If you were told that replacing the roof on your house would make it safer, would you do it?

If you were told that immediately moving out of your house was the only way to keep your family safe, would you do it?

Yes, you would. You wouldn’t even think twice about it.

Why isn’t it the same for your employees and storm brakes?

Storm brakes are used to lock something into place to prevent it from breaking. This prevents weather from damaging outdoor equipment. Without a storm brake, you could be negatively affecting the safety of your employees and your equipment.

Why Do I Need New Storm Brakes?

Great question. There are many theories on when you should replace your storm brakes, and it all depends on what kind of storm brakes you are talking about.

We can discuss the timeline of how often you should replace them, but here are the two most important reasons why you need new storm brakes in the first place.

1. Storm Brakes Protect Your Employees and Consumers

Being safe in the mining and construction industry is the number one goal. It doesn’t matter if you build a beautiful building if it isn’t safe to live in. Having these brakes as tools against seismic movements, retractable roofs, and weather threats is essential.

The brakes are used during the building process. They allow for bursts of wind to come in and not halt the building or mining. Updating the storm brakes often will ensure safety with the employees.

When you were questioned as to whether or not you were willing to risk your families safety, you immediately said no. These brakes allow for you to ensure your employees are safe while at work as well.

Risking their lives by not being cautious with your equipment is a mistake even if the likelihood of them getting insured is small.

2. To Protect Your Equipment

In 2017, the construction equipment market was estimated at 192 billion dollars. Equipment costs vary between industries, but with the construction industry using a lot of storm brakes, the maintenance of their equipment is crucial. A storm brake is meant not only to keep those using it safely but to keep the equipment from braking as well.

When playing the “What-If” scenario, what if you choose not replace the brakes after several years and a huge storm comes in. Not only are you putting your employees in danger, but you can damage all of your equipment in a matter of seconds.

Halting production each time a storm comes in so that you do not have to replace a storm brake is also not the answer (although it may sound easier). Just a small burst of wind that is unpredictable could break a thousand dollar piece of equipment.

Preventing Future Heartache

These are two fundamental reasons why replacing your storm brakes should be a yearly investment. It may seem like a pain, but you are preventing yourself from a lot of heartache in the future.

To learn more about how to spot a maintenance problem with your equipment, check out this article.

You have worked hard to prevent workplace injuries. All your employees are well trained and equipment maintained according to specifications.

Then out of the blue, an emergency brake failure occurs. Not only was someone injured, but could have died!

It is imperative to make sure your brakes are the best on the market so you can keep your equipment, and your employees, safe.

Read on to find out why you need to get caliper disc brakes for all your industrial equipment today!

What Kinds of Brakes Are There?

There are three main kinds of brake systems, which include frictional, electromagnetic, and pumping. The most common, by far, is frictional brake systems.

A frictional brake is a system that uses a shoe or pad to put pressure on a moving object to reduce the object’s motion.

One of the most common types of frictional brake used on rotating wheels is the disc brake.

Disk brakes are effective because the brake pads depress onto both sides of the rotating disc and the resulting friction slows the motion of the wheel or axle where the disc sits.

What Is a Caliper Brake?

A caliper brake is a specific type of disc brake that uses calipers; which sit on top of the disc like a clamp.

When you activate the brake, hydraulic actions cause pistons inside the calipers to force the brake pads against the disc which slows the rotation of the axle/ wheels to a stop.

This is more effective than the older drum brake systems because gases and heat do not get trapped in the system and cause brake fade.

Brake fade describes when the brake becomes less successful at slowing the machine due to retained heat and gases.

Brake fade is especially dangerous in an industrial setting where heavy machinery may need immediate halting in case of an emergency.

Two Kinds of Caliper Disc Brakes?

There are two main kinds of caliper disc brakes floating calipers and fixed calipers.

Fixed calipers are useful because they do not move. Instead, they have pistons on both sides that force the brake pads onto the disc. The downside is that they can be expensive.

The floating calipers slide closer to the disc when the brake is applied and only have pistons on one side of the calipers.

One of the best kinds of fixed caliper brake systems is the SIBRE SHI system which has a quick response time and is inexpensive to maintain.

