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KEB Automation has launched the COMBISTOP S1, a spring-applied brake that the company says can replace permanent magnet brakes on a one-to-one basis. According to its announcement of 3 November 2026, the brake will be shown for the first time at SPS 2026 in Nuremberg, 24 to 26 November 2026, in Hall 7, Stand 320.
More stable torque at high temperatures
KEB says spring-applied brakes with organic linings typically lose torque as they heat up, which meant they had to be oversized and ended up much bulkier than permanent magnet brakes of equal torque. Thanks to its patented friction system and space-saving design, the COMBISTOP S1 holds its torque far better over the full temperature range, a level of stability the company says was previously achievable in this installation space only with permanent magnet brakes. The company sees this as particularly relevant at high ambient temperatures, such as inside a motor, and for emergency stops at high speeds and temperatures. The brake uses no rare earths, which KEB says reduces material dependency and increases planning reliability.
Six sizes from 2.8 to 45 Nm
The holding brake covers a torque range of 2.8 Nm to 45 Nm and is initially available in six sizes. KEB sees it fitting most applications that call for a high-performance fail-safe holding brake able to handle emergency stops: besides servo motors, KEB names robotics, medical technology, AGVs and vertical axes. Designed for S1 operation (100 percent duty cycle), it offers optional cable ducts for the manufacturer’s and customer’s own cables.
Pre-set air gap for plug-and-play installation
A pre-set air gap means the brake is ready for use without commissioning. According to Kevin Zysk, Head of Sales for Brakes and Clutches at KEB Automation, the brake bolts on with standard fixings at either the flange or the housing side, and project-specific versions can adapt not only the hub bore but also the housing and bearing seat; he adds that it copes well with axial play. According to Zysk, combining the strengths of spring-applied and permanent magnet brakes in one model means that in many cases customers no longer have to choose between brake types.
Sources
- KEB Automation KG, “World first: One-to-one replacement for permanent magnet brakes”, 3 November 2026 – keb-automation.com
Image: KEB Automation
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