Author Archive: Sales and Support

3 Signs of Worn Brake Calipers

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Mechanical failure of machines accounts for approximately 20% of industrial accidents, but they usually result in injuries of a severe or fatal nature. Therefore, keeping these machines in proper working order is essential to ensure the safety of operators and those around them. One of the most critical components of industrial machinery is the brake system. 

In this article, we’ll cover three telltale signs of worn brake calipers and why promptly addressing them is essential. By staying vigilant and addressing these issues early, you can help keep your machinery in proper working order, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure the safety of those around you.

1) Brake Fade

Brake fade is a common sign of worn brake calipers. It happens when the brakes stop working effectively, even when the brake pedal is pushed down with force. This can be a dangerous situation, primarily when operating heavy machinery.

Brake fade occurs because worn brake calipers can’t hold the brake pads in place properly. As a result, the pads move away from the rotor, reducing the friction between the pads and the rotor — causing the brakes to become less effective.

2) Uneven Pad Wear

When brake calipers are working correctly, both brake pads should wear evenly. If you notice that one pad is wearing faster than the other, it may be a sign that the calipers are malfunctioning.

Worn brake calipers can cause uneven pad wear because they don’t apply equal pressure to both pads. This leads to one pad wearing down faster than the other, causing the brake system to become unbalanced. An unbalanced brake system can cause uneven stopping, reduced braking power, and even damage to other brake parts.

3) Brake Drag

Another sign of worn brake calipers is brake drag. This occurs when the brakes remain partially engaged, even when the brake pedal is released. This can cause the brakes to overheat, reduce fuel efficiency, and cause damage to the brake system over time.

Worn brake calipers can cause brake drag because they can’t release the brake pads from the rotor properly. As a result, the brakes remain partially engaged, even when the brake pedal is released. This leads to excessive wear on the brake pads and can also cause the brakes to overheat.

Learn More About Brake Calipers!

Industrial brakes play a critical role in the safety and efficiency of industrial machinery. Awareness of the signs of worn brake calipers is crucial in keeping your machinery in proper working order and reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, you can ensure your machinery’s brakes function correctly by checking for brake fade, uneven pad wear, and brake drag.

As a distributor for the leading caliper manufacturers, we aim to help keep your industrial machinery running smoothly and safely. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your brake system or accessories. Our team of experts is always here to provide you with the best materials, knowledge, and advice possible.

 

A Guide to Various Industrial Brakes

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According to Transparency Market Research, the industrial brake market size is set to grow to more than $1.72 billion by 2031. It shows there is apparent and onward demand for such brake systems. 

Most industrial applications require brake systems to ensure they run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. This guide provides an overview of the different types of industrial brakes for a selection of applications that rely on the technology. 

Continue reading to learn about different applications for industrial brakes.

Trains

Trains require robust braking systems that can handle heavy loads and high speeds. Some brake options for trains include air brakes and mechanical brakes.

Air brakes, operated by compressed air, are the most common type in trains. However, manufacturers may install mechanical brakes as a backup in case of failure. 

Heavy Manufacturing Equipment

Heavy manufacturing equipment may include cranes and hoists. These sorts of equipment require brake systems that can handle the weight of a heavy load. Standard braking systems for heavy manufacturing include hydraulic brakes and electric brakes.

Engineers often prefer hydraulic brakes because they can handle heavy loads effectively. In the event of failure, electric brakes operate through the use of an electric motor and serve as a backup system. These types of brakes provide a secondary source of stopping power.

Conveyors

A conveyor brake system should be designed to address the starting and stopping requirements under various load conditions. Brake options include hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, and electric brakes.

Hydraulic brakes are the most widely used option in conveyors. In the event of hydraulic brake failure, mechanical brakes provide backup support using a mechanical linkage. Electric brakes can also act as a backup option in such cases.

Amusement Park Rides

High-speed rides at amusement parks need brakes that can handle sudden stops. Options available include hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, and electric brakes.

Engineers often utilize hydraulic brakes as the primary braking system for amusement park rides. Electromagnetic (EM) brakes can serve as the primary or secondary braking system for these rides.

