Semi-Metallic Vs Ceramic Vs Hybrid: What Is the Most Efficient Friction Material?

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Which friction material is best? Well, that depends on what you need it for.

There are so many different applications for friction materials that no single material is best in all situations. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the others.

So, to help you discover which is best for your needs, we’ve written you this guide. Below, we’ve listed the three main types of friction materials, along with the pros and cons of each. Look through this list to determine which is the best fit for your needs.

1. Semi-Metallic Friction Materials

Semi-metallic friction materials are made of a combination of sintered metals and synthetic materials. They’re the longest-lasting friction material on our list.

They also have very high-heat tolerance and amazing stopping power. If you need a certain heavy machinery component to stop quickly, semi-metallic materials are your best choice.

However, since they’re made so resilient and powerful, they’re somewhat harsh to the machinery they’re installed into. That is, they tend to wear out your rotors/related components more quickly than other friction materials.

2. Ceramic Friction Materials

Ceramic friction materials are made of porcelain/clay combined with sintered metals, usually copper. Unlike semi-metallic friction materials, ceramic materials are best suited for more gentle stopping needs.

Their biggest advantage is their quiet, clean operation. They produce very little noise or dust during use.

But, as we said, they’re not as durable or heat-tolerant as semi-metallic friction materials. Thus, they will wear out faster than your semi-metallic options.

Even worse, if you use them too harshly, they can overheat. This could cause warping and other damage to the components they’re applied to. On the other hand, if you use them gently, as intended, they’re less damaging to your equipment than semi-metallic materials.

3. Hybrid Friction Materials

As their name implies, hybrid friction materials are essentially a hybrid of both ceramic and semi-metallic friction materials. And, as you’d expect, their performance is the exact middle-ground between those two options as well.

In other words, they’re more durable and heat-resistant than ceramic materials. And they’re cleaner and quieter than semi-metallic friction materials.

However, being in-between doesn’t necessarily make them the “best of both worlds.” As stated, the other materials are specifically designed to be the best in certain situations. It’s only if your needs lie somewhere in-between that hybrid friction materials are your best option.

For example, maybe you need your machine component to stop quickly, but only sometimes. Choosing semi-metallic materials would be overkill. Most of the time, during general use, the semi-metallic materials would be unnecessarily loud and hard on your machinery.

The bottom line is that hybrid friction materials have excellent stopping power and are also well-suited for general use.

Which Friction Material Is Best For Your Needs?

Based on this list, you should be able to determine which friction material is best suited for your industrial machinery. However, if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us here if you need more information or you want to request a quote for a specific part or service.

 

 

Your Official Guide to the Most Impressive Industrial Clutches

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Did you know that the industrial brakes and clutches market is predicted to grow by $158.30 million over the next four years? What’s more, this annual growth is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of two percent over that period.

And by 2027? Expect to see the global industrial clutches and brakes market reach a stunning $1.5 billion. The US market alone will see approximately $364 million in sales.

Depending on the industry you’re in, the industrial equipment you use will vary greatly. Each industry requires specific technology to meet its needs and play to its advantages. 

Keep reading to learn more about industrial clutches and the best designs for your specific needs. These designs are already available on the market, although bear in mind innovation continues every day.

Industrial Overrunning Clutches

Overrunning are also referred to as freewheel clutches. They permit driving in one direction of rotation while freewheeling in another. When the driven shaft is rotating faster than the driveshaft, it mechanically disconnects the driveshaft.

Used in heavy-duty applications, these clutches are popular in mining, aerospace, agriculture, industrial metal processing, indexing, etc. When multiple-speed, dual- and one-way drives and backstops are required, overrunning clutches are often used. 

They can be categorized into four different types of styles:

  • Roller ramp clutch
  • Sprag clutch
  • Wrap spring clutch
  • Wedge ramp clutch

Let’s take a closer look at each of these options and how they facilitate industrial operations.

The Roller Ramp Clutch

The roller ramp is known as one of the longest-lasting designs in the industrial clutch world, and with good reason. It has cylindrical rollers positioned in a wedge-shaped area. This area is formed by an inner flat surface and an outer cylindrical surface.

How does the clutch engage? When these surfaces generate friction with the rollers, the rollers get wedged firmly as the flat inner part rotates in the driving direction.

The Sprag Clutch

You’ll find similarities in how the roller ramp clutch and the sprag clutch operate. But the sprag clutch uses bean-shaped or irregular sprags that only allow operation in one direction. The sprag clutch also has an outer and inner cylindrical shape.