They are the perfect combination of reliability and cost efficiency. That is why they are especially recommended for industrial emergency brake situations.

Where Can You Buy Them?

If you have more questions about which kind of caliper disc brakes would be best for your needs or to have new brakes installed in your equipment, please contact us for more information today!

Do you ever stop to think how important your overhead equipment is for completing productions? Not to mention it also has to be safe at all time for operations.

The brake system is essential to ensure you operate safely and efficiently. If you feel like you’ve been neglecting your brake systems, this article is for you.

Read on for three ways to know if you need a new brake system.

1. Your Production Has Changed or Increased

When your production and lifting requirements change, you might need to replace your equipment’s brake system.

Even the most reliable cranes and machinery need to have the brakes replaced once the production patterns change. If your machinery has been put through the following conditions, look into changing the brakes as soon as possible:

• You increased production during your the regular schedule
• On top of what it already lifts, you added more materials that are different and heavier
• You’re using the crane more often, and you need to make more lifts per hour

These factors will cause your system to take on more weight than originally designed for. Therefore, you will have to replace the breaks.

If you don’t, you’ll encounter more expensive repairs if you completely let your brakes give out.

2. Replacement Parts are Difficult to Find

Like with any piece of machinery, the older it gets, the more difficult it becomes to replace its parts.

You might want to change your entire system when the parts become difficult to find.

If you let time go by, finding replacement parts could be a hassle and expensive.

Meanwhile, replacing the entire system ensures you don’t have to struggle to find individual replacement parts.

This is why most people decide to upgrade a crane’s entire system instead of only fixing one part.

If you’ve been having trouble finding replacement parts and keeping up with the system, it’s time you replace the entire system.

3. You have to Make Repairs More Frequently

The third sign you might have to replace the brakes is if you’ve been finding yourself making a lot of repairs.

Since these machines get a lot of wear and tear, you might think it’s normal to have to make repairs more often than you would like.

You might choose to continue doing repairs to the brakes instead of replacing the entire system because you might not think it’s in your budget.

Looking at it from the financial aspect, continually making repairs to the brakes is quite costly in the long run.

When you think about production, having a machine down due to repairs ends up costing more.

You have to account for the times the machine will be out of commission, and the workers won’t be able to operate it.

Replacing the brakes doesn’t mean you should change everything in the machine. Getting a new system and performing regular maintenance is cheaper in the long run.

Time to Change Your Brake System

There are three easy ways of telling whether or not you need to replace your brake systems on your machinery.

Check to see if your production schedule has changed, do you regularly have to make repairs, or have difficulty finding new parts.

Looking to make some upgrades to your brake systems, check out our wide selection of products.

Today, most industrial machines and modern-day vehicles operate with a disc brake system.

This revolutionary braking system combines the use of a circular disk made of either cast iron, steel, or carbon ceramic with a piston and caliper system.

When compared to drum brakes, disc brakes have a longer wear-and-tear value and provide a much more powerful braking power.

While drum brakes are still relatively standard in certain models of industrial equipment and cars, the disc brake has changed the face of braking efficiency.

If you’re looking to learn more about how disc brakes work, then keep on reading…

A Basic Guide on How Disc Brakes Work

There are several working parts which comprise a basic disc braking system.

The key to understanding how disc brakes work is understanding the role each part plays within this system.

The key components of a disc brake system include:

• Rotors
• Brake pads
• A piston
• Calipers

When a disc brake system is engaged, it should work to stop a moving part immediately. The above components all work together to ensure this braking system works in an instant.

In short, when the brake pedal of an industrial machine is pressed, the hydraulic fluid becomes pressurized in the brake lines, engaging the pistons, and pushing the brake pads onto the rotor.

The speed at which a moving machine or vehicle stops is dependent on how hard a driver pushes the brake pedal – this goes without saying.

The pressure inside the brake lines increases the harder a brake pedal is pushed, which works to squeeze the brake pads onto the moving rotor.

Now that the basics have been outlined, let’s delve deeper into how disc brakes work by understanding the function of each component:

Rotor Function

This is one of the most important parts of a disc brake system and is attached to the wheel hub of a machine or vehicle.

This rotor is manufactured from three common materials: cast iron, steel or carbon ceramic and is made to move naturally with the wheel.

