Industrial robots

Brakes for Vertical Axis Robots

In any robot axis where gravity acts on the load — a vertical lifting column, a robot arm reaching upward, a payload transfer system — the brake is a safety-critical component. EIDE brakes provide secure load holding at any position when the drive is de-energized, and controlled deceleration during normal operation cycles.

Available in spring-applied and electromagnetic configurations, EIDE brakes engage automatically on power loss — a fundamental requirement for vertical axis safety in robotic installations.

FPC Series Safety Brakes — Overspeed and Free-Fall Protection

When a robotic system operates on a rack-and-pinion vertical drive — a lifting column elevating a robot arm and its payload — standard holding brakes manage normal operation. But uncontrolled descent under overspeed or free-fall conditions requires a dedicated safety device.

The EIDE FPC Safety Brake is a purely mechanical safety device that detects overspeed through a centrifugal mechanism. When the preset tripping speed is exceeded, the brake engages directly with the rack and arrests motion instantly — without relying on any electrical signal to trigger the stop.

Simultaneously, an integrated electrical monitoring switch interrupts power to the drive system, ensuring complete cessation of downward movement.

Key characteristics:

• Purely mechanical actuation — no electrical trigger required for engagement
• Centrifugal overspeed detection — responds to actual motion, not control signals
• Available in clockwise, counter-clockwise, and bi-directional configurations
• Four load ratings: FPC-500, FPC-1000, FPC-3500, FPC-6000
• Tripping speed and braking torque set by EIDE to match each specific application
• Latching design — remains locked after activation until manually reset by authorised personnel

The FPC series is designed for lifting platforms, construction hoists, wind tower equipment, elevators, and any vertical rack-and-pinion system where uncontrolled descent must be prevented.

Clutches for Robotic Drive Systems

EIDE clutches manage torque transmission within the robot’s drive train, enabling smooth engagement, controlled speed transitions, and rapid disengagement on demand. In articulated arms and elevator-based robotic systems, precise clutch response directly affects positioning accuracy and cycle repeatability.

Torque Limiters for Robot and Operator Protection

Collision events, unexpected load changes, or mechanical faults can generate peak torques that damage both the robot and surrounding infrastructure. EIDE torque limiters mechanically disconnect the drive train the instant torque exceeds the pre-set threshold — protecting gearboxes, motors, and structural components, and reducing risk to nearby operators.

This makes them a key element in collaborative robot environments and any installation where human-robot interaction is part of the process.

EIDE provides configurable solutions to match the specific axis configuration, duty cycle, and safety requirements of your robotic system. Contact our technical team to discuss your application.