Wind Turbines

A brake system for wind turbines needs to be able to handle high wind speeds. Options include hydraulic brakes, mechanical brakes, and electric brakes. Hydraulic brakes are frequently utilized as the primary choice for wind turbines.

Mechanical brakes can serve as either the primary or secondary braking system. They may be a suitable option in case of hydraulic brake failure. Electric brakes can provide backup support in the event of hydraulic brake malfunction or maintenance.

Types of Brakes Explained for Industrial Uses

We’ve now looked at a few ways engineers utilize different brakes for industry applications. However, we have discussed many applications for the various brake technology options. 

At Kor Pak Corporation, we offer various high-quality industrial brake options. Contact us to learn how we can serve your company with high-performing brake systems. 

 

 

A Quick Guide to Maintaining Port Cranes

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One insurance provider reports that their most significant port insurance claims come from cranes. Whether costly repairs or devastating accidents, most of these claims have one thing in common: they were preventable.

A few simple maintenance principles are the key to avoiding disastrous issues. Combined, they ensure that problems are identified and resolved before they pose a severe threat.

Read on for three simple steps to ensure proper port crane maintenance.

1. Custom Maintenance Schedules

Port crane manufacturers will likely provide their clients with suggested maintenance schedules. These will cover which parts need to be replaced and when.

Responsible companies do their best to abide by these suggestions. But they are only provided as a general guide.

Each port crane uses various cargo loads at changeable frequencies differently. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance routines isn’t the safest approach.

Evaluate your maintenance guidelines and what usage amounts they are designed for. Then, customize each crane’s maintenance schedule to whether it gets used more or less than the standard amount.

2. Take a Preventative Approach

Once you have devised tailor-made port crane maintenance schedules, monitor the results. When maintenance workers check on parts, are they on their last legs? For example, are brakes wearing too thin, or is grease running too dry?

This indicates that the maintenance schedule needs to be more frequent. In addition, maintenance schedules should operate with a preventative goal in mind. That is, maintenance should take place often enough that problems don’t even begin to develop.

Invest in keeping ahead of your maintenance needs. That way, you do everything possible to avoid unexpected expenses – and insurance claims.

3. Work With a Reliable Parts Provider

When a maintenance team identifies an issue, how quickly can they resolve it? That depends on who you choose to partner with.

To deliver the best service, the best port crane parts providers specialize in one or two areas, such as port crane brakes and accessories. They also deliver parts to their clients as quickly as possible. As a result, they provide the best quality parts and ensure you experience minimal downtime.

Finding Parts for Port Cranes

Whatever parts you need for your port cranes must be of the best quality. Only then will they keep your business safe and operational long-term.

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of ship-to-shore crane parts, Kor-Pak provides superior products and capabilities to Port and Marine Terminals and other businesses. To learn more about our products and services, talk to us today.

 

 

Tips for Optimizing Petroleum Production Efficiency

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Did you know that the U.S. Energy Information Administration has cut the 2023 forecast for crude output growth by 21%?

Oil producers have to deal with a weaker-than-expected output thanks to the shortage of labor and materials, old wells, and rising costs. However, with the lower outlook, there is a way you can still run an efficient business in the petroleum industry.

Below are tips for optimizing petroleum production efficiency.

Enhanced Reservoir Management

To optimize production efficiency for petroleum industries, ensure you manage your reservoirs well. This can include:

  • Regular monitoring of production data
  • Performing advanced reservoir simulations
  • Evaluation of areas for improvement

When you adopt these tactics, you can better understand the behavior of your reservoirs. This way, you can make informed decisions to optimize production. You can adjust production methods and identify areas for improved recovery.

What’s more, you can make innovative changes to the production infrastructure. Effective reservoir management can help to extend the life of your reservoir. As a result, you can maximize the recovery of oil and gas.

Improved Oil Recovery Techniques

Using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques can help boost production efficiency. You can use EOR to increase the amount of recoverable oil from mature reservoirs.

Some oil recovery techniques you can use include water flooding, gas injection, and chemical injection. They will alter the physical and chemical properties of the reservoir. As a result, you can improve the recovery factor and increase the production rate.

