Industrial braking systems involves a process that is very “problem versus solution-oriented.” Those who run into problems on the job may report to an equipment distributor. The distributor then shares that feedback to begin working on solving it.

Sometimes the problem starting this chain of communication is from a flawed product. More often, it’s about finding better and more productive ways to get work done. These are just the necessary parts of an industrial mining braking system.

Mining brakes should be safe to use at all times. Any adverse performance traits of a braking system can have horrible consequences. Let’s look into what each type of brake requires.

Industrial Braking Systems in Mining

Mining brakes find their way into underground applications often. Some machines that do excellent above-ground work are not as great below ground. There are often more challenging operating conditions deep below the surface.

Some unseen bumps or holes cause a jarring impact and shock. It’s enough damage to destroy vehicles or their components seriously. Thick sludge build-up and moisture or airborne contaminants also contribute to damage.

Productive Braking Systems

Enhancing safety is a priority, but machine designers also focus on sustaining productivity. They get rid of any downtime in the industrial business by focusing on mining. And the mine operators prioritize on the cost-per-ton of material they use or produce.

Closed-center electrohydraulic brake valves, in particular, have their own purpose. They modulate the output pressure in proportion to its input current. This automatically ties these mining brakes to safety.

Engineers can facilitate braking features that help vehicle operators better operate. These enhanced features help them better navigate the difficult terrain of underground mines. This all increases productivity.

Using Electrohydraulics

Electrohydraulics are excellent aids for mining operations. Their features, like an automatic retard control, helps vehicles maintain speed. When vehicles work their way up and down inclines, this braking system keeps them at a steady pace.

Electrohydraulics also assist with load sensing. Even master equipment operators can make errors in judging loads. With load sensing, they can use electronic sensors to apply the brakes automatically.

Other mine vehicles can be used in especially hazardous areas. Instead of putting workers at risk, these machines work from a remote control. Electrohydraulic brakes can be used here when there isn’t an operator present.

Flexibility and Control

One of the hardest aspects of industrial braking systems is the lack of variation from mine to mine. As operators search for braking solutions, well-structured systems become more of a necessity. They look for a notably high level of flexibility and control to make their work successful.

You can program electronic signals to meet the demands of different job sites. This precise control helps with vehicle movement and is a big reason why electrohydraulics work. Having this control is excellent for any harsh and unpredictable conditions of underground mines.

Bottom Line

Reducing productivity and increasing safety is the end goal. Industrial braking systems that adhere to these priorities make for a successful operation. And no matter what, machines need these things to perform at their best.

If you need to learn more about how mining brakes can make a difference, speak with our experts!

Hydraulic workholding offers a wide range of benefits to manufacturers.

Faster clamping, faster machining, and improved part quality are only a few of the reasons why you should use hydraulic workholding clamps for heavy industrial projects.

If you’re not sure what kind of workholding clamps you need, we’re here to help.

Read on as we look at the main types of hydraulic workholding clamps and how they differ from each other.

Link Clamps

Link clamps are a great option if you need high clamping force but don’t have a lot of space.

The basic construction is a hydraulic cylinder that lowers onto the work to hold it in place. There are two main options: single action or double action.

Single action link clamps use hydraulic power when clamping down and a spring to retract the piston. Double action link clamps use hydraulic power to retract the piston also, making them better for fast usage.

Link clamps allow unobstructed loading. You don’t need to remove the clamps to load the next workpiece, speeding up processing times.

Pull Down Clamps

If you need to work on the surface of your material unobstructed, then pull down clamps are your best bet.

These clamps hold your workpiece firmly against the machine table or fixture. This is usually done by clamping through a slot or hole in the workpiece, allowing the clamp to hold it in place from below.

By clamping from beneath, the surface of your workpiece is free for processing.

Swing Clamps

Swing clamps offer the best of both worlds.

A hydraulic swing clamp allows you to clamp your workpiece in place without the need for any holes or slots that a pull-down clamp would require.

But unlike a link clamp, you can have full access to the workpiece for loading and unloading because a swing clamp has two actions. The arm will first rotate through 90 degrees until it is over the workpiece, and then clamp down, holding it in place.

Once the job is complete, the clamp will lift off the workpiece, and then rotate back through 90 degrees leaving the workpiece free to be removed unencumbered. These clamps can also be single or double action. If you’re running a high-speed manufacturing process, then a double-action swing clamp will speed up production.

Are You Looking for Workholding Clamps?

If you’re looking for hydraulic workholding clamps, you’re in the right place.

We offer hydraulic workholding clamps from all the biggest names in the industry, including Enerpak, Monroe, Vektek, Berg, Merkle, Hydrocomp, and more. If you’re not sure which products to choose, we can help with that too.

Contact Kor-Pak to discuss your machining and fabrication requirements, and we can help you choose between the best hydraulic clamp manufacturers. It will enable you to have a system ideally suited to your needs. Don’t forget to check out our other amazing products!

Laser cutting is synonymous with accuracy and cleanliness, especially in the technical fields in which it gets used. Equal parts versatile and reliable, laser cutting, works on various materials. It also boasts several unique advantages.

