The purpose of a spring applied caliper is to provide a braking device that will apply upon failure of fluid pressure. When the fluid pressure is removed from the spring applied actuator the springs will apply the brake. An option with a manual release screw is available for releasing the break in the absence of fluid pressure. To achieve various clamping forces, several different springs are available.

The actuators are all made of bronze and stainless steel hardware, together with carbon steel springs. Upon special request, stainless steel springs are available.

The fluid pressure in the actuator should not exceed 250 PSI.