Secure holding function in the electrified powertrain

High demands on safety and performance characterize the material handling equipment industry. With increasing electrification, electric drive systems and their safety components are coming into sharper focus. Compact spring-applied brakes from Kendrion contribute significantly to the operational safety of material handling equipment and impress with their stable braking torque throughout their service life, robust design for industrial operating conditions, and high mechanical load capacity during emergency stops.

For the operation of counterbalance forklifts, the holding brake is a key component: It secures the vehicle when stationary on ramps, is mechanically designed for a high number of load cycles, and engages reliably in the event of a malfunction. The proven fail-safe principle – spring-actuated, electrically released, and closed when de-energized – is used here.

With the BFK552-12 and BFK457-14 spring-applied brakes, Kendrion provides its customers with precisely targeted solutions for electric counterbalance forklifts. For decades, these brake specialists have been developing components for the material handling market, supporting manufacturers and system partners with application-oriented design and production-ready implementation. Their portfolio ranges from standard brakes to application-specific variants – tailored to motor/gearbox integration, installation position, and protection class requirements.

Flat, robust, energy-optimized – BFK552

The BFK552-12 from Kendrion is a low-profile spring-applied brake with a height of only 43.7 mm and a braking torque of 60 Nm – designed for counterbalance drives, including back-to-back configurations. With its IP66 protection rating, the brake is ideally suited for use in demanding climatic environments. Overexcitation and holding current reduction minimize power loss and heat generation, which in turn has a positive impact on the efficiency and service life of the forklifts. As a ready-to-install unit, the brake reduces assembly and adjustment time and minimizes typical installation errors. Furthermore, customers benefit from the global availability of brakes developed and manufactured in Germany.

Design-in platform for the highest demands: BFK457-14

For new developments with higher performance requirements, the BFK457-14 is available as a design-in platform: With a braking torque of more than 90 Nm and designed for high emergency stop energies, the brake proves its worth in practice, even at high speeds. Particularly space-saving compact versions facilitate integration into confined drive compartments and allow for application-specific adaptations.

Application experience meets vertical integration

In developing its brakes, Kendrion combines application experience with vertical integration, relying for decades on its German development site, established project management, a high level of service, and its in-house rotor production.