Variable Speed Clutch Control Device Molded Of PEEK Changes Clutch Gear Ratio – Improved Design From Minnesota Rubber And Plastics Facilitates More Efficient Operation And Longer Life
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Variable speed clutch control devices molded of PEEK change clutch gear ratio more efficiently and are more durable than earlier designs molded and machined of a low performing thermoset material. The PEEK design from Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MR&P) improves clutch operation while adding to clutch longevity.
Clutch control assemblies take a beating. Off-highway vehicle designers are constantly seeking new materials that enhance performance while reducing costs for these clutch assemblies. So by improving the design and going to PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), MR&P reduced friction, improved clutch performance and extended operating life.
Three of these control switch buttons are utilized in each clutch assembly. They are aligned with each other and slide up and down on an incline plane in the clutch. During alternating up/down sequences, the switch buttons carry the full torque load of the clutch. As the torque requirements for the clutch change, the three PEEK switch buttons slide on the incline plane activating a disc that changes the gear ratio of the clutch. This alternating motion during vehicle operation puts a heavy stress load on the clutch and all of its components, particularly the sliding switch buttons.
MR&P's switch to PEEK gives the control switch buttons added strength, durability and high temperature capability compared to the previous design. PEEK's polymer flexibility enhances the control switch buttons' compression efficiency and avoids temperature buildup. Also, the PEEK components have minimal moisture absorption, so if the clutch assemblies become wet, the control switch buttons retain shape, won't corrode and maintain close tolerances for continued reliable performance.
In addition to PEEK, MR&P specializes in the molding of a full range of high performance plastics including PEI, Aurum®, Torlon® and many others.
To augment and advance customer design and manufacturing programs, MR&P offers comprehensive design services. These include: preliminary engineering assistance and mechanical design review, and materials engineering including research and development into a full range of high performance plastics. MR&P also provides rapid mold design, development and prototype services, process engineering and injection, compression, and transfer and liquid silicone rubber molding, including metal-to-plastics conversions.
With over 65 years experience serving a broad range of industries, MR&P provides large scale capabilities to handle all custom molding requirements. MR&P's corporate-wide quality systems include: ISO 13485, ISO-TS 16949 and ISO 9000 in all facilities. These facilities operate under a corporate-wide Environmental Management System registered to ISO-14001.