These clutches offer greater torque. Yet, due to their radial space restrictions, they are limited by their bore size. 

The Wrap Spring

For low-speed operations that don’t require a heavy-duty design, go with wrap spring clutches. They use a helical spring that transmits torque in one direction. This, in turn, tightens on a cylindrical sleeve.

The Wedge Ramp Clutch

If you’d like a clutch that draws from the best of all three designs mentioned above, then go with a wedge ramp clutch. Easy to repair and low cost, these clutches offer high overrunning torques and speed.

They rely on a flat surface and compact springs rather than a cylinder-shaped outer member. This design provides a larger area to boost torque.

Learn More About Industrial Clutches

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to clutches and brakes for the oil and gas, marine, and mining and metals industries. This equipment gets used in various applications, including cable laying, anchor handling, presses, pumps, draglines, and more.

Are you interested in learning more about industrial hydraulic, electromagnetic, and pneumatic clutches? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your industrial clutches needs. 

Crane Questions: What’s the Best Overhead Crane For My Industrial Business?

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Overhead cranes are a critical business investment, but you also want a decent ROI on your purchase. The first thing you need to look for is a quality crane you can trust.

Investing in the right overhead crane is one thing, but you need to ensure your investment’s performance and longevity.

Brands like Stromag, Marland Clutch, and Scan-Pac are leaders in overhead cane clutches, limit switches, hoists, wheels, couplings, and brakes. These upgrades are essential for optimal performance and safety.

Let’s take a closer look at the industry’s best overhead cranes and upgrades so that you can make the most of your purchase.

Types of Overhead Cranes

Take your time to find the right overhead crane for your needs. Depending on the project, you may need a bridge crane, single-girder bridge crane, double-girder bridge crane, jib crane, or a gantry crane.

Bridge cranes are the largest overhead cranes you can buy, but you can switch to a single-girder if you want a flexible, lightweight crane. Upgrade to a double-girder if you plan on moving a lot of large, heavy loads.

A major benefit of gantry cranes is that they don’t require elevated runways like bridge cranes. Gantry cranes support themselves with sturdy legs. These cranes do operate on special ground tracks, but many smaller gantry cranes don’t require tracks.

Like the gantry crane, jib overhead cranes also support themselves. Instead, jib cranes support themselves with sturdy mounted columns. Jib cranes also feature a mounted boom that can maneuver 360 degrees.

Some jib cranes are mounted on walls, but they don’t come with a 360-degree rotating boom. However, wall-mounted jib cranes don’t take up as much space as other cranes.

Tips for Buying Overhead Cranes

If you’re buying or renting your first overhead crane, gather referrals to ensure you’re buying a quality crane. Call around and ask for quotes. As an industrial business owner, you want to build long-lasting relationships with trustworthy crane vendors.

New purchasers should also familiarize themselves with crane basics, like crane types, hoists, various bridge parts, runway beams, pendant conductor tracks, hook blocks, and trolley festoons.

You may need to switch cranes or upgrade to another crane as you scale your business. Simple ROI calculations can help you determine the true value of your crane.

You will need to subtract your overhead crane’s initial value from your final investment value; next, divide the crane’s net value by the total investment cost and multiply that number by 100.

How to Improve Your Overhead Crane

You need a high-performing overhead crane to complete jobs on time, improve safety, maintain compliance, and deliver quality results. It’s normal for crane parts to wear down over time due to wear and tear; therefore, you need a reliable crane part supplier, as well.

Fortunately, you can purchase and customize high-quality crane parts to improve your current crane’s performance. Take a look at the latest parts from such top suppliers as Stromag, Optibelt, and more to discover the right upgrades for your crane.

Discover the Right Overhead Cranes and Upgrades

High-quality equipment is essential to your company’s reputation and profits. Remember these tips as you make strategic investments for your business goals.

Buy a quality Demag crane or improve your current crane’s performance with the latest upgrades. Browse our catalog of quality parts and manufacturers, or contact us right now to place an order.

Are Hydraulic Disc Brakes Worth It? (The Answer Is Yes!)

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Nothing causes fear like when your brakes don’t respond. This fear is multiplied when you’re sitting in the seat of heavy equipment.

Crane operators, truck drivers, and all heavy-equipment technicians know the gravity of their work. One malfunctioning part spells disaster and puts lives at risk.

