Contents
Kendrion has introduced the BFK558 Sync, a fail-safe spring-applied brake designed for high-efficiency IE5 synchronous motors. According to the company, the brake delivers up to 30 percent more braking torque than previous standard brake series at the same brake size, and at least 25 percent more depending on the version. It will be presented to a wider professional audience for the first time at SPS in Nuremberg, 24–26 November 2026.
More torque without more space
In its announcement of 3 November 2026, Kendrion says the rise of IE5 synchronous motors and their higher power density is changing what is required of holding brakes: more braking torque is needed without additional installation space.
The extra torque in the BFK558 Sync comes primarily from increased spring force rather than a higher coefficient of friction. Kendrion says this lets the friction lining be selected to suit the application from proven options in its portfolio, and helps ensure reliable braking torque over a long service life.
“With the BFK558 Sync, we are responding to the increasing power density of modern synchronous motors. Our goal was to provide significantly more braking torque within the existing installation space while retaining the proven characteristics of our BFK platform,” said Dr. Tobias Engelke, Product Manager at Kendrion.
Built on BFK installation dimensions
The brake uses the installation dimensions of the BFK series and offers comparable options, which Kendrion says allows motor manufacturers to adopt the higher performance level in existing motor designs with minimal modification. A precisely preset air gap removes the need for readjustment during assembly, and a modular design allows configuration for different applications and motor variants.
Sizes 08, 10 and 12 will be available at market launch, with further sizes based on the existing BFK series to follow. Depending on the application, the brake can also be used in IE3 and IE4 motor concepts.
Hoists, cranes, AGVs and conveyors
Designed for both holding and emergency-stop functions, the BFK558 Sync targets intralogistics and material-handling drives that must operate reliably and brake safely in an emergency. Typical applications named by Kendrion include hoists and cranes, storage and retrieval systems, automated guided vehicles, gantries and conveyor systems.
The brake is developed and assembled in Germany; Kendrion says the design also focuses on easy integration, a broad range of variants and short lead times. At SPS 2026, Kendrion will be in Hall 4, Booth 418.
Sources
- Kendrion N.V., “A new brake for next-generation IE5 motors”, 3 November 2026: kendrion.com
Image: Kendrion
Author
