Tips for Keeping Industrial Machines in Working Order

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The USA has the world’s largest market for machinery. Are you one of the many businesses that use industrial machines daily? 

Running heavy machinery is costly and can be dangerous. If one part of your manufacturing line is out, it could affect your whole production output. 

Well-maintained machines mean a healthy production line and a healthy bottom line for your business. Ensure your machines are operating optimally with these five tips.

1. Clean Industrial Machines Often

It may seem like the most basic of maintenance tips, but it is the most important. Oil and dirt can build up in industrial machinery, which could cause it to malfunction. 

If left uncleaned for an extended period, your machine could become rusty or start corroding. This will seriously affect its performance. 

2. Keep Records

Many different staff members may use the heavy industrial machines in your business. They may not communicate with one another if something looks wrong or if they think there may be a problem arising. 

Keep a logbook by each machine so that staff can update it regularly with comments about the machine’s function. This will ensure you spot potential problems early and will save on costly repairs. 

3. Keep The Parts In Check 

As well as keeping tabs on the overall functioning of heavy machinery, you should monitor individual parts. If one part is becoming old and requires replacement, it will affect the output of the whole machine. 

Schedule regular maintenance and checks for the individual parts of the machine. Chains, belts, and pistons can wear down with regular use. A simple inspection once a month will help you determine if they need to be replaced. 

4. Lubricate Heavy Industrial Machinery

One of the easiest ways to look after industrial machines is with sufficient lubrication. You should regularly test and apply lubricants to the device. 

Different parts of the machine may require other oils or lubricants. Make sure you know the correct industrial supplies for each part. Apply lubricant often, especially when the device has undergone cleaning. 

5. Train Your Staff 

Operators are one of the leading causes of machine malfunction. If they aren’t trained on what they are doing, it can lead to accidents, especially when it comes to the more complex machines. 

The machine-making industry is changing rapidly. Digitization and more concerns about sustainability are driving change in the industry. Some newer machines aren’t so intuitive when it comes to their operating procedure. 

Keep your staff up to date with shifts in the business and help them maintain up-to-date knowledge. A small investment in your staff’s skills will impact the efficiency of your production. 

Long-Lasting Machines For Your Business

If you follow these tips, your business’ industrial machines will remain well maintained and last longer, great news for your business and staff. Well-looked after machines will provide higher productivity. Your business will thank you.  

Do you have a problem with your heavy machinery you don’t know how to solve? Maintenance not cutting it? Get in touch with one of our experts; we’d love to help out. 

Industrial Friction Materials: The Difference Between Brake Pads and Shoes

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Did you know that we’ve been using disc and drum brakes for well over 100 years? Even now, both systems are commonplace in industrial settings.

You need good quality brake pads and shoes for these systems to work, but what is the difference?

Read on as we take a look at the difference between brake shoes and brake pads.

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads provide the stopping power in disc brake systems.

They attach to the outside of a rotor disc. When you apply the brake, the pads squeeze together against the rotor disc, providing friction.

The friction of the brake pad materials against the disc causes the rotor disc to slow down.

What Are Brake Shoes?

While brake pads work from the outside, brake shoes work from the inside.

Brake shoes fit inside a rotor drum. These crescent-shaped components push outwards against the inside of the drum when the brake is applied. 

The friction from the brake shoe materials pressing against the interior of the drum causes the rotor drum to slow down.

Benefits of Brake Pads

Brake pads are more heat resistant. Firstly, the pads apply friction to both sides of the rotor disc, meaning that there are two surfaces to dissipate heat.

The rotor disc is also usually exposed to the air, so the heat produced by the friction can be air-cooled. Since the brake pads are exposed to less heat, they incur less heat damage.

Disc brakes using brake pads also tend to apply stopping power more quickly than brake shoes can. 

They’re easy to service and replace since they’re attached to the outside of the rotor disc, easily accessed. 

Benefits of Brake Shoes

Since brake shoes are contained within the brake drum, they’re protected from the elements. If your equipment is outdoors, like a wind turbine, for example, then the brake shoes are protected from corrosion. They’re also less likely to get damaged.

