What is Torque Limiter and what is its function?

Torque limiter, also known as torque restrictor, safety coupling, or overload protector, is a mechanical transmission safety protection component. It is a protective device installed between the motor, reducer, transmission shaft, and chain/belt drive. The core function is to limit the maximum output torque of the transmission system.

Main Functions

Overload Protection (Core)

When the equipment gets stuck, jams, or experiences a sudden increase in load, if the torque exceeds the set value, it will slip / disengage, cutting off the power transmission and preventing the motor from burning out, gears from breaking, shafts from fracturing, and chains from snapping.

Buffer impact loads

When starting, emergency stopping, or when the material impact generates a sudden large torque, the system automatically disengages to protect the entire machine's transmission structure.

Prevent secondary damage to the equipment

During the locked-rotor condition, there will be no forced pulling, thus avoiding damage to the workpiece, mold, and conveying mechanism.

Automatic reset (for most models)

After the fault is resolved and the load returns to normal, the transmission can automatically reconnect, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and assembly.

Common Application Scenarios

Conveyor belts, packaging machinery, printing equipment, machine tools, woodworking machinery, agricultural machinery, automated production lines, gear / chain transmission mechanisms, etc.

Simple Classification (Commonly Used)

Friction-type Torque Limiter: Limits torque by the slipping of friction plates, the most versatile and reusable.

Ball/Steel Ball Type Torque Limiter: Releases the mechanism upon overload and has high precision.

Cutting Pin Type: Directly cuts the pin upon overload, provides one-time protection, mostly used in heavy equipment.