An electrically activated mechanical brake is ready for use on Copley Controls line of ServoTube linear actuators. The new brake lets linear actuators hold vertical position with power off. The brake provides a solution to power-down parking of vertical axes, and controls the actuator during power failures. The compact bolt-on brake works on any ServoTube Forcer. In addition, the brake does not expand the actuator's profile-and is IP67 rated.

The Canton, Mass.-based company (copleycontrols.com) says the brake is adjustment free and has a unidirectional self-jamming design. Motor motion creates necessary forces for both braking and release. The brake can be reset by the motor, and provides braking force in excess of 200 N. Once reset, the brake is held off by a 24V electromagnet. The motor operates normally until subsequent interruption of 24V magnet power activates the brake.