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Friction Torque Limiters

Adjustable Mechanical Overload Protection

Protecting Driveline Components Through Controlled Torque Limiting

Unexpected overloads can damage shafts, gearboxes, sprockets, bearings, chains, and other power transmission components, resulting in costly downtime and repairs. Hilliard Friction Torque Limiters provide adjustable overload protection by transmitting torque under normal operating conditions while slipping at a predetermined torque setting when overload occurs.

Designed for smooth engagement and repeatable torque performance, Hilliard Friction Torque Limiters help protect equipment from shock loads without disconnecting the driveline, allowing operation to resume once normal load conditions return.

Motion control component featuring a precision-engineered clutch assembly with friction plates and springs, designed for optimal torque transmission and performance in mechanical systems.

Hilliard Friction Torque Limiter Key Features:

Adjustable Torque Settings

Torque capacity can be precisely adjusted to match application requirements and overload protection objectives.

Continuous Slip During Overload

Maintains controlled torque transmission while slipping to help protect mechanical components from damaging overload conditions.

Dry or Oil Operation

Available for applications requiring either dry-running or oil-lubricated operation based on operating conditions.

Smooth Torque Transmission

Multiple friction surfaces provide stable torque transfer with minimal variation between static and dynamic friction.

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HOW IT WORKS

Slipping at a Preset Torque to Protect Mechanical Equipment

Unlike shear pins or disconnect mechanisms, friction torque limiters continue transmitting a controlled amount of torque when overload occurs. Once the preset torque value is exceeded, the friction discs begin slipping relative to one another, limiting the torque transferred through the driveline while preventing excessive loads from reaching downstream equipment.

Close-up of a rolling mill process, showcasing a glowing red steel bar being shaped under high pressure, with water spray cooling the heated metal. The image highlights the intricate machinery and dynamic motion involved in metalworking.

Hilliard Friction Torque Limiters provide overload protection through four operating stages:

Normal Torque Transmission

Friction discs transmit torque directly through the driveline during normal operation.

Preset Torque Limiting

Spring force establishes a predetermined torque setting that defines the overload threshold.

Controlled Slip

When transmitted torque exceeds the preset value, the friction surfaces slip smoothly to dissipate overload energy.

Automatic Return to Operation

Once the overload condition is removed, full torque transmission resumes without replacing components or manually resetting the unit.

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Industries

Adjustable Torque Limiting for Industrial Power Transmission

Friction Torque Limiters are used wherever rotating equipment must be protected from overload while maintaining continuous operation and controlled torque transmission.

All Industries

Outdoor Power Equipment

Tensioning

Steel Industry

Pulp & Paper

WHY HILLIARD

Why Companies Choose Hilliard Friction Torque Limiters

Why Hilliard

about

Proven Mechanical Overload Protection

Engineered to protect rotating equipment from damaging shock loads while maintaining controlled torque transmission during overload events.

Application-Specific Torque Control

Available in multiple sizes and torque capacities with adjustable settings to match equipment requirements and operating conditions.

Engineered for Long Service Life

Multiple friction disc construction provides consistent torque performance, repeatable operation, and dependable service in demanding industrial applications.

Engineering Support Beyond the Product

Application engineering and technical expertise help OEMs and end users select the appropriate torque limiter based on torque requirements, duty cycle, and system configuration.

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