The brake lining materials in brake shoes also tend to last longer than brake pads do, so you won’t need to replace them as often. Replacement can be more difficult as you need to access the interior of the brake drum to remove them.

Drum brakes also require less input force due to the mechanism by which they work. It means you need to apply less power to achieve the same level of braking with brake shoes.

Are You Looking for Industrial Brake Pads and Shoes?

If you’re looking for industrial brake pads and shoes, then you’re in the right place.

We offer a wide range of brake pads and brake shoes for industrial machinery, wind turbines, and more. We also provide brake pad and brake shoe materials if you’re looking for friction materials for your braking systems.

Outside of braking, we offer a wide range of other industrial products, including couplings, hoists and cranes, oil rig equipment, and more.

Take a look at our wide range of products today.

Industrial Brakes: Signs You Need a Brake Repair

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Anyone in the industrial field understands how important working brakes are. They’re what keep your machinery functioning and make sure that your team is safe from accidents. 

However, sometimes brakes can fail. And, the signs of faulty breaks aren’t always obvious! 

Getting repair work done on your brakes is critical to your company’s ongoing success and safety. If you’re unsure if it’s time to service your machinery, here are a few telltale signs that you need to get a brake repair job. 

You Hear Odd Noises

If you begin to hear odd noises coming from your machinery when you apply the brake, it’s time to get your brakes checked. Think of it as your machinery telling you that there’s a problem. 

Grinding, squeaking, or high-pitched squeals are all warning signs of faulty breaks. When brake pads start to wear out, these are a few sounds that you should keep an ear out for. 

Your Steering Mechanism Vibrates

Steering your industrial machinery shouldn’t be a chore. And, if it’s starting to become one, it could be a sign that your brakes aren’t working correctly. 

If your steering wheel or other steering mechanism begins vibrating when you brake, there’s a good chance you need to get your brakes serviced. An excellent industrial mechanic will be able to take a look to see what’s going on and if your brakes are the issue. 

You Smell Burning When Breaking

You should never smell burning when driving your crane or other construction equipment. And, if you do, it could be caused by issues with your machinery’s brakes. 

When your brakes begin to rub against each other too much, they can start to overheat. Overheating brakes will lead to a burning smell. And, as brakes begin to overheat consistently, it can lead to further wear and tear on your machinery.

Your Pedals Are Spongy

When you press down on the brakes, you should feel a little bit of resistance. If your machinery’s brakes are no longer giving you that type of resistance, you’re most likely in need of brake repairs. 

If your brakes aren’t working correctly, they may begin to feel squishy or spongy when you push down on them. The harder you need to push down on the brakes, the more damage has already been done to your braking system.

 It’s essential to get these issues checked out right away. Leaving issues with your brakes unattended can lead to dangerous safety hazards in the workplace. 

Take Care of Industrial Brake Repair

Leaving brake issues unattended doesn’t just throw a wrench in your production. It’s also downright dangerous. Keeping an eye out for these signs that it’s time for brake repair can help keep operations smooth and employees safe. 

If you’re ready to get repair work done on any of your machinery, Kor Pak can help. Give us a call, and we’ll help you with your reline services, brake rebuilds, and more. 

How to Choose the Right Brake Friction Material

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Chances are, you work with a lot of different machines. And each type is designed for another purpose and, thus, has unique needs all its own.

But there’s one thing that all of your machines have in common: brakes. That is, they all rely on a friction material to quickly stop certain functions when necessary. 

The question is, how do you choose the suitable brake friction material for your needs? Well, you can start by reading this guide.

Below, we list and explain the three primary brake materials and what types of work they’re best suited for. With this information, you’ll be able to determine which type is ideal for your machine/equipment. Read through this pros and cons list to learn all about choosing brake friction materials. 

1. Ceramic Brake Friction Materials

Ceramic brake materials are very quiet during operation and produce very little dust. However, they are not as durable or resilient as other friction materials.

Specifically, they are comparably more susceptible to damage, wear, and overheating. Overheating is arguably the most significant problem as it can damage your machinery.