Brakes matter. The hydraulic disc brake has distinct advantages over its mechanical competitor. Keep reading to learn about why hydraulic disc brakes win the race of stopping. 

Proven Brakes

Hydraulic brakes have a proven record. They’ve existed since 1918 when Malcolm Loughead proposed the idea of a brake system that used hydraulics. By the 1930s, all car manufacturers had adopted some form of hydraulic brakes. 

In the late 40s and early 50s, when cars became too heavy for hydraulic brakes, Chrysler integrated disc brakes with hydraulics. 

Some vehicles began installing drum brakes and hydraulic brakes, using drum brakes as a backup when the hydraulics failed. However, hydraulics have proven themselves to the point that few vehicles have a combination system today. 

The heavy equipment industry has especially capitalized on hydraulic brakes. Industrial equipment uses hydraulic disc brakes because of their proven record. 

Reliable Performance

Modern safety testing has proven the safety and reliability of hydraulic disc brakes. You can trust them. The fact that they’re used widely in heavy equipment also proves their reliability. 

Efficient and Economical Parts

Hydraulic disc brakes make you come to a complete stop more quickly. They work quickly and efficiently. 

Plus, hydraulic disc brakes are more efficient. They take up less space than a drum brake and cost less.  

Longevity

Hydraulic disc brakes last longer than mechanical brakes because of how they work. Disk brakes dissipate heat thoroughly and distribute heat evenly. This even distribution results in less wear and tear overall.

So when it’s time to start looking for equipment like an electrohydraulic disc thruster and actuator, you’ve already put your hydraulic disk brakes through the mill. They last a long time. 

Ease of Repair

You can repair hydraulic disc brakes more easily because the parts are more readily available. Because you find hydraulic disc brakes in most heavy equipment, you can find the parts necessary for repair without much trouble.

Also, you can diagnose the problem quickly. When the brake system has sustained damage, you’ll know because you’ll see brake fluid. Otherwise, when a hydraulic brake system is functioning properly, the brakes are sealed. 

A skilled mechanic will know how to adjust hydraulic disc brakes easily, making the repair simple. 

Your research may lead you to wonder if there’s a difference between disk vs. disc. There isn’t.

From a functional standpoint, there’s no difference between the terms “disc” and “disk.” These two words refer to the same part, but with a different letter. 

Hydraulic Disc Brakes for the Win

Hydraulic brakes are worth the money. They have a proven record of reliability, not to mention efficiency. Just about any skilled mechanic can fix them, and you can diagnose problems easily.

If you’re looking for hydraulic disc brake parts, we’re here for you. We have the parts you may need to get your heavy equipment back up and running. For all of your industrial hydraulic disc brake needs, contact us. 

 

Iron and Steel Market Industry Trends to Know

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There’s one thing that’s clear about the market game — every day is pretty unpredictable. There are constant ups and downs in every industry, including the iron and steel market. That being said, sometimes one is able to find out what’s going to happen to these markets by looking ahead – and the future of iron and steel seems pretty bright.

Judging by the factors given by experts, it seems that the current steel market, as well as the iron industry, is going to see some serious growth.

Keep reading to find out what you need to know so you can take advantage of this vast opportunity.

What You Need to Know About the Iron and Steel Market

Iron and steel have been part of the backbone of America since the days of the Industrial revolution. They have overall been able to keep a pretty steady repertoire because of this. However, the recent recession stole the glory from the industries and plunged them into darker times.

Some experts believe that now is the time for iron and steel’s tremendous comeback. Currently, the global market is set at 1,539,580 million US dollars, but it’s expected to reach 1,883,880 million by the end of 2026, growing at a considerable rate of 2.9 percent.

This, of course, is merely looking at things from a global perspective; in the United States, the changes are expected to be even more drastic. Steel company stocks are expected to have a robust full-year increase, with the averages being around 20 to 50 percent.

Such substantial percentages show that iron and steel are making a powerful comeback despite the heavy hit that all industries took in the first part of 2020.

We’re Ready When You Are

Now that you know what to expect from the iron industry and the steel market, you’re likely going to want to find out how you can get involved with the markets and get your own share of the growth.

At Kor-Pak Corporation, we make it our duty to help our clients reach their full potential no matter the industry. Our products include industrial brakes and clutches, crane wheels, oil rig equipment, industrial couplings, torque limiters, and more. Our industrial reach covers the iron and steel industries, the agriculture and farm industries, the oil and petroleum industries, and others.