Additionally, these techniques can help increase the production of reservoirs that have already endured primary and secondary recovery methods.

Automation and Digitalization

The use of automation and digitalization technologies can help optimize petroleum production.

Check out some of the petroleum tools and technologies you can use to improve your production efficiency:

Reservoir Simulation Tools

With this tool, you can model and analyze the behavior of a reservoir. This way, you can get insights into production performance and opportunities for improvement.

Automation and Control Systems

Reduce the need for manual intervention with automation systems. These include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs).

Advanced Braking Systems

Invest in innovative oilfield braking systems. It will help reduce downtime and ensure drilling equipment’s safe and controlled movement.

Digital Oilfield Technologies

Monitor production performance in real-time with digital technologies, such as data analytics. This can help with business predictions and goals. 

Automation of Drilling Processes

Consider the deployment of drill pipes and the control of drilling fluid circulation. It will help reduce the risk of human error and increase production.

Monitoring and Control Systems

Implement real-time monitoring and control systems and get real-time data on drilling parameters. This allows you to make timely adjustments that improve efficiency.

Maximize ROI in the Petroleum Industry

Investing in advanced tools is essential for running a profitable business in the petroleum industry. At Kor-Pak, we offer innovative braking systems, controls, friction materials, and more. 

Contact us today to learn more.

 

Wind Turbine Brake Pads: Things You Should Know

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With a yearly growth of 13%, the market for wind turbines is still significant. A wind turbine has many benefits, such as clean energy, lessening our need for fossil fuels, and conserving our water resources.

Good wind turbine brake pads will last many years and require little maintenance.

Here are three essential things to know about wind turbine brake pads.

Our wind turbine brake pads are made from better materials and provide a longer wear life than our competition. So what makes our brake pads different?

Read on to see how Kor-pak’s product stands out in the competition.

1. Longer Wear Life

With our wind turbine pads, you get high-quality products at competitive prices.

Our pads are designed to last long, whether reverse-engineered or developed by the original manufacturer. As a result, the less frequently you have to replace these pads, the more money you will save.

At Kor-Pak Corporation, our wind turbine brake pads have great longevity and don’t wear away as quickly.

2. High-Tech Materials

Our pads are made from cutting-edge materials to ensure the best performance and longevity.

We offer semi-metallic, rigid molded, and sintered friction pads to meet your needs.

3. Less Brake Pad Maintenance Required

Our pads won’t need as much maintenance since they’re made from high-quality materials and have been thoroughly tested for performance.

The more efficiently your brakes work, the less often they need maintenance or replacement. Lower-quality pads may cost less initially but more over the long run. Use our pads to save money in the long run.

4. Excellent Performance

When it comes to braking a wind turbine rotor, it’s as complex as stopping a big truck.

In contrast to trucks, wind turbines function without an operator present. Therefore, they need to maintain a high level of performance over a long period so that they can be operated without intervention.

We test our brakes for optimum performance. With the best materials on the market and the latest technology, we offer reliable pads that will perform unattended for as long as needed. So in harsh climates or extreme weather conditions, our brakes won’t let you down.

Our brake pads stand out from the competition. They offer a longer wear life, better performance, and less maintenance needed over time. In addition, we sell pads that use cutting-edge materials and technology proven to provide the best braking performance.

Turbine Brake Source

We have it no matter what type of pad you need, whether sintered, semimetallic, organic, or ceramic.

The best turbine brakes are essential for safety, budget, and efficiency. Check out our selection today. Then, Contact us for more information.

 

3 Maintenance Techniques for Oil Pumps

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In 2022, the market size of the oil industry was $5 trillion. That means it is one of the largest industries in the world and continually growing. Anyone who is a manufacturer, engineer, or works with oil systems knows the importance of keeping everything functioning correctly.

Many machine parts are vital to the petroleum industry. One specific part is the oil pumps. Many processes could not be done without oil pumps, so regular maintenance is critical.

The main maintenance techniques associated with oil pumps include seal removal, heat generation damage, and more. 

