Smart Factory

When torque requirements exceed what a standard single face electromagnetic clutch can deliver — or when the available envelope simply doesn’t have room for a large-diameter friction face — engineers reach for the high-torque side of the Ogura catalog: multiple disk clutches, multiple disk brakes, and tooth clutches. These are not simply “bigger” versions of standard electromagnetic clutches. Each type achieves high torque density through a fundamentally different mechanical architecture, and each carries specific application constraints that determine whether it is the right fit for a given design. Getting this selection right — especially for tooth clutches, where a single specification error can result in a costly failure — requires understanding both the engineering advantages and the operating boundaries of each type. This article covers multiple disk and tooth electromagnetic clutches and brakes in full detail: how they work, what they’re rated for, where they’re used, and the critical sizing parameters engineers need to get right before placing an order.