The rotor is essentially what the brake pads press onto, slowing down the wheel of a moving machine or vehicle.

Brake Pad Function

This is undoubtedly a key component in how disc brakes work. Brake pads are used to create friction between the pads and the wheel rotor, slowing down movement.

The brake pad is manufactured in two parts – the metal shoe and the inner lining, found within the shoe.

This lining is the component which comes into contact with the wheel rotor and is made from a variety of materials. The quality of this material can greatly impact the longevity of your braking system.

Piston Function

This is comprised of a cylinder which is connected to the braking system via a set of hydraulics.

Essentially, the piston works to move the brake pads onto the rotor when the brake pedal of a machine or vehicle is pressed.

In general, most brake systems use only one piston to move both brake pads. However, 2, 4, 6, and 8 piston systems are used for stronger braking power – depending on the machinery.

Caliper Function

The caliper system primarily provides housing for the most important components of the braking system: the piston, brake pads, and rotor.

It is also host to a ducting system which contains the brake fluid used to control the movement of the brake pads.

There are two prominent caliper systems – floating or fixed calipers. Fixed calipers are set in place and include two pistons, whereas floating calipers work with only one piston.

A fixed caliper system is known to apply brake pressure more evenly, however floating calipers work just as effectively.

Increase Your Machinery Uptime with Kor-Pak

At Kor-Park we understand the devastating effects of machinery downtime.

As such, our business is focused on offering a speedy and efficient replacement part, refitting and repairs service.

Looking for machinery parts, accessories or custom fabrication for your business, then get in touch with Kor-Pak.

Brakes are an essential part of most forms of industrial machinery. An important safety feature, you must maintain and update them when necessary.

But do you know what your machinery’s brakes are made of?

Many people may not know that there are three kinds of brake pads found on the market today. Every vehicle has at least one of these kinds of brakes.

This article will help you find the right replacement brake lining material for your machinery.

Asbestos Based Brake Lining Material Causes Cancer

Brake lining material (brake liners) was once made out of asbestos-based material. Asbestos was common due to its ability to get rid of excessive amounts of heat.

Asbestos brakes are cheap and fire resistant.

It is also a harmful cancer-causing material. The dust asbestos lined brakes create in a brake drum can cause Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that attacks the lungs and digestive tract.

Asbestos brakes are no longer available on the market due to government regulation.

But there three types of brake lining material make up the pads marketed today.

And with a little help, you will be able to find the right kind!

Three Common Options for Brake Lining

The three kinds of brake lining material are non-asbestos, semi-metallic, and ceramic friction.

Non-Asbestos Brake Lining

Non-asbestos is an organic lining that is environmentally friendly and durable. Rubber, glass, various types of resin and even Kevlar are in these brakes. Only a small amount of metal makes up this kind of lining.

Non-asbestos linings are less durable than their counterparts. This kind of brake creates dust when in use but they are not considered pollutants. They are also far quieter than asbestos and semi-metallic brakes.

Semi-Metallic Brake Lining

The second lining material is semi-metallic. This kind of lining was created in the 70s. Many kinds of metals make up semi-metallic brakes. Usually brass, copper, and steel.

These brake linings are durable, cheap and easily maintained. But because of their somewhat metallic construction, they can be loud.

Ceramic Friction Brake Lining

The last option is the more high end available.

Ceramic friction brake pads are lightweight due to their copper construction. They are efficient at heat dissipation and help reduce metal-to-metal wear.

These pads are common with most high-performance vehicles on the market today. Because of this, they are also the most expensive.

Knowing what kind of brakes your machinery needs is essential.

No one piece of machinery is the same and will need specific kinds of brakes.

Know Your Machinery Needs

The long and short of this is that every industry has machinery with different needs.

Knowing the types of material that make up brake linings is going to help you choose the right kind of brake.

No two machines are going to have the same brake setup. If you know what kind of brakes your machinery uses then, you’ll be able to choose the right kind of replacement brake liners.

The brands we sell have the replacement necessary to keep your machinery up and running.

Contact us today with any questions you have!

Press brakes have made great strides in the past decade. They are no longer as dangerous or time-consuming as they once were.