If you want to understand better how to keep your oil pumps in good working condition, here’s what you need to know.

1. Seal Removal

The primary function of an oil pump is to transport oil from the sump to all parts of the engine. It does this by using lobes which are driven by shafts and gears. The shafts are connected to pistons that move up and down within their cylinders.

As these pistons get smaller, they create more pressure, making it easier for them to move up and down.

When your machinery works well, it will have a smooth flow of oil throughout its system. However, if there is no seal on any part of the system, there will be a lot of friction between moving parts, making it hard for the pump to do its job correctly. This will result in poor performance, so you need to remove the seals so they don’t break down or wear out prematurely.

First, it is necessary to heat the pump body evenly to remove the seal from an oil pump. Once the pump body is heated, the sealing material will contract, and the seal can be removed relatively easily. However, be sure not to overheat the pump body, as this can damage the pump.

2. Heat Generation Damage

Heat generation is one of the most common causes of damage to oil pumps. When an oil pump overheats, it can cause the seals to break down and the pump’s internals to become damaged. 

For example, the processes involved in an oilfield braking system can be subjected to heat generation damage.

It is essential to check the temperature of your oil pumps regularly and ensure that they are running smoothly.

3. Maintenance Schedule

Another technique to maintain oil pumps is performing regularly scheduled maintenance. Oil pumps are subject to a lot of wear and tear over time, and if they’re not properly maintained, this can eventually lead to damage.

As such, it’s essential to inspect your pump regularly and ensure that all the parts are still in good working order. Oil pumps should be serviced at least once every six months, depending on how often they are used.

Keep Your Oil Pumps Working Hard!

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping oil pumps functioning correctly. Following the three maintenance techniques discussed in this blog post can help extend your oil pumps’ life and keep running smoothly for years.

You can trust us if you’re looking to source quality oil pumps. Contact our dedicated team of Kor-Pak representatives for a quote today!

3 Types of Important Equipment for the Iron and Steel Industry

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Did you know that in 2022 alone, the U.S. iron and steel industry had a value of $100 billion? With a number like that, it is clear that this industry is a vital component of the American economy. Moreover, as a subsector of manufacturing, the iron and steel industry is a significant player. 

There are certain types of essential equipment within this subset that you should know about. Read on to learn more about three kinds of necessary equipment for the iron and steel industry. 

Common Equipment in the Iron and Steel Industry

The finished products we often see iron and steel used to result from an intricate process requiring significant reshaping to fit a given job. Once these materials are formed, transporting them to the production center requires specific machinery. Complex controls, such as industrial braking systems support these mechanisms. 

1. Finishing Mills

Also referred to as rolling mills, these mechanisms are responsible for shaping the steel. This process begins with reheating the steel to the point where it becomes pliable. It is then rolled so that it is thinner and longer. Finally, this finished product is shaped into plates, sheets, and beams. 

Besides altering the shape of the steel, this equipment also allows an operator to change the mechanical properties. Once the material is limited to the desired state, it is soaked to cool it down and harden it. 

2. Transfer Systems

Also called bundlers, these mechanisms transport a finished product out of the assembly area. Before moving the steel, these machines bind it for safe transport and material handling. Their size varies based on the goods they need to move. 

3. Welding Machines

No matter how effective the milling process is, some finished products require two pieces of iron or steel to join. This is where welding machines come in.

While there are several main types of welders, they all function similarly, using an electric arc to fuse the different metals into one piece. The arc is produced by an electrical current interacting with gas.

What’s the Difference Between Steel and Iron?

The most significant difference between these two metals is that steel is an iron alloy. Iron is one of the elements listed on the periodic table. It is a transition metal with an oxidative state. 

As an iron alloy, steel combines a small amount of carbon into the mix. The addition of carbon makes the metal more brittle but increases its strength. 

The increased strength makes the steel more applicable, but changes are coming that can make it even more helpful. For example, new processes strengthen it, and more efficient production reduces waste. 

Do You Feel More Confident With This Equipment?

Now that you know three types of equipment associated with the iron and steel industry, what are you waiting for? Besides the three mentioned above, others serve an essential function. Knowing the difference between steel and iron is also beneficial. 

