Machinery deaths average above 750 deaths a year. Brake shoes are an important part of the safety of many industrial machines, so you can do your part to help lower these statistics by learning about them.

Brake shoes are essential components in many mechanical pieces of equipment used in industrial services. Some of the industries they impact include automotive, agriculture, iron and steel, mining, and rail. In addition, they’re widely used in hoists in these industries and elevators throughout many other sectors.

These parts can wear down over time and should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure the proper working of the equipment. Read on to learn more about brake shoes and how they impact your industry.

What Is a Friction Material?

Brake friction material consists of composites of several different materials that exist as layers used to control the speed of the mechanism they are a part of. These can decelerate the mechanism or bring it to a complete stop. 

Brake pads and linings are usually a mix of 10 to 20 different kinds of raw materials. Choosing the right blend of materials for the suitable condition is complicated by many specialized individual machine needs.

The Blend of Friction Materials

Depending on the specific brake shoe and its usage, the blend of the raw materials can vary. The types of raw materials used can be divided into three types:

Stiffener

This material provides more intensity to the friction material. These can consist of inorganic and organic fibers such as metal and aramid fibers.

Bonding Agent 

The bonding agent hardens raw materials and provides the bonding capability to the materials used in the brake shoes. Usually, phenol resins are the bonding agents in brake shoes.

Friction Adjustment Material 

This material adjusts the friction materials used to make the brake shoes. This allows you to strengthen the stabilization and the effectiveness of the performance of the brake shoes. A mix of raw materials can include lubricants, organic and inorganic fillers, metal powder, and abrasive materials. 

Inspection of Brake Friction Materials

Testing the effectiveness of a brake shoe requires various methods to check the quality. This process includes evaluating the physical properties like the intensity and the hardness of the friction materials in the brakes.

You can also test the chemical composition of these materials to ensure that the brake is safe for operation in an industrial environment. Effectiveness tests also include testing the wear and tear of the brakes, the squeal, and other factors that may affect smooth operation. You can use a dynamometer device to test the brakes. 

Brake Shoes Vs. Brake Pads

Brake pads are flat steel pieces with a thick friction layer on one side. This friction material can vary depending on the type of equipment and the intended use. The main difference between brake shoes and brake pads is the direction of their force.

Brake shoes are the things that carry the brake lining inside the brake drum systems. These are curved pieces of metal with friction material on one side.

Finding a Brake Shoe Replacement

Brake shoes are a crucial part of an industrial machine, as they provide effective slowing and stopping of parts while also providing safety features for the workers operating them. So, having reliable brake shoes is crucial to have a smooth flowing operation.

If you’re looking for brake shoe replacement, feel free to look at our website for your products and if you have any questions regarding our products, feel free to contact us.

Mechanical clutches play a vital role in meeting industrial needs on a large scale. 

Clutches work in power transmission systems where you need to apply torque in one direction of rotation. The use of clutches today protects against backlash and rollover. Professionals divide mechanical clutches into three basic applications. They are indexing, backstop (holdback), and overrunning clutches. 

Keep reading for a short overview of these three mechanical clutches. 

Indexing Clutches

An indexing clutch turns a shaft one step at a time. The back and forth motion become only one direction of movement. First, the indexing clutch drives in the forward stroke. Then, it spins freely on the return stroke. This accomplishes indexed material feed or a variable speed.

Indexing clutches are typical in manufacturing using material feeders. The clutch can start and stop at set intervals.

Typical applications of indexing clutches include:

• Assembling machines
• Indexing tables
• Metal stamping
• Packing machines
• Press working
• Printing machines

Backstopping Clutches

The freewheel only allows rotation in one direction using a backstopping clutch. As a result, it constantly overruns during operation. The backstop clutch prevents the rotation from moving in the reverse direction. The backstop clutch bearing will automatically engage with a fixed frame when the torque is reversed. 

Backstops can transmit nominal torque mounted on solid shafts. However, if mounted on hollow shafts, the transmittable torque decreases.

Backstop clutches service as a safety measure to protect equipment from damage and ensure worker security. 

Applications that rely on a clutch backstop include:

• Bucket elevators
• Fans
• Gear reducers
• Incline conveyors
• Pump systems 

You can also think of a backstopping clutch in a vehicle like a brake. The clutch stops the vehicle from rolling backward. 

Overrunning Clutches 

With an overrunning clutch, most of the time, the clutch spins freely. Overrunning clutches are familiar with two-speed drive applications. The freewheel disengages automatically when the driven member rotates faster than the driving member. 

When the secondary motor drives the machines, the clutch overruns, it switches the speed from low to high. 

Standard applications that use overrunning clutches are:

• Conveyor belts
• Creep and starter drives
• Disengaged centrifugal masses
• Dual motor or engine drives

Additionally, there are four main types of overrunning clutches. They are ramp & roller, sprag, wedge, and wrap spring. The distinguishing factor between each overrunning clutch is the design and use. 

Clutches for Your Applications

Indexing, backstopping, and overrunning clutches are essential for applications to function correctly. Knowing which clutch suits an application best is even more vital.