Reach out to us whenever you’re ready to order your products. We look forward to the chance to help your business succeed!

 

Using a Modern Crane: Why Crane Modernization Is Worth It

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You’ve been using the same crane for many years now, and you’re proud to call it your Old Faithful. The question is, how long will it continue to be faithful?

Yes, your aging crane may be handling your material movement jobs fairly effectively today. But the truth is, it could do better. And that’s where crane modernization can help.

With a more modern crane, you can increase production and operate much more quickly. Also, you can experience the benefits of automation and better controls.

Here’s a rundown on why crane modernization and upgrades are worth it.

Let’s get started!

Why Modernize Your Crane? Improve Your Safety

One of the biggest reasons to modernize your crane is to make it safer for your workers.

Safety-boosting technology is developing rapidly these days. Thus, it’s likely that safety regulations have changed since your current crane was built.

With modernization, you can comply with today’s safety standards and thus decrease the risk of injuries at your job site. Likewise, modernization can decrease the risk of damage to your products, facilities, and materials. It can also lower your chances of experiencing downtime.

Productivity

Modernization can also help you to achieve higher throughput and even support a new process. That’s because crane modernization can help you to accomplish the following:

  • Eliminate your need for an AC-DC rectifier panel
  • Reduce your chances of experiencing leaks due to an older hydraulic braking system
  • Help your brake linings to last longer
  • Improve your brake’s performance

The right provider of modernization services can tailor your modernization plan to your operation’s unique needs.

Life Extension

The useful life of crane parts, like bearings, wheels, and gears, is generally 20-plus years. However, these parts may begin to cause you problems at year 10 or 15.

If you replace these worn parts with modern ones, you can extend your crane’s life.

Modernizing your gears especially offers benefits. That’s because today’s precision gearing results in less vibration, which means you’ll see less wear on your gears.

As a result, your gears will need less maintenance over time. Plus, you’ll have a crane that operates more quickly.

Also, when you replace certain parts, you can save the older parts and then use them as spare parts if you’re ever in a pinch. 

How We Can Help You to Experience the Improved Performance of a Modern Crane

We offer top-of-the-line services for companies interested in modernizing, upgrading, enhancing their cranes.

We can work with you no matter what type of crane you are trying to upgrade, ranging from rail mounted gantry to ship to shore cranes, for example. With our help, you can elevate your crane’s performance and thus more effectively handle material at your site.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can give you a modern crane, and how this can benefit your bottom line in the months and years ahead. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Inside of a Wind Turbine

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You might have seen them while you’re out driving through rural land: giant 3-bladed wind turbines in clusters that make up massive wind farms. Perhaps you’ve seen their blades spinning and harvesting wind energy. But do you know how the inside of a wind turbine works?

Depending on its size and capacity, a wind turbine can power anywhere from 1,500 to over 3,000 houses per year. To do that, it requires a series of moving parts, all working in synchronicity.

Read on to learn more about the inside of a wind turbine and how it works.

What is a Turbine?

A turbine is a large machine that spins and harvests the surrounding energy. In wind turbines, wind energy provides kinetic energy, which is then gathered by the turbine and used to power the grid. This dramatically reduces carbon emissions and water usage when compared to traditional power plants.

What Does the Inside of a Wind Turbine Look Like?

You might have seen the vast, aerodynamic curved blades of a wind turbine, but what does the inside of a wind turbine look like? To better understand this concept, let’s take a look at the critical parts on the inside of a wind turbine.

Blades

The blades of a wind turbine are constructed of fiberglass and are aerodynamic. This makes them ideal for harvesting wind energy.

Hub

The wind turbine blades attach to the hub. This is what allows rotation to occur. The complete assembly of the blades and hub together is known as the rotor.

Nacelle

The rotor is attached to the nacelle, which houses the mechanical and electric equipment on the inside of a wind turbine. This includes the gearbox, the main shaft, and the generator.

Main Shaft/Gearbox

The gearbox of a wind turbine converts the slower rotation of the turbine’s blades into motion with greater speed. It is connected to the rotor and the generator or gearbox.

Generator

The generator is connected to the main shaft. It takes wind energy and will typically use it to power the grid.

Pitch Control Systems

The pitch control systems adjust the shape of the wind turbine’s blades as needed to adjust the speed of rotation. These systems on the inside of a wind turbine will turn the blades either in or out to speed up (or slow down) rotation.