This has become the gold standard for precision, from automotive to semiconductor manufacturing, it all benefits from this adaptive manufacturing technology. And, today, we’ll learn more about the features and benefits of laser cutting and how it helps with applications across the board.

1. It’s More Precise Than Conventional Cutting

Manufacturers using laser cutting enjoy some practical benefits over traditional components. Much higher precision levels and quality than otherwise. This is the same across a variety of materials, all of which laser-based cutting has been proven to excel at.

Lasers provide consistent, precise cutting compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. This is for one specific reason. Unlike conventional techniques, laser cutting doesn’t need to make contact with the material. Conventional cutters take a certain amount of impact from excessive physical contact. Laser cutting, meanwhile, always creates a high-quality finish. These laser beams do not wear out during the laser cutting process. With that in mind, the level of precision and edge quality with the laser cutting machine is staggering in comparison.

Compared to conventional cutting, laser cutting technology allows you to cut more complex shapes. It does this at high speeds, and with very little damage or loss. 

2. Shorter Lead Times. Shorter Turnarounds

Compared to conventional manufacturing methods, laser cutting shortens lead times. Almost any size, shape, and type of material can be cut with a single laser cutter. This eliminates long lead times and setting up many pieces of equipment.

Faster processing times result when using laser services, besides the laser being able to handle large project sizes, as well. A high-quality machine can handle sheets that clock in at hundreds of square centimeters, as well as being thicker than you’d expect.

This further allows us to deliver smaller orders quicker and more efficiently. Allowing manufacturers to respond to market demand quicker than ever before.

3. Cut Materials of Almost Any Thickness 

As we’ve covered, laser cutting does not need to be in actual physical contact with the material being cut. This allows these lasers to perform precise work on materials of nearly any thickness or durability. All of this makes laser cutting ideal for small and specialized services, such as photoengraving.

Laser cutting can be used across dozens of materials and industries. This is enough to make it one of the most versatile materials for effective cutting, from large to smaller projects. And, as we’ve mentioned, laser cutting offers unparalleled precision and cutting quality.

Laser Cutting: A Mark Of Precision

There isn’t a construction technique out there that can outmatch laser cutting. Especially not when compared to its precision and cleanliness. 

For more on these and other operational machinery usage guides, check out the rest of our expert blog content, today!

Scan-Pac friction materials are essential for such heavy industry sectors as oil and gas, agriculture, and alternative energy.

Pressure and friction work together to ensure that brakes, clutches, and more industrial equipment run as smoothly as possible. That’s why the right supplier is crucial.

Not only do you need high-quality materials, but you need a steady supply. Follow these tips to find the right supplier for your needs.

What Are Your Goals?

Before choosing a supplier, assess your business needs and goals. This will help you determine which friction materials are required for your project, customization needs, and cost.

Do you need custom fabrication for your parts? Are you on a strict timetable? These are essential questions to ask when choosing a friction materials supplier.

A Wide Selection of Scan-Pac Products

You have specific needs for your projects. That’s why you need a supplier that manufactures a variety of non-asbestos, molded, and sintered friction materials, as well as phenolics and laminate.

The best way to find out if a potential distributor is a good fit is to check its website. Scan-Pac offers dozens of friction material types.

Popular choices include:

• High-energy friction materials
• Overhead crane friction linings
• Metal friction materials
• Rigid molded friction materials
• Woven brake linings
• Woven oilfield friction products
• Clutch facings

A distributor’s website should discuss these materials in-depth, along with offering custom fabrication services.

Look for Stable Manufacturer Partnerships

For your convenience, potential distributors should also discuss manufacturer partnerships on their websites. This will give you greater insight into the stability of those partnerships.

Ideally, you want a material handling company that has a long relationship with Scan-Pac. If a prospective company has a rocky relationship with a manufacturer or recently lost their contract, that’s a major red flag.

To learn more, don’t hesitate to give prospective distributors a call. Do they have access to the specific parts you need? It never hurts to ask!

Customer Service

Every business should practice stellar customer service, primarily your Scan-Pac distributor. Prospective suppliers should have no issue answering your questions. And if you need custom services, you’re going to have a lot of questions.

How fast a company responds to your inquiries is one way to gauge a company’s customer service. The quicker, the better. If your emails go answered for days, move on to the next supplier.

Having the right friction materials distributor isn’t just a production issue; it’s a safety issue. You can’t afford to wait. The right supplier should be available to troubleshoot, customize, and ship your parts as quickly as possible.

Another hallmark of stellar customer service is fast estimates. Before you can start your project, you need a quote. Reliable suppliers understand that you need your quotes fast.

Additionally, a trustworthy company will quote a fair price without surprise costs in the end.

Find Your Distributor

Don’t settle for less. Work with a Scan-Pac distributor that checks every box. Remember these tips as you choose your next supplier.

Ready to start your project? Don’t wait to get the parts and fabrication you need for your equipment. Check out the blog for more expert advice or talk to a specialist right now to get the ball rolling.

