Wichita Clutch Introduces Mistral II Tension Brake

Building on the success of its original Mistral brake design, Wichita Clutch has recently launched the Mistral II, the new generation of the popular pneumatically operated tension brake.

Although the new compact brake is dimensionally close to the original model, the similarities end there. The new, updated design responds to customers’ requests for a more advanced tension brake without compromising the industry-leading performance of the legacy model.  

Aluminum is used extensively in this latest version, which exhibits an open, vented design retaining the integral fan option of the earlier model to ensure effective cooling. These innovations, in both design and materials, result in nearly 25% weight savings which leads to safer handling, easier installation, and a reduction in shipping costs.

As one of the world's foremost innovators of pneumatically operated tension brakes, Wichita has reacted to the changing needs of today’s corrugating, foil and film processing and paper converting industry. The highly experienced Wichita engineering team has applied its expertise to meet the demands for increased productivity through controlled tension at higher web speeds.  

Three Mistral II models are offered. Each model utilizes a varying number of pneumatic actuators, allowing for precise selection of brake torque capacity for optimum tension control.

While matching all the technical characteristics of its predecessor, including dynamic slipping torque capacity up to 648 Nm (5735 in.lbs.) and heat transfer capacity up to 2.8 kW (3.75 hp), the Mistral II is not only efficient in performance, it may be the most cost-effective pneumatic tension brake of its kind on the market.