Then, ceramic friction materials are not the best choice for harsh/heavy use. But they are the best choice for gentle use that won’t wear them out so fast. If the intended use doesn’t require extreme durability, the bottom line is choosing ceramic brakes for smooth, clean, quiet operation. 

2. Semi-Metallic Brake Friction Materials

Semi-metallic brakes are the most durable and long-lasting option listed here. They are highly resistant to overheating and stand up well to almost any task, even very heavy use. As for functionality, they also have the best stopping power of any brake material.

However, they may, in some cases, be too resilient. That is, they are so durable that they could very well wear down your machinery.

Regardless, you may not have a choice. If you need a brake that can stop fast and stand up to high heat and heavy use, semi-metallic brakes are your best option. 

3. Hybrid Brake Friction Materials

Your third and final option is a hybrid brake material. These are a hybrid of semi-metallic and ceramic brakes—not just in their composition but also in their performance.

To summarize, hybrid brakes are heat-resistant, durable, and have good stopping power. But they’re also quieter and more gentle to your equipment than semi-metallic brakes. Because of this, they are the perfect in-between option for situations in which neither of the other options is ideal.

For example, you may need something more durable than ceramic brakes. But you don’t want the material to be so hardy that it tears up your machine. In this case, hybrid brakes are the best choice. 

Which Brake Friction Material Do You Need?

Now that you’ve learned the advantages and disadvantages of each type, which brake friction material seems right for your needs? If you’re still having trouble deciding, we can help. Contact us here so we can answer your questions and give you a quote.

Understanding Custom Machining and When You Need It

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You’re in the market for that elusive, distant, yet perfect machine part.

But this search has probably gone for weeks — even months!

If this sounds like you, then it’s time to stop searching and start using custom machining.

Custom machining provides access to limitless machine designs that can be quickly produced. With these benefits, it’s no wonder professional industry technicians are turning to and trusting custom machining.

Want to learn more? Then keep reading to understand custom machining. We’ll key you in on what it is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.

What is Custom CNC Machining?

Custom CNC machining is precisely what it sounds like — creating parts explicitly customized for the buyer. From CNC turning, CNC milling, and EDM, a well-rounded custom machining company will give customers virtually any part they desire.

“CNC” refers to the CNC machine that allows this work to happen. Through precise digital design skills, remarkable speed, and an incredibly advanced machine, CNC machining takes technology design to a whole new level.

How Does it Work?

CNC machining requires a lot of work from both the design engineer and the machine itself. Here’s the basic run-down of how CNC machining works:

  1. A design engineer creates a model and its instructions with digital design software.
  2. The model and its instructions are input into the CNC machine.
  3. The CNC machine reads instructions and produces the requested machine part.

There are various CNC machines for different consumers’ needs. So despite CNC machines simplifying custom machining, CNC machines still create accurate custom parts.

Who Needs Custom Machining?

Anyone can use CNC machining services. But certain consumers need this customization more than others. Such situations that necessitate custom machining include:

  • Missing a piece for the rare machine
  • Having no suppliers for the part needed
  • Wanting a machine whose qualities exist nowhere on the market

For professional industries, these issues are pressing. An incomplete machine does not work, and one that slows down business.

But custom CNC machining removes all the hassle that’d exist otherwise. There’s no worry about supply since only you could ever own the part.

There’s also confidence afforded to custom machining, knowing that you’re guaranteed to get the exact part you like. That means no gears, just 5mm too wide, and no gearbox that’s gone missing during months-long shipping.

Reap Every Benefit Custom Machining Offers

You might have a request for a custom machine part stuck on your mind. If that’s true, then it’s time to fulfill it.

Take advantage of custom machining’s advancements in the industry. There’s little reason for you not to do so.

At Kor-pak, we thoroughly understand the ins and outs of a working machine. If you’d like to have a machine part customized by a professional who cares, then contact us today! We’ll solve all your custom machining ails and ensure that your machine runs as smoothly as possible.

 

Crane Inspection Requirements: A Brief Guide

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Every industrial business owner is all too familiar with the word “inspections.” There are safety inspections, OSHA inspections, annual inspections, and many other types of inspections. Teams need to prepare for all of these. 

