Gravity-loaded axis

In this document, the term gravity-loaded axes includes all applications that, due to an external force, can independently perform a hazardous motion. An external force is typically gravity. However, other forces that act upon the axis from outside and can cause a hazardous motion must be taken into consideration, e.g. spring force (applications that are pretensioned with a spring).

For gravity-loaded applications, the IFA Report recommends testing the brake in relation to the applicative limits.

M_test = 1.3 × the maximum static load torque of the application

The test torque includes a safety margin of +30%. According to the IFA Report, this safety margin can be omitted in redundant brake systems (with 2 brakes). In addition to this, standards or other institutions may make other declarations regarding a test torque which must additionally be taken into consideration by the user.