STEARNS

About STEARNS

STEARNS is a manufacturer of electromagnetic clutches, brakes, and combined clutch-brake units, with a product line that has been specified in industrial motion-control applications for several decades. The brand is recognized for its spring-set holding brakes (ERS series) and related power-off braking solutions, which are designed to provide reliable stopping and holding torque in machinery where safety and precise positioning are required. STEARNS products are commonly integrated with C-face motors and reducers, making them a standard choice for conveyor systems, hoists, packaging equipment, and other automated machinery that demands consistent braking performance under repeated cycling.

The primary product family available through 3G Electric is the STEARNS Spring-Set Holding Brake (ERS) combined clutch and brake unit. These units are offered in multiple voltage configurations—115/230V AC and 230/460V AC—with a 5/8-inch bore size, and are compatible with motor frame designations such as 143TC. The units are available in two enclosure types: Totally Enclosed and Totally Enclosed Wash Down. The Totally Enclosed Wash Down variant is suited for environments where equipment is exposed to moisture, wash-down procedures, or particulate contamination, as it provides a higher degree of ingress protection. The spring-set design ensures that the brake engages automatically when power is removed, providing a fail-safe holding function. This is critical in applications where unintended motion could cause damage or injury.

STEARNS units are designed for mounting directly on C-face motors or reducers, simplifying integration into existing drive trains. The combined clutch and brake configuration allows for controlled start-stop cycles, reducing wear on mechanical components and improving cycle repeatability. The units are built to handle continuous-duty applications, with coil insulation and thermal management designed for sustained operation. 3G Electric stocks multiple SKUs of STEARNS combined clutch and brake units, covering different voltage and enclosure options, to support maintenance, retrofit, and new-installation requirements. The availability of both standard and wash-down enclosures allows engineers to select the appropriate unit for their specific environmental conditions without over-specifying. 3G Electric provides logistics support for these units, enabling procurement specialists to source STEARNS components with predictable lead times and technical specification verification.

Common Applications

• Conveyor systems — STEARNS Spring-Set Holding Brake (ERS) units provide controlled start-stop and fail-safe holding for belt or roller conveyors in material handling.
• Hoists and cranes — ERS units ensure safe load holding and emergency braking in overhead lifting equipment, with wash-down enclosures for wet environments.
• Packaging machinery — Combined clutch and brake units enable precise indexing and stopping of packaging lines, reducing product damage and cycle time.
• Food processing equipment — Totally Enclosed Wash Down STEARNS units withstand frequent cleaning in meat, dairy, or bakery production lines.
• Automated assembly stations — ERS units provide repeatable positioning and safety stops in robotic workcells and transfer systems.
• Textile manufacturing — STEARNS clutch-brakes control tension and stopping in winding, spinning, and weaving machines.