Yaw System

The yaw system is what connects the nacelle to the tower of the wind turbine. This system turns the nacelle with the blades to capture the most wind energy.

How the Inside of a Wind Turbine Works

When the wind blows the blades of a wind turbine, this creates kinetic energy or energy created from movement. The rotors then spin the main shaft, which is connected to the rotor blades.

Next, the gearbox converts the main shaft rotation into a higher speed to power the generator. Then, the generator takes that kinetic energy and converts it to electrical energy.

Learn More About Wind Energy

Wind energy is a much greener and more efficient way of powering the grid. Now that you know what the inside of a wind turbine looks like, you can learn more about the benefits of wind energy.

Contact us now for more information on the power of wind energy.

What Are the Common Engagement Modes for Industrial Clutches and Brakes?

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The massive inner workings of your industrial equipment have a long list of essential details. One misalignment or misunderstanding, and it can send the entire line of machinery to a damaging halt.

To ensure that your machines run with perfect smoothness, you need to understand the proper use of your industrial clutches and brakes. This means delving into the standard modes of engagement.

Let’s dig a bit deeper and see what these common modes are and what they can mean. 

The Common Modes for Engagement for Clutches and Brakes

There are four major modes of engagement for any clutch or brake system. Each of these provides a different mechanism shifting or stopping your machinery and various forms of maintenance and compatibility.

The four major modes of engagement are mechanical, electrical, fluidic, and self-actuation.

1. Mechanical

Mechanical modes of engagement often work with a level or other simple mechanism to trigger engagement and disengagement. This mechanism will squeeze friction discs to provide torque transmission. 

A lock mechanism is often common for this mode, often in a simple mechanical lock to the level itself. Engaging or disengaging the lock can restart the engagement mode. 

Mechanical modes often carry the most wear and tear due to heavy physical connection points. 

2. Electrical

Electrical modes of engagement often center around an electromagnet. This provides the needed power around an armature to either move it from a friction disc or to provide a similar squeezing motion to the mechanical mode.

Electrical modes of engagement often last for a long while and can even have built-in adjustment mechanisms to keep the mode accurate. 

3. Fluidic

Fluidic modes of engagement use transmission fluid as a boundary layer. This fluid acts as a protective barrier between the friction discs and drive plates as they come together. This fluid can then transmit torque between the discs and the plates.

For rapid shifts in applications, such as going from start to stop or switching from full speed to reverse, fluidic modes of engagement are some of the most efficient available. 

Oil-shear technology is one of the most common of fluidic applications. While it can produce a large amount of heat even when in neutral, heat dissipates as the fluid circulates back into the housing.  

4. Self-Actuation

The self-actuation brake mode is an entire system of connections and balances that help provide a smooth and automatic braking system for any significant machinery. 

The system works with a band that centers around a brake drum. This band then ties its free ends to the braking mechanisms themselves, often a pair of levers set on either side on a particular axis. As one lever shifts to engage the discs and plates of the machinery, the other takes on the tension to provide a balance. 

This back and forth shift can provide a stable and reversible brake flow without the strain of a basic mechanical brake function. 

Mastering the Modes of Engagement and Beyond

Getting the most out of your clutches and brakes starts with a better understanding of what each clutch and brake can do. From there, it is all about the right parts and pieces to keep your industry running.

For those parts and pieces, there are few more trusted in the industry than us here at Kor-Pak. Contact us today for more information!

The Most Common Industrial Clutch and Brake Questions

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Recent research suggests heavy equipment accidents have caused over 400 deaths per year. One device that could have prevented a number of deaths is a reliable brake system. So, how can you choose the best brakes and clutches for your industrial equipment?   

Don’t worry; with this guide, you can find out! From discovering the differences between the clutch and the brake to choosing the best products for you, you find out the answers to your most asked questions.

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at a few industrial clutch and brake questions: 

What Is the Difference Between a Clutch and Brake? 

While a brake and a clutch might seem interchangeable; however, they have two different jobs. A clutch is a control and transmission mechanism that allows energy to transfer from the driver to the driving shaft. However, a brake, on the other hand, is a control mechanism that manages the movement and holds a heavy object in a stopped position by altering kinetic energy into heat. 

How Should I Choose a Brake or a Clutch? 

Choosing between different brakes and clutches can be challenging; however, you want to pay close attention to how much heat each mechanism absorbs as well as how much it transfers. It can provide you with speedy braking and other optimal services.  

