There seems to be some confusion here about types of magnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes. There are three different types of magnetic interactions that can be used.
1. Synchronous- The pole pieces attract one another and torque is transmitted in synch with one another. There is no relative motion between the driver and driven (other than static rotation relative to the pole pieces due to torque). When the torque rating of this coupling/clutch is exceeded, the two parts slip and very little torque is transmitted.
2. Hysteresis- A strongly magnetic driver is attracted to a "weak" magnetic material (like AlNiCo). Torque is transmitted up to a point where the weak material slips. When this happens, the torque transmitted is constant as the weak material is magnetized and demagnetized, and the two parts move realtive to one another. During this process substantial heat may be generated. The slip torque may be adjusted by changing the realative position of opposing strong magnets on either side of the weak magnetic material.
3. Eddy Current- Here the properties of conductors in a magnetic field are exploited. A series of rotating magnets is in close proximity to a highly conductive material (aluminum, copper, etc). The rotating magnetic field sets up opposing eddy currents in the conductive disc causing then to "drag" a magnetic field. Eventually, the conductive disk will nearly catchup with the driving magnets (there will always be slippage unless a lockup clutch is used). This type can also be made variable torque by adjusting the phase or air gap of the magnets.
We manufacture all three types, for more info see our website
Howard Schwerdlin
Coupling Product Manager
Magnetic Technologies Ltd.