Glossary
Plain-language glossary of industrial brake, encoder, rotary union, buffer and power transmission terms.
Brake Torque
Brake torque is the rotational holding or decelerating force a brake applies — measured in Nm and specified relative to the brake-shaft speed.
Holding Brake
A holding brake is a failsafe spring-applied brake whose job is to hold a stationary load against gravity or wind — not to decelerate.
Dynamic Brake
A dynamic (service) brake decelerates a moving load — sized for energy dissipation per cycle rather than peak holding torque.
Position Encoder
A position encoder reports the angular position of a rotating shaft — incremental (pulse count) or absolute (encoded position).
SSI Encoder
SSI (Synchronous Serial Interface) is a clocked serial protocol used by most absolute encoders to transmit position to the drive or PLC.
Rotary Union
A rotary union (rotating joint) transfers fluid or gas from stationary supply piping into a rotating shaft, drum or roll.
Hydraulic Buffer
A hydraulic buffer absorbs impact energy by forcing oil through a metered orifice — delivering a flat, low peak-force deceleration.
Cellular Buffer
A cellular buffer is a closed-cell elastomer block that absorbs impact through elastic deformation — simple, maintenance-free, lighter duty than hydraulic.
Flexible Coupling
A flexible coupling transmits torque between two shafts while accepting angular, parallel and axial misalignment.
Conveyor Pulley Lagging
Pulley lagging is the rubber, ceramic or composite layer bonded to a conveyor pulley shell to increase grip and protect the shell.
Thruster Brake
A thruster brake is a spring-applied drum or disc brake released by a hydraulic thruster — the workhorse of heavy industrial braking.
Rail Clamp
A rail clamp is a failsafe storm brake that grips the crane rail to anchor the gantry against wind.