With the incorporation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC), modern press brake machines can now help American manufacturing compete with overseas markets.

This article will show that these modern machines increase efficiency, utilize technology, and employ people of all skill levels.

1. Increased Efficiency

A modern press brake allows a company to produce significantly more bends than press brakes of the past. Older machines produced about 600 bends per hour, but CNC press brakes can produce 900 per hour.

These machines can keep running indefinitely until a worker has to change out tools for a new design. This is now done through a touch-screen program rather than manually as it used to be done.

Modern press brake tools are also becoming lighter and simpler to install to speed up manufacturing even more.

Current machines are also able to produce more unique pieces because of the variety of software designs that can be run through the CNC system.

In the past, press brake machines required extensive piping which was prone to breaking or falling. Since the modern machines do not require this system, they run much smoother and with fewer breakdowns.

2. Smart Technology

Modern press brakes create better bends much faster with current technology.

Automatic Dynamic Crowning allows angles to be uniform along the bend. In the past, the correct angle was found through trial and error. New press brake machines produce the correct angle on the first go.

Thickness detection software analyzes the thickness of the metal throughout the piece to ensure the bend is accurate and uniform.

Mechanical compensations programs take into account the temperature and weight effects of the press brake’s hydraulic system.

Designers who must enter planned cuts into the press brake before the bend is made may make mistakes in how close they place a cut to the bend. With new advances in software for press brakes, the computer will alert designers that their proposed cuts are too close to the bend.

This allows less experienced workers to perform some designing tasks as well as reducing waste due to human error.

3. Training Requirements for the Modern Press Brake

New press brakes allow for reduced training and less experience for machinists.

Previously, workers were trained and employed only to setup press brakes because the process was so time-consuming and specialized.

Now, CNC programs guide workers through the setup process, allowing anyone to do it.

Barcode scanning of press brake parts’ IDs allows workers to accurately place pieces in the setup process without having to compare all the IDs manually. This saves a lot of time and training.

3D graphic representations of the metal bending process allow workers to visualize the process and reorder the machine’s sequence if necessary without manually refitting all the tools, previously a highly skilled worker’s job.

All of these improvements allow more skilled employees to move into management positions and younger, less experienced workers to operate the press brakes, saving companies money on training and giving flexibility in hiring. These press brake innovations are definitely a benefit to the field of manufacturing.

Interested in more areas of Custom Metal Fabrication? Check out this article.

Svendborg Brakes dominates the industrial market. Inside are the top reasons why the Danish company should be your top choice for any industrial brake.

Content

Are you in the market for industrial brakes for your machine or new application?

Industrial brakes were once known for being drum brakes that suffered wear and tear fast. But many of today’s brakes use disc braking technology, allowing you to appreciate them longer.

Svendborg Brakes is a Danish company that offers intelligent braking solutions through quality craftsmanship.

Read on to learn the top 5 reasons why Svendborg Brakes are the industrial brake you need today.

1. Premier Customer Support

Svendborg Brakes provides premier customer support. This helps to ensure you have a positive experience after you buy their products.

According to an American Express survey, 3 out of 5 Americans are willing to try a new brand or company to have a better customer service experience.

Svendborg Brakes knows that buying an industrial brake is an investment. This means you need their products to run at a high level and with an easy resolution to any issues you experience.

Svendborg is so serious about customer service they offer customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2. Superior Build Quality

At the root of Svendborg’s products is a superior build quality that comes as a result of the products and how they are designed.

They listen to their customers to identify their needs and incorporate them into new products. This allows a customer to receive the product they need and that is built to last.

But besides listening to customer ideas, Svendborg conducts demanding tests during product design. The result is a strong product built to a higher standard than their competition.

3. Strong Supply Chain Services

Your Svendborg Brakes can be shipped to you for delivery at many places across the planet.

That’s because the company uses a wide network of offices and three manufacturing facilities located in Denmark, Brazil, and China. They also have offices around the world, allowing them to serve your needs at all hours of the day.

Svendborg has a value-driven approach to industrial product design. This means you are receiving a better bang for your buck on their products. Furthermore, their culture of long-term cooperation allows them to establish strong industry relationships.