Another consideration you should closely look into is what kind of maintenance it will need. Some devices are cheap upfront but have maintenance costs that make it expensive down the line. Thus, make sure you’re purchasing a product made of quality materials and won’t cost you hundreds in maintenance costs in the future.  

Other elements to consider are: 

  • Service Availability 
  • Speed 
  • Type of Action Required 
  • Torque 
  • Environmental Circumstances

What Is the Best Brake or Clutch for My Application? 

Generally, there are four methods of application, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic. Over the years, electric brakes have become a popular choice since they provide precise braking power and overall great safety methods. In fact, electric brakes have been estimated to be one of the largest categories for industrial brakes supplying over 30% in 2017. 

However, you will next have to decide whether you would like a power-off or power-on brake or clutch. Each is different, but they both have their drawbacks and advantages; it just depends on what you’re looking for in a brake and a clutch. First off, a power-off unit is generally applied by a spring force. Whereas in a power-on system, when you administer the air or electricity, the brake or clutch engages. 

Furthermore, there are numerous types of brakes as well as clutches you can choose from. For instance, you can choose between a drum, disc, or even a caliper brake and clutch. 

Purchase a Clutch or Brake Today 

Selecting a brake and even a clutch can be a difficult choice. However, if you keep in mind the difference between the two and consider precisely what you want, you’ll find what you’re looking for in no time. 

Just don’t forget to look at the different types before deciding. You might find one that is better suited for the application you want. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the clutch and brake, contact us today. We look forward to helping you. 

How Tough Are Your Crane Wheels? Inspecting the Wheel Flanges, Tread, and More

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Are you having trouble inspecting your wheel flanges? Perhaps you know nothing about material hardness and heat treatment. 

Flanges that undergo poor heat treatment can break when undergoing excessive weight. Therefore, inspect them routinely to avoid costly repairs and serious injuries.

This article will provide an in-depth look into wheel flanges and the right inspection methods. Let’s explore. 

Hardness and Treads

Above all, purchase crane wheels from a company that heat treats the treads properly. Improper heat treatment methods can cause deformities and a lack of hardness.

With that, a quality flange must strike a balance between hardness and flexibility. The wheel itself must be flexible.

The flange shouldn’t be too hard, as it needs bendability to prevent breaking. The bending ability allows the flanges to withstand intense pressures. 

On the other hand, the treads must undergo extensive hardening to withstand spalling. Spalling occurs when the surface begins to chip away. 

Overall, inspect the wheeler flange’s thickness level to assess the level of wear. 

The Role of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is the primary agent that hardens crane wheel treads. Due to heat treatment advances, manufacturers incorporate carbon steel in crane wheels more than ever before. Carbon steel enhances durability and prolongs the wheel’s lifespan. 

Hardness Testing

The best way to test flanges is through non-destructive testing (NDT). NDT will help you assess the following issues in crane wheels:

  • Hardness 
  • Thickness
  • Wear

Measuring the hardness of the wheel tread is a simple task. However, measuring the hardness depth is a difficult task, but some NDT instruments are tailor-made for depth testing.

NDT allows maintenance crews to address deformities early before the wheel breaks down.  

You can even apply NDT measures while the crane is in operation. Destructive testing (DT) requires the breaking down of materials to commence a viable inspection. Conversely, NDT equipment requires minimal contact with the flanges to pinpoint flaws.

Within the NDT field, the two most vital inspection methods for flanged track wheels include:

  • Ultrasonic testing (UT): UT implements sound waves to root out cracks and other forms of wear. 
  • Eddy current testing (ECT): ECT uses electromagnetic fields to find flaws and thickness variations. 

ECT is appropriate for the detection of surface and near-surface deviations. UT is more suitable for sub-surface inspections at a deeper level. 

  • Example: UT would be more appropriate on double flanged rail wheels, which are thicker than the single variety. 

When dealing with depth hardness, ECT offers the best equipment. Specific forms of ECT instrumentation allow you to inspect the flanges without contacting the surface. Moreover, the ECT field offers automated hardness testing on a mass scale.  

Enhanced Inspection of Wheel Flanges

NDT methods can assess the hardness of wheel flanges. Additionally, NDT can also help you determine if manufacturers heat treated the wheel effectively. 

Flanged wheels contain carbon steel for added durability. However, the wheel’s flexibility is a critical factor in quality weight support. 

Interested in knowing more about the crane market? Click here to learn more.