Contact us at Kor-Pak Corporation to speak with our professionals about the clutches you need for your applications. Our experts have the industry knowledge to assist you.

Experts say the automobile clutch market will reach $13bn by 2026. Yet, while many people are familiar with automotive clutches, there are many different uses for clutches in various industries. 

Marland Clutch is a world leader in the clutch market, with 90 years of history. You can find more than 100 different Marland Clutch products available to buy. 

Keep reading this article to learn more about industrial clutches and their uses. 

What Are Industrial Clutches?

A clutch is a power transmission device. It helps control the speed of movement of a motor. Engines with two rotating shafts use a clutch. The two shafts link the motor to the moving parts of the device.

So, the clutch allows them to move together (couple) or separate from each other (decouple). Separating the shafts disengages a motor’s driveshaft. This enables users to pause an engine without turning it off entirely. 

Because clutches are an integral part of an engine, most mechanical devices use them, from cars to industrial machinery. For example, the clutch stops the connection between the engine and wheels in vehicles. This allows the car to pause or idle without turning off the engine. 

Industrial clutch parts allow a machine to pause while still operating. Often, the clutch pauses the conveyor belt. Clutches make industrial work more efficient. There isn’t wasted time between stopping and starting the motor.

With vastly different uses, there are many varieties of clutches. But, there are a few standard clutch designs available.

PTO Clutch

One typical example is a power take-off (PTO) clutch. Experts recommend PTO clutches for in-line or sideload instruction tasks. Some examples include:

• Agricultural machinery
• Road building
• Rock crushers
• Wood Chippers
• Dredges
• Compressors
• Pumps
• Recycling equipment

There are various models of the PTO clutch, depending on its use. For example, some PTO clutch manufacturers don’t use a pilot bearing. This helps to simplify installation and reduces the risk of crankshaft damage.

Power Grip Clutch

 Professionals recommend power grip clutches for in-line or shaft-to-shaft torque transmission. These clutches are an excellent choice for high-inertia loads and heavy-duty industrial operations. 

This is because they can withstand torsional vibrations and heavy shock. Power grip clutches also give machinery a smooth start.

They minimize release drags, which helps create a reliable and long-lasting performance.

Low Inertial High Torque Clutch

One final example is the low inertial high torque clutch. Again, the name implies a high torque to size ratio and low rotating inertia.

Experts use this heavy-duty clutch for industrial operations with high-cycle power transmission and controlled acceleration. Some examples include:

• Petroleum
• Material handling equipment
• Power generation
• Metal forming industries
• Steel shear
• Yarders 
• Fail-safe brakes
• Marine winches

Users mount the clutch to the end of the shafts. It is reliable and has a high-speed response rate.

Learn More About Industrial Clutches 

Industrial clutches are much more common than most people think. Yet, they are essential to keep machines operating at maximum capacity with less maintenance.  

Contact us at Kor-Pak Corporation to get expert advice on the best clutches for your applications. Our professionals will help improve your uptime and load efficiency.

Recent polls show that nearly 40% of tractor-trailer owners use disc brakes in their vehicles. Brake calipers are an essential part of a vehicle’s disc braking system, and a vehicle would be unable to stop without them in place. But how do they work, and what do they do?

Read this brake calipers guide for an overview of how brake calipers work and some brake calipers tips to get you started!

How Do Brake Calipers Work? 

What are brake calipers? Industrial brake calipers are a vital part of a disc brake system. Disc brakes are frequently used in machines and industrial vehicles but are not always as common as other types of braking systems.

These little calipers are usually attached to the front wheels of trucks and other vehicles, although many manufacturers have begun installing disc brakes on the rear wheels as well. This means that each rear wheel will also have a rear brake caliper to go along with it.

But how does it work? As you press on a brake pedal, hydraulic fluid passes through the lines and pushes a piston. This piston, in turn, closes the brake calipers. 

The brake calipers are attached to brake pads, which are the braking parts. As the calipers close, the brake pads press against the wheel’s rotor and apply friction. This friction slows the wheels down, slowing and eventually stopping the vehicle.

Disc brake systems are typically external and vented, allowing air to cool the system from all the heat generated by the friction. This keeps the system functioning far longer without wearing out, which is one of the many reasons disc brakes are the better choice.

Brake calipers need to be properly set to squeeze at the right time and apply the right amount of pressure with the brake pads. Thankfully, you can adjust the calipers and caliper piston with a brake caliper tool, no matter which type of industrial vehicle you’re working on.

Two Types of Calipers

Calipers for disc brakes are either fixed calipers or floating calipers. As a result, they perform differently, although the underlying braking concept is still the same.

Floating calipers move closer or farther away from the rotor. When hydraulic fluid presses the piston, the entire caliper moves with it, pushing the brake pads against the rotor.

As you might guess, fixed calipers don’t move. Instead, pistons push them closed, pressing the brake pads against both sides of the rotor. These brake calipers are generally the better, higher-quality option, but they are also more expensive.