4. A Unique History

Svendborg Brakes have a long history that began in 1884. At that time, they built machines for industrial companies.

But they would soon diversify across many different industries.

In 1989, Svendborg got the rights to manufacture disc brakes from Hagglunds Drives. As a specialist in the industry, they began to offer brakes to a larger worldwide population.

Today, this Danish company with humble beginnings now manufactures products in three countries. They also have offices throughout the world, including United States, Australia, and Korea.

5. Deep Industry Knowledge

Svendborg Brakes leverages over 130 years of experience to build their products. Their diverse industry knowledge helps them build products that meet your day-to-day needs.

This also means developing products that are sustainable under your work conditions, whether this is during light or heavy use. This can help your business have peace of mind that you are getting a quality product that will last.

Wrapping Up: The Best Industrial Brake Products

Industrial brakes are a crucial part of your heavy machinery or industrial application. That’s because you will use the brakes to maintain control of these machines on your projects.

At Svendborg Brakes, they are a team of professionals and engineers dedicated to helping you find solutions to the industrial challenges you face.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and what sets us apart from the competition.

The most important safety function of any piece of industrial machinery is the ability to stop. Brakes are an essential part of any crane, wind turbine or any industrial machine.

It is essential to have every component of the brake system in top working order to avoid costly replacements and repairs.

How costly is a brake replacement? Count time out of service, the time of your engineer, mechanic and other labor. Had enough?

Read ahead for servicing tips to avoid unscheduled brake replacement.

Proper Maintenance = Long Life

Even the highest quality systems need regular maintenance for longest effective life.

Some brake systems have a predefined interval of time for how often you should schedule maintenance and replacement. We recommend keeping the manufacturer’s suggestion as the maximum amount of time between servicing.

Every site has unique operating conditions. Only you can determine how frequently you use your equipment, under what load, and in what weather.

Stay vigilant to changes in performance, even gradual ones. Changes in noise or movement also indicate something is wearing.

Check Your Friction Lining

Every set of brakes has a certain safe residual lining surface. Brake pads and linings should be serviced before they become unsafe, as damage to rotors and other parts will result.

A regular check of the air gap between the plate and the brake coil is necessary for most brakes. As the friction lining starts to wear down, the air gap increases. Adjust the brakes as necessary to prevent damage.

Metal hitting metal means an expensive repair.

Contamination = Brake Replacement

Grease, oil, and debris have no place inside your brake system. Not only will they burn in the heat generated by braking, they irreparably damage the surfaces.

Contamination kills stopping power.

When your brakes are contaminated with grease or moisture, the safety of your equipment is at risk. Brakes can’t do their job of stopping motion if they can’t grab.

Contaminated brakes must be replaced. Cleaning and rebuilding is possible, but cannot be undertaken as a less than a major repair.

Inspect and Change

Any excessive vibration, hesitation, uneven load or dangerous condition is a threat to life and safety. Keep track of time, condition and use of brake systems. A basic visual inspection at every use and regular maintenance service prevents costly repairs.

Brake pads, linings, rotors and all components should be checked at manufacturer recommended intervals or sooner. Replace as necessary. Brake fluid should also be checked and changed as necessary.

Keep contaminants out of the brakes. Water, oil, grease or brake fluid can cause downtime and replacement. Never let metal hit metal.

Need to Know More?

Keep reading this blog for more information about the best equipment for your needs or contact your Kor-Pak representative today!

Brake rotors are among the most important parts of industrial machinery. Having the right rotors can mean the difference between life and death. The same can apply to anything mechanical that may require a brake rotor or a braking system.

Unfortunately, there are some common myths circulating about the use of brakes, and chances are you might believe they are true.

In this article, we will try to dispel some of the common myths related to brakes that you probably believe in, so listen up.

Wet or Damp Rotors Affect Performance

It has often been said that once a brake rotor gets wet that it will impact its performance. However, this is not necessarily the case as modern braking systems don’t suffer any loss of performance like the old-fashioned drum brakes did.

The design of modern rotors allows for constant braking performance in most conditions. Due to their effectiveness, it is something we often take for granted..

The same can also be said in the industrial market, as rotor braking systems have many uses across different industries. Wind turbines, cranes and general heavy machinery also require brake rotors that need constant braking performance.