And, for any business that operates cranes as part of their industrial machinery, undergoing a routine crane inspection is one of those. That way, regulatory agencies can ensure the cranes are being operated safely. 

If you’re unsure of what to expect when the crane inspector comes knocking, don’t worry. Let’s take a quick look at what requirements your crane needs to meet to pass inspections. 

Types of Crane Inspections

To best understand how crane inspections work, you need to understand the different types of crane inspections. Under OSHA, these fall into a few main categories. 

The Initial Crane Inspection

The initial crane inspection is a test that businesses must conduct after installing a new crane. It also applies to any crane that has been reinstalled after undergoing renovations or repairs.   

During this type of inspection, the crane must pass a visual test once it has been properly installed. Businesses must provide documentation showing that the crane passed the initial inspection. They won’t be able to use the crane until they can provide documentation.

Functional Test Inspection

The next type of crane inspection is something called a functional test inspection. These are inspections that are conducted every time someone uses the machinery.

Before using the machinery, OSHA requires a visual test of the crane’s functionality to carry out operations safely. The inspections check for functionality, damage, and aging on the machine before use.

Frequent Crane Inspections

A frequent crane inspection includes all the components of a functional test inspection. However, it doesn’t require documentation. It’s also carried out more regularly and must test the machinery’s operations. Frequent crane inspections require a visual inspection to ensure there is no need for repairs.

These inspections are carried out daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the classification of the crane. The more the crane is used, the more frequent its inspections will need to be. 

Periodic Crane Inspections

This type of inspection is the least frequent of all the crane inspections that are typically conducted. Its frequency is based on how much the machinery is used and is generally conducted annually or quarterly. 

Periodic crane inspections are typically a thorough visual and functional test of all the crane’s components. Depending on the outcome of the periodic inspection, you may be required to undergo additional tests or do maintenance on your machinery.

Bring It All Together: Why Crane Inspections Matter

Crane inspections aren’t carried out just to make OSHA happy. They’re essential because they’re what keep your operations running smoothly and your employees safe on the job. 

If your business frequently uses cranes and you want to keep your employees safe and adhere to OSHA guidelines, you need to make sure you’re keeping up with inspections.

The team at Kor-Pak can help you conduct all the crane inspections you need. Give us a call, and we’ll help you schedule your next frequent or periodic crane inspection. 

Crane Maintenance: Signs It’s Time to Replace Crane Wheels

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Cranes play a big role in many large construction sites; there’s simply no way many jobs could get done without these tools. But they can be major safety hazards if not taken care of properly to both those operating the machine and everyone else on the site. 

One of the areas of the machines that often get overlooked is the crane wheels. They should regularly be inspected and upgraded to ensure the machine can work properly and everyone involved isn’t at risk. Sometimes it isn’t easy to know when the best time for replacement is. 

Luckily, we’ve created a guide to help you know when it’s the time!

Obvious Signs of Wear

A visual inspection of each part of the machine should be a part of your preventive crane maintenance routine. Often, there will be undeniable signs of crane damage that can be caught early and replaced with no problems. 

As you look at your crane wheels, pay particular attention to the treads and how they’re wearing down. Uneven wear can be a sign of another problem. But you can also tell how effective the wheels will be and if it’s necessary to change them or keep an eye on them for the next little while. 

Increased Load for Jobs 

Not every construction job is the same, and so the same equipment or parts on that equipment will work no matter what. Some jobs will have a higher load, which means you’ll need different wheels to accommodate that extra weight. 

Each wheel will come with specifications for what they’re capable of, which will show you whether you need to replace it or not. 

Taking a closer look at the wheels is a great way of crane troubleshooting to avoid running into problems that will slow the whole project down. 

Routine Maintenance 

It’s tempting to skimp on your crane maintenance schedule and try to stretch out the life of your parts and machinery as long as possible. But that can lead to even more expensive upgrades down the road. 

Routine, regular maintenance will extend the life of your crane by eliminating damage caused by broken or worn-out parts. 

