Airflex Constricting Clutches & Brakes

A constricting element sits outside the drum and its tube expands inward, pressing the friction shoes onto the outside of the drum. An expanding element sits inside the drum and presses outward. Constricting elements apply force at the maximum radius for very high torque; expanding elements move heat quickly to the drum surface, which suits slip clutch and tension brake duty.

The VC Series is the standard Airflex grinding mill clutch, and the HEVC adds about 25% more torque and longer slip times for large mills with long, high-energy starts. Mills on VFDs can also use an Airflex torque limiter coupling built on VC technology.

Use the element size from the nameplate or the part number (for example 12CB350 or 38VC1200). The size tables below link to every listed part for that size: elements, tubes, friction shoes and blocks, drums, hubs, spiders and kits.

Yes. Gordon Russell is an authorized Airflex service centre. We rebuild CB and VC elements, replace tubes and friction, and check drums, hubs and spiders. Send us the size and serial number, or photos, and we will quote parts or a complete rebuild.

Yes. Airflex was an Eaton brand for decades. Danfoss acquired Eaton's hydraulics business in 2021, and Airflex is now part of Vickers by Danfoss, alongside Vickers hydraulics. It is the same product line, from the same engineering team, with the same part numbers, so we supply genuine parts and rebuilds whether your unit says Eaton, Danfoss or Vickers.