Brake Noise is Acceptable

Rotors are designed to make noise once they need replacing, it is often thought that brake squealing is normal, but this isn’t the case. Although it might be a minor fault, the noise will be indicating some form of issue that needs inspecting.

The best advice on brake noise is to get any noise inspected rather than ignoring it.

Brakes Need Time to Warm Up

Over the years it has been suggested that brakes need to be warm to be most effective, but again this is not the case as the materials used today can operate effectively with varying temperatures.

The only exception to this is high-performance racing pads, and these are not used in industrial environments.

Warping Brake Rotors

In the past, it has been suggested that rotors can warp and cause vibration, but this is, in fact, a myth. Brake vibration has many explanations some of which can be explained by the thickness of the brake, as well as brake torque variations. These are more likely to be the cause of vibration rather than warping.

All Rotors are Similar

Not all brake rotors are the same, even if it’s the correct one for a vehicle. The quality and driver needs can affect the behavior and synergy.

Low-cost options may also offer inferior performance, so this is worth considering when making your final choice. Higher cost options are not always suited to everyone as the benefits may not always outweigh the costs.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

If you are ready to learn more about the true benefits of brake rotors are why they are so incredibly important, feel free to contact us today for a non-obligational talk about your needs.

Brake malfunction can cause serious damage to your personnel, equipment, and facility, possibly including the injury or death of personnel.

For example, Toyota recommends replacement of forklift brake shoes every 5000- 7000 hours. Cranes have hour maximums and brake lining thickness minimums. Elevators do too.

The most important safety feature on any piece of industrial equipment is the ability to stop.

If you are in the market for the new brake pads, we have the definitive list of the five qualities to look for in the best brake pads for industrial machinery. Keep reading to learn more.

What Do You Need to Stop?

Not all applications are the same.

Typically an elevator is equipped with a negative electromagnetic brake.

A 50 to 60-ton rough terrain crane is designed for operation on compacted earth as well as in narrow spaces. It uses a double caliper brake system, with two disc brakes per wheel.

Disc brakes slow, hold, and stop high kinetic energy (very fast-moving or heavy) loads, absorbing kinetic energy very quickly, if necessary. They are suited to applications that require high speed or high energy stops, high torque or high tension control. They absorb the energy generated by braking, then release it as heat.

Disc brake pads should be inspected for wear and replaced regularly.

Your unique combination of needs can only be met by specific brake pads. With a broad range of brake pad manufacturers available, finding the best brake pads for your use starts with determining the solution you need.

What Kind of Machinery Needs Brake Pads?

A broad range of heavy-duty industrial machinery might need brake pads. Some examples to consider:

• Bottling Machinery
• Conveyor Systems
• Cranes
• Elevators
• Forklifts
• Marine Winches
• Packaging Machinery
• Paper Handling
• Printing Presses
• Roller Coasters
• Wire Tensioning
• Wind Energy

You may have hydraulic brakes, electromagnetic brakes, spring applied brakes, active pneumatic brakes, or dual function brakes for multiple purposes. The right pad is available!

Which Brake Pad is Right for Your Application?

Several different styles of brake pads are available to fit different requirements. Each model offers different standard features and configuration options.

Consider your operating conditions:

• Indoors or outside, ambient temperature, mounting orientation, and any hostile environments such as exposure to salt water, excessive humidity, or contaminants
• Required stop time, in seconds
• Number of stops per minute, hour, or day
• Maximum allowable disc diameter and thickness
• The amount of energy/heat generated

Based on your operating conditions, the five criteria for best brake pads used for industrial machinery are:

1. Materials- choose from semi-metallic, rigid molded, or sintered friction pads for resistance to heat
2. Maintenance- choose pads with thorough testing and quality assurance
3. Performance- look for the most reliable and well-tested pads for your application
4. Friction- for high heat dissipation select cutting-edge technology sintered pads
5. Long Life- OEM or reverse engineered replacement, look at the replacement and ongoing maintenance costs

Detailed specs for all products and manufacturers we recommend are available on our website, and we’re only a quick contact away if you have questions or need recommendations for the five best brake pads specifically for your application.