Providing high-tension control on win- ches can be both costly and time consuming. While conventional brake equipment has application limitations, Wichita Clutch, the heavy duty clutch and brake division of Altra Industrial Motion, has introduced the AquaMaKKs water cooled brake.
Wichita’s AquaMaKKs features a new optimized design, allowing for flexible mounting, superior heat dispersion, and a savings in both time and maintenance.
Founded in 1949, Wichita is a global leader in power transmission for heavy duty industrial pneumatic and hydraulically actuated clutches and brakes. Using unique water channels, Wichita provides an ideal solution for high-heat and critical high-tension applications.
“We are excited about the flexibility the AquaMaKKs provides our customers,” said Mark Stuebe, vice president and general manager - Heavy Duty Clutch & Brake Group.
As the newest addition to Wichita’s family of water-cooled airtube clutches and brakes, AquaMaKKs is suited for applications in oil and gas, metal processing and forming, forestry, and marine deck machinery.
As standard, AquaMaKKs features marine-grade coatings and materials suitable for marine deck environments or other difficult environments such as those found in oilfield settings on land and offshore.
“No optional saltwater corrosion protection is required,” Stuebe said. “The new design is complete with marine-grade paint, stainless steel fasteners and components - all at the same cost as a standard brake.”
With their patented water jacket design, AquaMaKKs water cooled brakes and clutches ensure high heat absorption and torque stability. This allows for greater heat dispersion over similar-sized competitive units.
AquaMaKKs equipment is pneumatically controlled and water cooled, and consists of a series of alternating friction discs and water jackets. It provides accurate torque control for constant tensioning. Torque is transmitted by applying axial force from the pneumatic, or spring set, actuator. Its distinctive pin column arrangement provides structural integrity of case. Copper alloy wear plates are also used for maximum heat dispersion and wear life.
The new AquaMaKKs also is easier to install, service and maintain than other water-cooled brakes. With the simplicity of AquaMaKKs design, the brakes contain fewer parts than conventional models. The result is a savings of both time and money for the customer.
“This new model is easily adjusted for wear and holds up well to harsh environments,” Stuebe said. “It also includes a multiple mounting capability and long-life friction materials to ensure the best for our customers.”
AquaMaKKs’ unique mounting pattern enables direct replacement to Wichita or competitive units. A shim design also allows for easy maintenance. Additionally, adjustment for wear is easily accomplished by removing shims without any unit disassembly.
“Customers no longer need to make changes to the overall design just to replace a part on the brake,” Stuebe said.
Wichita Clutch, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, was originally founded as a supplier of clutches for drilling and service rigs. Today, the company employs more than 120 skilled workers and has expanded its services to include clutches and brakes for OEM’s, machine re-builders, and end-users.
Wichita UK, in Bedford, England, is a sister facility and manufactures a wide range of Wichita air-operated friction clutches and brakes. Wichita UK also is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality and environmental standards, and approved by various ship classification societies.
The parent company, Altra Industrial Motion, is a leading multinational designer, producer and marketer of a wide range of mechanical power transmission products.
Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Altra also provides products for use in a wide variety of high-volume manufacturing processes. The reliability and accuracy of Altra products are critical in both avoiding costly down time and enhancing the overall efficiency of manufacturing operations.
Sold in more than 70 countries throughout the world, Altra products are marketed under a variety of well-recognized and established manufacturing brand names including Ameridrives, Boston Gear, Warner Electric, Formsprag Clutch, Industrial Clutch, Kilian Manufacturing, Marland Clutch, Nuttall Gear, Stieber Clutch, Twiflex Ltd, Huco Dynatork, Bibby Transmissions, Matrix International, Inertia Dynamics, Saftek Friction, Delroyd Worm Gear, Warner Linear, and Wichita Clutch.
For more information about the AquaMaKKs water cooled brake, contact Mark Stuebe, vice president & general manager - Heavy Duty Clutch & Brake Group. He can be reached at 940-723-3465 or[email protected].
