In a world of ‘just enough’ finding ‘just right’ is increasingly difficult. Many options will fit your needs but there’s always a trade-off in cost and performance.

Rather than pay for features and performance you don’t need, learning the features of DC motor brakes eliminates waste. 

When you understand what a product offers, you can fit your needs exactly. 

The following provides key tips for selecting an electric motor brake for any purpose.

DC Motor Brakes

Generally speaking, there are two categories of electronic motor brake: spring-set and electrically engaged. 

Spring-set brakes provide excellent stop times and hold. Electrically engaged brakes allow for rapid cycling of stops and starts.

Outside of these two broad categories, you also want to select a brake for longevity, required hold, and non-fiscal costs.

1. Power Supply

A brake is only as good as the power being supplied. Consider the maximum rating of your power supply and then aim down from that.

A power supply won’t provide peak power to every device every time. Variations in distance and voltage occur. Remember that actively engaged brakes take from that supply so consider the number of brakes you can safely power at any one time. 

Running brakes on their own power supply is advisable but not always practical. 

2. Cycle Rate

For brakes that are cycling, rather than locking out, you need to consider the waste products of that cycle. This includes heat, power fluctuations, and motive shifts.

Heat transfers rates need to be considered as well as vibrational frequency to a surrounding line or components.

The design of the brake matters to address waste-heat and mechanical stress. Depending on the load and frequency of tasks, AC motor braking vs DC motor braking is an early consideration.

3. Noise

Brake noise, especially from high-cycle frequency devices, adds up and needs to be considered for workspaces. 

Baffles and mechanical noise dispersion needs to be considered. A quieter brake, insulated internally, will have a trade-off with waste heat. 

Maintenance and lubrication schedules are additional factors that contribute to noise. 

4. Industry Standards

Not all manufacturing industries share the same standards. Meeting and exceeding standards in terms of tolerances and performance is a first-tier concern. 

Start with a detailed breakdown of the specifics from the governing standards body. These typically contain listings that narrow down choices significantly.

Standards also come into play with regard to noise and overall temperature ranges allowed in work areas.

5. Environmental Conditions

External factors such as temperature, moisture, and elevation influence performance. 

Temperature is important for understanding the transfer of waste heat. A hot environment will saturate quickly while a cold environment may lead to further maintenance. 

for areas with high humidity, rust and oxidization resistant material should be considered. 

Push Harder

With these tips in mind, finding the DC motor brakes you need is much easier. 

Focus on a primary characteristic and then aim for as many additional positives as possible. 

If you have questions about a product or a difficult niche to fill, contact us for support.