range of clutches is the multi-plate clutch, which has the highest power density among Mönninghoff clutches. It has been specially developed for very high torques in small installation spaces. Even though the product has been manufactured by Mönninghoff since the 1960s, new high-tech applications can still be found today that can only be solved with this proven operating principle..

Pneumatic tooth clutches: However, pneumatically operated systems can also be advantageous for some applications, because a pneumatically released tooth clutch does not require any additional energy supply. Systems that already work pneumatically often prefer this operating principle.

Pole face friction clutches: Our pole-friction clutches are suitable for torque transmission with initial differential speed between the drive elements. They can also withstand harsher environments and are therefore particularly suitable for heavy-duty applications.

The engineers at Mönninghoff design the appropriate clutch for each application on a customer-specific basis and combine other drive elements such as non-switchable shaft couplings or gears as well as sensors or housings as required. Clutch-brake combinations are also a proven solution for many complex drive tasks.

Especially developed for the increasing safety requirements of modern machines and plants, we guarantee a long service life and high functional reliability for all our systems.

What can we engineer for you?
innovation@moenninghoff.de

Strong performance not only for your clutch: Mönninghoff is your partner for innovative drive systems

Whether voice coil actuator, holding brakes, torque limiter or shaft coupling: Our claim is to provide you with the most suitable drive technology for every application.

We achieve this by:

  • an intensive dialogue and exchange of ideas with the responsible designers,
  • a sound understanding of all areas of mechanical and plant engineering,
  • the flexibility, creativity and motivation of all our employees,
  • a highly modern machine park,
  • a distinct awareness of quality.

We would be pleased to tell you more about our company and our products. You can reach us by telephone on +49 2327 – 3033 250, by E-Mail or via our contact form. What can we engineer for you?