About FASTEC Engage

Fastec Engage is a “two stage” “soft start” adjustable clutch originally  designed to complement the performance of Fastec Start. Fastec Start relies on energy stored in capacitors to start a motor/load combination and the amount of this energy is finite. This can be a limitation for  starting   high inertia loads. So  the Fastec Engage “soft start” clutch was designed to allow the motor to develop  speed  before any load is applied. When that speed is achieved, the motor will be connected to the power supply (if Fastec Start is being used) and at the same time the clutch  commences  a controlled engagement of the load using  (adjustable) slippage between the clutch plates to provide a “soft start”. When both the drive plate and driven plate are rotating at the same speed the clutch is  “locked” so that the load can be fully transferred. The clutch disengages when the motor stops.

Fastec Engage is a low cost, light weight, “soft start” clutch with many industrial applications. It will  also improve the productivity of small renewable energy schemes, such as small hydro, solar and wind generation. Typically while such generators may be capable of running a (say) 2.2 kW motor, they may be unable to start it because of their inability to supply the required in-rush current. However if Fastec Engage is used, with or without Fastec Start, the motor is able to develop rotational speed before the load is engaged, so that in-rush current is reduced. The load is then able to be brought up to speed using controlled slippage to achieve a “soft start” which reduces the impact of engagement.
Fastec Engage is lightweight, and adjustable allowing both the speed of engagement to be changed, and also the time (number of cycles) over which the load is brought to speed after the clutch engages.

  • Fastec Engage  only engages the load after the motor has achieved a minimum (adjustable) required rotational speed
  • As the clutch commences to engage with the load it allows controlled (and adjustable) slippage between the clutch plates until both the drive and driven plates are rotating at the same speed. Motor speed is maintained
  • When both of the clutch plates are rotating at the same speed they are “locked” together so that  the  load can be transferred.
  • When the motor stops  the clutch disengages.
  • The clutch is compact and can be easily fitted
Fastec Engage can  be customised for different motor shaft sizes and motor speeds. There are currently 2 models of Fastec Engage,  a 2-pole model which is lighter in weight and designed for a higher rotational speed before the clutch engages, and a 4-pole model with a slower speed of engagement. Fastec Engage can replace other heavier and more expensive “soft start” couplings such as magnetic hysteresis clutches and hydraulic couplings as well as electronic soft starters.  Examples of applications are to  reduce the starting shear on a motor shaft keyway, and with windmills to engage or disengage the load at a pre-determined speed.