Mach III was contacted by a facility which uses large manually operated control valves. The quarter-turn valves are driven through right angle worm reducers by hand operated chain wheels. Due to the unfortunate fact that human beings are not equipped with torque sensors in their muscles, costly downtime failures were occurring when excess force was applied to the worm reducer via the chain wheel. Working with the facility's engineer, Mach III designed a special, keyless, friction torque limiter to connect the chain wheel to the reducer shaft.
In addition to designing and manufacturing the torque limiter, Mach III also provided the customer with a mounting diagram including suggested dimensions for machining their existing chain wheel to accept the new device. Although Mach III offers the service of machining existing mating components, in this case the customer's shop felt comfortable with the task. The torque limiter was successfully installed and adjusted to a setting where it would slip to protect the worm reducer when the shop gorilla swings on the chain.
Those accustomed to working with other clutch suppliers might assume that only an application promising considerable quantities would merit this level of attention. But this customer needed only three torque limiters, and spent just about one thousand dollars. So what is the motivation? A report from the customer that the new system "worked perfectly".
If you've got a nagging issue needing a clutch, brake or torque limiter solution and are concerned that no one will think it's worth their while, give Mach III a call. We know you will be pleasantly surprised.
The photograph below shows a pair of Conway 858 series clutch mechanisms used on a Norton Hyprolap lapping machine. Both units are mounted on a common shaft with one acting as a brake and the other as a clutch. Due to the design of the machine, diameter and length were very limited. To provide a drop-in replacement, Mach III created the M5R2K-001 clutch mechanism (link to drawing below) by combining the catalog-standard M5R2K-STH clutch mechanism with a custom designed adapter. The pair cost the owner of this machine less than $2,000.00 USD and saved the additional expense of machine modification.
Mach III has assisted a number of customers seeking items no longer available from Conway Clutch. While it is helpful to know the model number of the current Conway unit, it is more important to understand how the clutch is mounted and the function it is required to perform. Digital photos like those on the right or a sketch of the clutch and how it relates to the existing drive train are extremely useful. Contact Mach III for assistance replacing a Conway clutch or with any retrofit application.
M5R2K-001 OUTLINE ASSEMBLY.pdf (175.09 kb)
A manufacturer of plastics forming machinery needed a replacement for a troublesome caliper disc brake but no manufacturer 
offered a servo brake that would match their Japanese servo drive (metric) and U.S. made gear reducer (English). Mach III’s design team saved the OEM the expense of modifying the machine design by offering a c-face, spring applied brake to fit between these two components. Since this successful application, the OEM has requested similar designs for other models in their line of equipment.
Trying to find a replacement for a Conway Clutch product that is no longer manufactured? Mach III Clutch can provide a solution that fits your current application and mounting requirements. Mach III catalog standard clutches displayed on this website are similar in design and function to Conway Clutches but are not typically suited for direct replacement without some modification.
Our engineering department will be glad to assist you with a replacement solution. While it is helpful to know the current Conway Clutch model number, it is also important that we understand how the clutch is mounted and the function it is performing. Digital photographs of clutch and how it relates the existing drive are also useful.
