Midwest Brake® is a pioneer in oil shear press drive technology. Since 1968, Midwest Brake® has been designing and manufacturing oil shear clutch/brake drives for the metal forming industry.

The Midwest Brake® Press Pac® series is the benchmark press drive. These units are engineered for high cycling mechanical presses and deliver the high-torque capacity the metalforming industry demands from a press drive system.

The Midwest Brake® Press Pac® brand is the clutch/brake of choice for quality, reliability and performance among press manufacturers and stamping plants worldwide. Our proven technology and complete line of clutch/brakes, torque ranges and mounting configurations make Midwest Brake® the clear choice when selecting a supplier of press drive systems.

Midwest Brake® - Oil Shear Press Drive History

• 1962 - 1st Retrofit - Stamping Press with an Oil Shear Press Drive
• 1968 - Introduction - Midwest Brake® Press Pac® 1600 Series Oil Shear Press Drive Pneumatically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• 1986 - Field Test - Midwest Brake® Press Pac® 2000 Series Oil Shear Press Drive Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• 1991 - Introduction - Midwest Brake® Press Pac® 2000 Series Oil Shear Press Drive Commercial Product Launch
• 1994 - 500th Major Stamping Press Drive Retrofit Completed
• 1997 - Introduction - Midwest Brake® Press Pac® 3200 Series Oil Shear Press Drive Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• 2002 - Over 4000 Stamping Press & Welding Press Drives
  Successfully Installed Worldwide

Midwest Brake® - Oil Shear Press Drive Operation:

• Clutch / Brake operates in a bath of hydraulic transmission fluid.
• Viscous shearing of the oil transfers the torque and inertia of Drive.
• True oil shear - 90% of start/stop inertia absorbed by a thin, positive film of oil between the discs.
  

Midwest Brake® Oil Shear Features Include:

• Longer Clutch / Brake Life - Due to High Cooling Capability
  • Circulating Oil System - Dissipates Heat & Cools Oil
  • Friction Discs - Continually Lubricated
  • Excellent Single Stroke Performance - Rapid Stroke Rate
• Maintenance Free
  • No Clutch / Brake Adjustment
  • Virtually No Friction Disc Wear
• Excellent Start / Stop Capability
  • Consistent Braking Angles +/- 1%
  • Controlled Accel / Decel Available
• Smooth, Quiet Engagement
  • Extends Life of Press Parts
  • Cushioned Engagement of Oil Shear
  • Noise Free
  • No Hazardous Dust Lining Exhausted Into Atmosphere
• Compact Design
  • Low Inertia
  • High Torque - Smaller Package
• Hydraulic Tank - Self contained, circulating oil system
  dissipates heat by pumping the oil through the clutch/brake and back to the tank.
• Hydraulic Tank - Has two primary purposes;

  1. Provide hydraulic actuation to engage clutch.
  2. Circulate oil through the unit to dissipate heat and lubricate friction discs.
  

Press Drive Product Line Oil Shear Clutch / Brake Drives:

• Press Pac® 3200 Series - Multiple Disc Clutch/Brake
  Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• Press Pac® 2100 Series - Integral Press Drive System
  Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• Press Pac® 1600 Series - Integral Press Drive System
  Pneumatically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• Press Pac® 2200 Series - Separate Clutch & Brake
  Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled
• Press Pac® 2102 Series - Quill Mount Clutch/Brake
  Hydraulically Actuated / Oil Cooled

Press Pac® 2191 Series - Integral Unit Hydraulically Actuated - Oil Cooled

Press Pac® 2161 Series - Integral Unit
Hydraulically Actuated Oil Cooled

2191 Press Pac® - View of Crown	Press Pac® 1600 Series Drive on Test Stand