If you can replace worn-out parts before they break, they won’t have the opportunity to cause damage to other areas or give out entirely. The extra effort and money upfront will pay off every day you don’t run into a huge problem. 

When to Replace Crane Wheels

There’s so much to manage on a construction site, and all of the tiny details make a huge impact on the job’s success. Even the crane wheels and their replacement can slow everything down or, worse, cause an accident that stops production altogether. 

It’s important to pay close attention to your crane parts to keep things running as smoothly as possible. An inspection doesn’t have to be a major undertaking, but it should be someone’s responsibility to make sure it gets done when it should and that anything that’s found can be taken care of quickly. 

If you need parts for your construction equipment or you’re interested in overhauling your cranes, contact us today! 

The Demag AC 500-8 All-Terrain Crane Doing Big Things

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When your construction project merits an all-terrain crane, look no further than the Demag AC 500-8. Demag cranes have a reputation for reliability and performance.

No matter what type of infrastructure projects you have in mind, the Demag AC 500-8 has got you covered. From traversing uneven ground to facilitating bridge-building, the AC 500-8 can handle the job.

Read on to find out how the AC 500-8 all-terrain crane can be of service to you. That way, you will be sure to have the very best equipment for your project.

The Construction Industry Is Booming

The construction industry is booming, especially with the introduction of the current infrastructure plan. The demand for heavy equipment such as cranes is only projected to grow in the coming years.

A Compact All-Terrain Crane

Big things come in small packages sometimes, and the Demag AC 500-8 is a prime example of this saying. Despite its compact size, this crane packs a punch with a capacity class of 600 U.S. tons.

With eight axles and off-road capabilities, the AC 500-8 is sure to be able to get to your job site, no matter how remote or inaccessible. With a larger than average system length, the AC 500-8 is renowned for its reach.

Why go with a larger crane when this is fully capable of almost anything you have to throw at it? If you could only have one crane, this is your best overall package.

Reputation for Excellence 

The Demag name has a long reputation for excellent performance in the field. The company has deep roots of over 100 years old. You can check out the complete history of Demag here.

Since its conception, Demag has striven to provide excellent equipment of every sort as they have grown and developed as a company.

They are now one of the top recognized brands in the industry for cranes and other heavy equipment.

Where to Get Demag Cranes

Your best bet to obtain a Demag crane is from a certified heavy equipment dealer specializing in mobile cranes and hoists. A good dealer will be able to evaluate your project’s specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

They will tell you what best fits your building job or project and recommend you the proper equipment. A good crane distributor will be knowledgeable and have access to multiple different kinds of equipment.

That way, you will be sure to get what you need no matter how tough or extensive your construction project may be.

Get the Best Equipment for Your Project

Your company’s quality of work and reputation all hinges on the quality of your equipment. If you seek top-tier quality for an all-terrain crane, your best bet is the Demag AC 500-8.

Have the confidence to take on even the most challenging of infrastructure projects. Contact us today to go over your options for purchasing a Demag AC 500-8.

The Hidden Costs of Downtime in Crane Servicing

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Having both a speedy and effective crane servicing team helps prevent accidents and reduces the costs of downtime.

Content

In the construction industry, periods of downtime are inevitable. They may be the result of bad weather, personnel issues, or breaks for maintenance. 

Cranes are a type of construction machinery that builders rely on. Large-scale projects would be impossible without them. Crews have to inspect them regularly to ensure that they are safe and operating efficiently.

Downtime can be expensive, so companies try to keep it to a minimum while still ensuring safety.

It’s essential to understand what’s behind crane servicing costs. It explains why maintenance downtime can be so expensive. Here’s a brief overview, including what you can do to reduce downtime.

What Is the Cost of Downtime for Crane Servicing?

Construction companies tend to lose money when their equipment undergoes repairs or maintenance. If they own a crane, they will likely pay more in labor costs.

In contrast, renting usually means extra daily fees and sometimes storage charges. Here’s a look at the characteristics of planned and unplanned crane downtime.

Planned Downtime

Many companies follow specific maintenance timelines. This helps them predict precisely when a crane will be out of service. Another way of describing planned downtime is to call it preventive maintenance.