If you are ready for assistance with all your equipment needs, contact us to get started.

How to Choose the Right Railcar Parts for Your Needs

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When moving shipments to different locations by railcar, you need the best railcar parts you can find. Time and efficiency are always necessary when shipping cargo to a destination, and delays can be costly. Do you want to lose valuable time and money for your business by not having high-quality railcar parts at your disposal?

Having good parts for the railcars that ship cargo to your destinations will help ensure that you can safely and adequately handle everything. There are many types of rail parts to keep track of and look into when you want to ship to multiple destinations. Knowing how to choose the right railcar parts for your situation is vital to have them hold up for an extended period and avoid premature failure.

Choosing the correct railcar parts is essential for your business. Want to know what you need to keep in mind when looking for parts for railcars? Keep reading to learn about selecting the best railcar part options in this breakdown.

Getting Railcar Parts from A Good Supplier

When you’re gathering different rail parts or important railcar mover parts, you want to ensure you’re getting them from a reputable supplier. You want to avoid any parts from a random railcar parts catalog; otherwise, you may get something of lower quality that can cause a significant problem down the line. Instead, look for suppliers and outlets with a history of good service and products.

Researching some of the best railcar suppliers is very helpful. This is important when looking for specific parts, like rail friction products, where one outlet would be better than another. If one has a lot of experience in specialized railcar components, you should look there first.

High Quality and Maintenance

The parts for transporting cargo via railcar you want to be high-quality and durable. This means getting from a railcar parts catalog that will be useful for a very long time rather than a breakdown or degrade after a short period of use. This can include getting parts with extra durability and other perks that won’t wear down after being used for a long time.

At the same time, you want to have good maintenance for everything. Fixing things up simply without costing yourself too much time and money is essential. This can mean having equipment that can receive repairs while multitasking and not causing other parts of your business to shut down.

With railcar parts already top quality, you should spend less time on things breaking down and getting repaired. Time is money, and you’ll want to save every bit of it you can

Selecting The Right Railcar Parts

With our guide on picking the right railcar parts, you’ll be able to get the best types of railcar parts for your business. When you need to get shipments to places with efficiency and punctuality, having the best parts with you is a great asset.

Want to know more about railcar parts and other industrial applications? Visit the Kor-Pak Corporation website to look at railcar parts with substantive testing and a diverse range of materials. You can also read through their blog for extra information about other applications for even more great insight.

What to Use for Corrosion Resistance On Industrial Machines

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Corrosion is one of the most common and expensive issues manufacturers face. In fact, according to NACE, the direct cost of metallic corrosion is $276 billion in the U.S. annually.

Businesses that operate within the manufacturing industry that use metals and other friction materials can benefit from having a corrosion resistance solution. It pays to invest in suitable materials if you want to build or repair any machinery. That means products that offer corrosion resistance.

This article will look at some of the most popular options today. You will also know how they help protect your equipment from corrosion.

Paint

One of the simplest ways to protect against corrosion is with paint. Paint is primarily used to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. Yet it also acts as a barrier between metal surfaces and corrosive elements and protects them from rusting or corroding.

The type of paint you choose depends on the material you cover. It also depends on the environmental elements it will be exposed to. For example, marine-grade paints are designed specifically for use near salt water.

Metals

Certain metals are naturally more resistant to corrosion than others. So using them in construction or manufacturing can help reduce the risk of corrosion-related damage over time. Many popular friction materials for corrosion resistance include aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.

Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys are among the most popular materials used in corrosion-resistant applications. They contain a small number of other elements that improve their mechanical and physical properties. These alloys are strong and lightweight.

They make them ideal for machine components that endure a lot of wear and tear. They also have naturally occurring oxidation layers that form when exposed to air. This helps prevent further oxidation from taking place beneath the surface layer.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another metal commonly used in corrosion-resistant applications. That’s because it doesn’t easily rust when exposed to oxygen and moisture.

Several types of stainless steel are available depending on your application. There are martensitic, austenitic, and ferritic. You can also use precipitation hardening, duplex, and ferritic-austenitic steels. Stainless steel is solid.

