Posted to News on 16th Sep 2016, 00:00
VSD brakes harness latest performance developments
The range of modular brakes from Twiflex has been expanded with the launch of the new VSD series, which incorporates several technological improvements. Designed for use in a variety of industrial braking applications, the VSD series is simple to install, adjust and maintain.
The standard VSD range from Twiflex comprises eight model ratings and follows the design principles of the well-proven VKSD and VMS2 ranges, featuring two spring module assemblies mounted each side of a central mounting plate. As a spring applied, hydraulically released brake caliper, the VSD offers braking forces ranging from 100kN to 220kN.
The design includes features such as the parked-off facility, increased braking forces with lower operating pressures, the option of a floating version and the improved flexibility of a modular design that is not achievable with the similarly rated legacy ‘VS’ range. The new brake will accommodate a wider range of disc sizes and provides a more compact and cost effective solution.
The VSD series is designed to make both installation and maintenance simple; offering a range of status monitoring options as well as fast and simple adjustment and rapid pad change procedures that require no special tools.
Through continued commitment to R&D, Twiflex, which is part of Altra Industrial Motion, offers one of the widest and most advanced ranges of heavy duty brakes on the market. It’s this range that makes it possible for Twiflex engineers to quickly design a solution that can be optimised to almost any application.
The new VSD consolidates the Twiflex modular brake range with a series of designs sharing common features and benefits, and a format that is repeated from the smallest (VBS) to the largest (VMS range), meaning that the installation, setting and maintenance processes will be familiar to anyone already operating Twiflex calipers.
The company has also recently announced new developments for controlling propeller shafts at sea or during routine maintenance, including the TLB (turning, locking and braking) system. Originally designed in-house by Twiflex for ice breaking vessels, the TLB system has been further developed for a wide range of marine propulsion requirements to consolidate three separate interfaces (turning, locking and braking) into one multifunctional solution. The modular nature of the design offers each function – turning (T), locking (L), braking (B) – individually or as a combination (TL, LB or TB) in addition to the full TLB system.
Initially based on five standard brake disc sizes, continuous turning torques of up to 454kNm are available and, depending on configuration, an alternative indexing system is offered as an option. Operation local to the equipment is provided by a compact power unit and control panel or remote pendant.