Preventive maintenance involves checking each system, whether it’s electrical, computer, or mechanical. During a maintenance check, technicians follow specific quality standards. They look for signs of strain and replace any parts that look worn or broken.

Sometimes this can include upgrading a crane’s parts or replacing old systems. A total overhaul can go a long way towards preventing breakdowns.

The goal of planned downtime is to prevent unplanned downtime.

Unplanned Downtime

Unplanned crane downtime is most often the result of something breaking or malfunctioning. Unplanned downtime can be as high as 20-30% in the construction industry.

Construction managers prefer to avoid it but always allow for it in their time estimates. Unfortunately, operational costs can skyrocket in this scenario. For every minute of downtime, money evaporates.

Waiting around for crane repairs means that the entire building project has to stop. This results in all kinds of hidden costs. 

Hidden costs include shipping fees for parts, labor, extra rental fees, and storage charges. Another problem is unhappy clients. They rarely understand when a project gets behind schedule.

How to Reduce Your Downtime Costs

It is possible to control crane servicing costs with the right type of preparation. If a crane operator has a specialist maintenance company on standby, they can cut the downtime for repairs. 

We can create custom parts in-house, and we’re experts in servicing many of the crane brands in use today.

Our experience comes from working in a variety of industries. These include oil and gas, wind power, maritime, agriculture, steel and iron, mining, etc.

To request a quote or find out more about what we can do for you, contact us today!

Your Guide to the Loader Crane

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Does your company regularly resupply crane parts? Are you a dock worker that needs reliable crane operations? Do you know any engineers that need some heavy-lifting machinery?

Then loader cranes are probably the right fit for you. Also known as a knuckle-boom crane, loader cranes are instrumental in most industrial work. 

But how do you choose the right loader crane? And how do you maintain them properly?

That’s what we’re here to discuss today. Read on to learn about the different types of loader cranes and how they can be maintained. 

Types of Cranes

You might be wondering where loader cranes fit into other types. Let’s discuss some common cranes here:

Static Cranes

These types are what their name suggests. They stay in place, and mobility is minimal. This includes tower cranes that are designed to carry huge loads. 

Self-erecting cranes can hoist loads vertically and place them horizontally. Their small footprint makes them ideal for city projects. 

Mobile Cranes

These are cranes attached to vehicles such as trucks. These cranes often have 180- or 360-degree rotation. They’re often built smaller and for different terrains. 

Where Do Loader Cranes Fit?

Loader cranes, also known as articulating cranes and knuckle-boom cranes, are often attached to vehicles. This makes them incredibly mobile. 

Loader Crane Maintenance Tips

If you have a loader crane, you need to take care of it for long-term use. Here are some key tips for maintaining your loader crane:

Routine Checks 

Routine checks prevent worries about your loader crane malfunctioning during a critical project. Checking each component for wear-and-tear is crucial here. 

This also involves lubricating, moving parts, and changing oils constantly. Hiring professional maintenance crews might be worthwhile here. 

Mandatory Inspections

This is a critical strategy to keep all of your workers accountable for their equipment. If you lead a large team, it’s impossible to check on every detail yourself. 

If you issue mandatory inspections, workers will be forced to take care of your loader cranes. This boosts safety. 

Hiring inspectors during these audits would also be a great idea. Cross-referencing with industry standards will help keep your workers and project sites safe. 

Preventive Care

This form of care requires making sure all parts of your loader crane are operating at mandatory standards. If they’re below factory standard levels, it’s time to take some preventative measures. 

This keeps your crane from breaking down at inopportune times. While you might not think that your crane needs immediate care, preventative measures go a long way. 

Also, consider buying spare parts as part of preventive care. You never want to be stuck with a broken crane that doesn’t have the right parts for replacement. 

Get the Right Loader Crane Today

While different types of cranes fit various roles, loader cranes can benefit your site right away. Use this guide to help you decide whether or not your company needs a loader crane. 

Are you looking for reliable crane materials? Want to improve your loader crane handling? Contact us today, and we’ll get you started on a solution right away!