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Electromagnetic tooth clutches engage through interlocking teeth rather than friction surfaces. When the coil is energized, the electromagnetic field draws the armature toward the rotor until the teeth mesh. Once engaged, torque is transmitted entirely through the teeth — there is no slip, no friction-dependent torque limit, and no wear on the engagement surfaces during normal operation. When power is removed, the faces separate completely with zero drag torque in the disengaged state.
Because torque is transmitted mechanically through teeth, tooth clutches deliver the highest torque capacity per unit diameter of any electromagnetic clutch type. They operate effectively in both dry and oil bath environments.
The critical operating constraint is engagement speed. Tooth clutches must engage at low or zero relative speed between the input and driven members — generally under 30 RPM. Engaging at higher speeds causes tooth impact damage. This makes tooth clutches unsuitable for applications requiring engagement while both shafts are at operating speed.
Electromate carries two Ogura tooth clutch series. The MZ engages at any aligned tooth position and is the general-purpose choice for high-torque indexing and positional applications. The MZS is a single-position variant — it engages only at one specific rotational position, making it the correct choice where the driven shaft must always stop and restart at the same angular position.
Series Comparison Table
Series
Engagement Position
Torque Range
Max RPM (running)
Max Engagement RPM
Bore Range
Voltage
Environment
MZ
Any tooth alignment
18.5–2,899 ft-lbs
1,400–5,000
~30 RPM
20–100 mm
24 VDC
Dry or oil bath
MZS
Single fixed position only
Contact Electromate
Contact Electromate
~30 RPM
Contact Electromate
24 VDC
Dry or oil bath
Electromagnetic Tooth Clutches for Purchase & Quote:
An electromagnetic tooth clutch uses an energized coil to draw an armature toward a rotor until their teeth interlock. Once engaged, torque is transmitted entirely through the mechanical teeth with no slip and no friction surfaces in contact. When power is removed, the armature and rotor faces separate completely, leaving zero drag torque in the disengaged state.
What is the maximum engagement speed for a tooth clutch?
Tooth clutches must engage at low or zero relative speed between the input and driven members — generally under 30 RPM. Engaging at higher speeds causes tooth impact damage. This is the primary application constraint for this clutch type. If your application requires engagement while both shafts are at operating speed, an electromagnetic friction clutch or multiple-disc clutch is the correct type.
What is the difference between the Ogura MZ and MZS tooth clutch series?
The MZ engages at any aligned tooth position and is the general-purpose choice for high-torque indexing and positional applications. The MZS is a single-position clutch — it engages only at one specific rotational position. The MZS is used where the driven shaft must always stop and restart at the same defined angular position, such as indexing tables and registration-critical machinery.
How does a tooth clutch compare to a friction clutch in torque capacity?
Tooth clutches deliver the highest torque capacity per unit diameter of any electromagnetic clutch type because torque is transmitted through mechanical teeth rather than friction surfaces. The Ogura MZ series covers 18.5 to 2,899 ft-lbs. An equivalent outer diameter friction clutch will deliver significantly less torque because it depends on friction force rather than mechanical interlocking.
Can electromagnetic tooth clutches run in oil?
Yes. The Ogura MZ and MZS series are designed to operate in both dry and oil bath environments. This makes them suitable for integration into gearboxes and enclosed drive systems where the clutch shares a lubrication circuit with other drivetrain components.
Is there backlash in an electromagnetic tooth clutch?
The MZ series has minimal inherent backlash due to the tooth geometry. A zero-backlash option is available for applications requiring precise positional repeatability. When disengaged, the faces separate completely so there is no drag torque and no torque transmitted between input and output regardless of relative speed.
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