The industrial parts and machinery industry grew by nearly 7 percent last year. This growth is due in part to the resurgence of manufacturing businesses in the United States. If you’re the owner of one of these businesses, you know all too well how important it is to have the right tools at your disposal.

Over time, the equipment you have in place will start to show signs of wear. Whether you are dealing with down industrial braking system parts or damaged crane components, getting the right replacement parts is vital.

The following are some of the things you need to consider when trying to get the best industrial parts.

What Industrial Parts are Needed?

Industrial equipment like cranes and large hydraulic-powered presses have many moving parts. While you may realize your equipment is broken, you may not understand what is causing these problems. Instead of merely guessing what industrial replacement parts you need, consult with a knowledgeable mechanic instead.

If you don’t have a mechanic with experience on the payroll, you should have no problem finding one to consult within your local area. The money paid to a professional for this diagnosis will be worth it considering the valuable information they can provide.

Do Some Online Research

After you have an idea of what replacement parts you need for your industrial equipment, it will be time for the research phase of this process. Don’t necessarily settle on the first replacement parts you come across. Get online and see which brands are the most reputable.

Ideally, you want to invest in parts that are durable and have excellent warranties attached to them. Paying a bit more for a part with a great warranty is a good idea.

Before selecting the parts you need, be sure to compare prices. You don’t want to spend additional money unnecessarily.

Work With an Experienced Supplier

For most business owners, buying industrial parts online is essential. When purchasing online, you can usually get a fair price and fast shipping.

Before completing your purchase with a particular online supplier, be sure to check out their return policy and the reviews they have received from others in the past. With this information, you can figure out whether the supplier in question is the best fit for your needs.

Also, look for a supplier that can provide excellent customer service. If you are unsure about what you need to get, these suppliers can provide you with the necessary guidance to make this buying process an easy one.

Don’t Wait to Replace Defective Parts

As soon as you notice one of your industrial machines is showing signs of wear, you need to take action. The longer you wait to replace worn industrial parts, the harder it will be to reduce damage.

If you are in the market for quality industrial parts at a competitive price, be sure to contact Kor-Pak Corporation. We’ll help you find the parts for your machines.

Climate change and warming ocean temperatures mean that there will be more violent and destructive storms battering oil rigs than ever before. Keeping a rig producing in top form and maintaining a safe platform means proactive maintenance during calm periods. 

Rig readiness and safety can be stressful to manage. Optimal use of equipment, wear and tear, regulations, and personnel safety can take their toll on even the most seasoned manager. You need to thoughtfully select, install, and maintain all parts of your rig. 

Stromag is a leader in high-quality industrial brakes, couplings, clutches, and controllers. Why risk your rig with no-name alternatives?

Read this article to identify the top five Stromag parts for your rig.

1. Stromag Series 51 Limit Switches

Challenging crane applications require reliable and easy to install Stromag Series 51 limit switches. They are the ideal choice to meet crane application requirements.  The reinforce polycarbonate housing resists harsh deck environmental conditions.

These are geared cam limit switches. They are universal, easy to adjust mechanical switchgear. They can map a broad range of shaft rotations to installed cam discs.

Use limit switches where switchgear cannot directly limit angles or distances.  A limit switch works indirectly based on the measured angle of rotation.  

2. Stromag Hydraulic Caliper Disc Brakes

When your emergency crane brakes provide the power for a hard stop and hold the load during a power outage, you want ATEX certified brakes. SH Series brakes are ATEX certified. They also hold approval certificates for DNV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register-type. 

Experts trust Stromag quality in oil rig safety.

3. Stromag High-Temperature PERIFLEX VN Couplings

Need flywheel connections or shaft-shaft connections under challenging conditions?  Stromag developed the Periflex VN flexible elastomer coupling with linear spring for diesel engine drives. These highly adaptable couplings have many uses in oil and gas applications.

Suitable up to 120 °C ambient temperature, the compound has temperature stability across a range of temperatures. Periflex VN has high resistance to abrasion, mechanical strength, and media resistance against oil and ozone. 

Suitable for Gen-Set, Compressor Set, or Pump Set operations. 

4. Stromag TRI Couplings

Stromag TRI couplings for piston engines can be screwed directly to the flywheel of an engine. They allow two shafts or flanges to connect

These are the ideal couplings for resiliently mounted or soft torsion drives. Their allowance for axial and radial displaceability is high. 

5. Stromag Emergency Brakes

These are some of the most powerful electromagnetic, mono spring or hydraulic brakes on the market. These reliable safety brakes ensure that loads lift safely and hold when activated.  

• Fail-safe braking
• Braking by spring application
• Electromagnetic release
• Manual lining wear compensation
• Brake pads with wear indicator

Choose the type best suited for your needs. 

Stromag is the Top Choice for Oil Rigs

When reliability and safety are on the line, count on Stromag for brakes, couplings and more. Stromag parts are built to last under harsh conditions, including seawater and solvents.

Want to learn more? Give us a call or leave your information, and an expert will call.