It can withstand extremely high temperatures without breaking down. It’s often used for components exposed to extreme conditions such as increased pressure or temperature changes, which makes it a perfect friction material for corrosion resistance.

Copper Alloys

Using copper alloys for a corrosion-resistant solution is a good option. Copper alloys are great for strength or flexibility. Copper alloys are also very ductile.

You can bend it into different shapes with relative ease. This makes them great for intricate parts like gears or pistons with complex shapes.

Coatings

Another method of protecting against corrosion is through specialized coatings. This means galvanizing or electroplating your materials. These coatings form a protective layer over metal surfaces.

It prevents exposure to corrosive elements. Yet, it allows air and water vapor to pass through freely. Coatings come in various forms depending on the application.

Some are applied as liquids, while others are applied via electrochemical means. Like paint, you must choose them carefully.

This is due to the environment they will be exposed to. You should keep this in mind to ensure the most effective against corrosion.

Do You Need Corrosion Resistance Friction Material?

When choosing materials for corrosion resistance, many options are available. You want to select the option that meets your needs and budget requirements.

Paint provides an economical solution that you can easily apply by hand or machine. Metals such as stainless steel offer excellent protection. But, they may require more expensive fabrication processes.

Finally, coatings provide an extra layer of protection. This is without sacrificing airflow or water vapor permeability. You must be careful when choosing coating according to its intended use.

No matter which option you choose, taking proactive steps toward preventing corrosion can save your business from costly repairs down the line.

Kor-Pak is an industry leader helping companies in the manufacturing industry every day. Let us help you source the best tools and products to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more!

3 Tips for Effective Port Crane Handling

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Port cranes rated to lift 40-80 metric tons move millions of containers each day. Maritime work is hazardous, and it’s estimated that the risk of fatal accidents is around 1 in 1000 for port crane operators. Outside the cranes at ports, other workers are moving around the docks, ships, and trucks doing their jobs while the cranes are in motion, also putting them at risk. 

Companies can minimize risks and mitigate accidents by following safety protocols. Crane operators, owners, inspectors, and maintenance technicians share this responsibility. 

In this brief guide, we’ll cover the top three areas of focus that will help improve overall safety regarding port cranes. This information saves lives and improves productivity. 

1. Adequate Training

Port crane operators are more effective and efficient when their training goes beyond the functions of running the crane.

They should have a basic understanding of the crane’s mechanics and the roles of the people working below. This will help the operator understand what is likely to happen in unexpected events. It increases their ability to react correctly and potentially avoid disasters. 

Crane operators also need to know the rules and limitations of OSHA’s Marine Terminal Material Handling Equipment regulations.

It’s helpful to have as many people as possible understand the regulations, so they will notice when something is wrong at marine terminals or with port crane equipment. 

2. Port Crane Zone Awareness

Safety awareness must extend to everything and everyone in the immediate area of the port cranes and the marine terminal. The operator should have good habits of checking the surroundings before moving into action. 

Workers on the docks and at the marine terminal should be aware of the cranes in motion at all times and be on the lookout for dangers. They should know emergency stop signals and also see where the signaler is. 

3. Equipment Failure Prevention

Many port crane incidents, such as the collapse of ship-to-shore cranes in India, were likely avoidable. However, the actual cost of these incidents is often people’s lives, which is of utmost importance. 

The downtime cost of mechanical problems and equipment failure affects the port crane team, the businesses involved, and consumers. In addition, it contributes to current global supply chain problems. 

Additionally, it’s easier (and less costly) to manage preventative measures than to deal with a breakdown or malfunction. Inspections extend the life of your equipment and create a safer work environment. 

Put Inspections to Work for You

Follow the above guide for effective port crane use, and be sure that your inspections are happening at the correct intervals. Consistent and thorough inspections are necessary for safe and effective port crane equipment. OSHA requires this for a good reason. 

Whatever your inspections reveal, Kor-Pak Corporation is here to help with everything you need for your port crane or other industrial, marine terminal equipment. Contact us for a quote on parts or services today.