A Guide to Industrial Brakes

Are you designing new equipment and need custom industrial brakes? Industrial brakes are often subjected to extreme heat and pressure. How do you know which brake is going to give a safe stopping force for your equipment?

Read our guide on types of industrial brakes and custom solutions for industrial applications.  

Industrial Caliper Disc Brakes

Disk brakes offer stopping force with less risk of overheating. The caliper on this braking system acts as a clamp that applies force to brake pads and slows rotation down. As a result, brake pad material creates friction against the rotating motion of the machine.

Industrial caliper disc brakes come in different types. They offer customization opportunities for smooth stopping on many industrial applications.

A pneumatic or air-applied spring system will work well for applications for large amounts of torque requirements. In addition, they offer reliable performance for emergency stopping and holding. 

Hydraulic systems can handle a higher torque range and are valid as safety brakes on many industrial applications. They will work well for your heaviest machinery. 

For applications in which frequent stops will occur, it is best to consult a specialist. Get help with calculating torque and choosing the correct disk brake application. Overuse with the wrong caliper can result in unreliable stopping and premature pad wear. 

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes have a shoe in the wheel hub that pushes outward on a drum when you apply the brake. Unfortunately, the shoe pushes into the surface, and friction slows down the rotation.

Drum brake systems are classified as fail-safe, spring-set, and electro-hydraulic thruster or magnetically released systems. 

One of the most significant benefits of drum brakes in industrial applications is their compact design. Where space is limited, drum brakes offer a safe and cost-effective solution. In addition, they work well in applications that do not generate lots of heat. 

Eddy-Current Brakes

The two previous brake systems reviewed apply force with contact. — pressing friction material against a disc or drum surface creates slow or stop.

Eddy-current brakes do not apply contact as the force to create stopping. Electromagnetic currents use a magnetic force against the rotating disc and prevent rotation. Eddy-current brakes are frictionless. 

A conductor must be moving for this force to work. So, Eddy-current brakes are not suited for stop holds. However, they are ideal for applications with high-speed movements for an immediate stop.

Get Quality Service for Replacement or Custom Made Industrial Brakes

Kor-Pak Corporation is an industrial brake and clutch specialist. Kor-Pak has been providing industry-leading brake solutions worldwide for over two decades. 

We offer a wide selection of trusted brakes and clutches in various sizes, torque, styles, and applications. Kor-Pak also designs custom brakes and clutches. In addition, we design and work with your engineering team to assist you in finding the best aftermarket parts. 

Contact our professional team today to begin finding smart solutions for industrial brakes that fit your needs and offer optimal performance.  

Posted in Industrial Brakes and Clutches.