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Magnetic Couplings Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can coupling be used without a pressure barrier? YES. The pressure barrier is only required
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if a pressure differential is expected between the two components or if the areas must be sealed 2. What is the torque / speed behavior for hysteresis and eddy current couplings? Eddy current devices have a straight-line torque-speed characteristic, with the torque increasing linearly with the speed by virtue of the fact that the induced currents vary in magnitude with the speed of the rotating field. The eddy current torque coupling converts energy into heat in the conductive device. If the heat is not dissipated, it will increase the temperature of the conductive device and cause the drop off of the torque. In hysteresis drag devices, the work done per revolution is constant and independent of time. So torque is constant vs rotational speed. If the hysteresis component is conductive, it will also generate eddy current torque. As shown in the accompanying graph, the eddy current torque is proportional to rotational speed. So the torque curve of hysteresis coupling can be shown below. 3. Is there a speed limit to these couplings? The maximum speed of a coupling is very difficult to

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quantify. This depends on the design and application. Mechanically, the system can be designed and manufactured to handle virtually any speed (balancing and banding). Eddy currents induced in conductive media are typically the limiting factor in any magnetic coupling. These eddy currents lead to reduced force transmission and heating that may rival the efficiency of induction heaters in very high velocity applications. 4. Are there size limitations for these devices? Virtually any size and shape can be produced. Torque couplings ranging from the mNm range to the kNm range have been designed and manufactured. Linear couplings from the mN to the kN range have also been designed and manufactured. 5. Do magnetic couplings self support or float? Magnetics is a tricky topic that lends itself to ideas of levitation. Unfortunately, magnetic fields are never perfectly balanced and will always cause assemblies to shift to the lowest energy state. Consequently, all magnetic couplings require full mechanical support through radial and thrust bearings. 6. What happens if I exceed the force/torque rating of my coupling? Luckily, due to the noncontact nature of these devices, they are inherently tolerant of overloading. For synchronous devices (Class I), and overload leads to a ratcheting effect as like poles repel one and other. If the vibration does not cause damage to the system, the device will either recouple (torque couplings) or can be reset (linear couplings) once the load is returned to normal. For eddy current devices (Class II), permanent damage may occur as a result of eddy current heating. The amount of damage and heating is proportional to the amount of time the overload is active. For short durations, the system will simply recouple.

Dexter Magnetic Technologies is the global leader in specication, design and fabrication of magnetic products and assemblies. Since its founding in 1951, solutions designed by Dexter have and continue to positively impact our world daily from life-saving medical devices to intelligent optics. As the essential magnetic system partner, our teams of engineers and support staff are dedicated to delivering innovative technological solutions and services through a powerful combination of engineering and manufacturing expertise.

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