What About Other Brakes?

There are other braking systems found in trucks and other industrial vehicles. However, these systems don’t use calipers to press brake pads against rotors as disc brake systems do. 

Drum brakes are common braking systems and have been in use for quite a few decades. Although they aren’t as good as disc brakes, they still see quite a lot of use. 

The “S” cam brake is a drum brake system that is extremely common in trucks and larger industrial vehicles. It functions well, but it isn’t as good as a disc brake system at stopping a vehicle quickly. 

Learn More About Brake Parts!

While this is a general overview of brake calipers, there’s still a lot more to brakes and braking systems! We want you to feel confident in all your knowledge and materials regarding industrial brakes.

So feel free to contact us with questions or concerns! Our goal is to provide you with the best materials, knowledge, and advice possible, whether for brakes or other industrial products.

The better you feel about your equipment, the happier we are!

Long considered the best option in braking technology, disc brakes are frequently used in many industrial machines. But how exactly do they work?

Read on for an overview of how a disc brake works and some disk brake tips for buying disk brakes. 

Anatomy of a Disc Brake

There are three main components of a disc brake. These are the brake pads, the rotor, and the caliper. In addition, other components work with these three parts to ensure the disc brakes work correctly.

Other components include the piston that connects with the caliper, the hydraulic system for the brakes, and the wheel itself that the brakes are working to stop.

Your disc brakes guide will probably show that your brakes are vented. Most of these brakes are vented to help keep the braking system cool. Sets of vanes pump air through the disk, making sure things don’t overheat or wear out.

How Do They Work?

When the brake is pushed on a machine, it pushes hydraulic brake fluid through lines to the brakes. The fluid moves pistons, which then close the calipers.

These calipers attach to the brake pads, and when they squeeze shut, the brake pads then press against the rotor. This creates a lot of heat and friction, slowing the machine down or stopping it completely. However, as opposed to other types of brakes, disc brakes wear down evenly across their surface, which means you won’t have to replace them until the entire brake pad is worn out.

Because of this, brake pads are designed to handle that excessive heat and friction while still providing enough friction themselves to stop the machine. They are made of various friction materials, depending on the type of brakes and the purpose of the job.

Buying, Repairing and Replacing Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are not always the go-to brake system in industrial machines, but they’re increasingly used in factory settings. The good news is you can order brake parts and have them installed on your machine with little difficulty. In the same way, you can order replacement parts if your pads wear down or your brakes wear out.

Choosing disc brakes is easy because there are so many high-quality industrial disc brakes and brake manufacturers to pick from. Some firms specialize in brakes for oil, gas, and energy industry machines, while others focus on transport and hauling machinery. You can look at different companies to see what sizes and types of disc brakes they specialize in and determine which style would work best for your situation. 

Learn More About Brakes and Brake Parts

Getting a new type of disc brake for your industrial equipment is a great idea, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’d love to help you decide what kind of brake system works best for you.

So if you have any questions, contact us! We’ll be happy to help you figure out precisely what type of brakes you want, how to get them, and how to install them on your machines. We want you to have the best brakes possible.

Did you know that there are more than 45,000 industrial machinery and equipment manufacturers in the U.S. alone? With that many manufacturers, there are countless more industrial machines that use clutches to perform their essential operations.  

Read on to learn how a clutch works. 

How a Clutch Works

A clutch is a bridge between two rotating shafts, one shaft is typically connected to a motor, and the other is connected to another device. For many industrial machines, the other device is the drive shaft.

The clutch is the mechanism that allows the two shafts to either be connected or disconnected. When connected, these two shafts are running at the same speed. When they are disconnected, the motor is still running, but the machine is idle to allow for pauses in work. 

Different Types of Clutches

Multiple types of clutches offer different advantages. The following is a clutch guide to the major types.

Friction Clutch

A friction clutch is the most popular type. This system operates by the friction created between two shafts. The material lining the shafts impacts how much friction is created.

Multiple Plate Clutch

This type uses multiple plates to contact the engine flywheel and transfer power. Besides industrial machines, these are often used in racing vehicles because of the high torque they transmit. 

Cone Clutch

This type uses two conical surfaces to generate torque rather than disks or plates. Compared to other clutch types of the same size, it can transmit more torque. A disadvantage is that it needs significant maintenance.  

Centrifugal Clutch

This automatic type operates one centrifugal force with an output shaft. As a result, there isn’t much maintenance required, and the design is relatively simple. 

How To Tell If A Clutch Is Working Properly

Regardless of the clutch a machine uses, some issues require maintenance. Knowing what to look for can help you spot a problem before it gets more serious. The following clutch tips may help.

Slipping

If the engine is revving at a high rate, but the machine is moving slowly, this could be a sign of slipping. This happens with a worn-out disk or plate. Another sign is hearing strange noises when you are shifting gears.

Pedal Give

If you have to press hard on the pedal or are sensitive to the touch, you are experiencing pedal give. This is a sign that a replacement is needed soon.

Sticking

This is sticking if your foot moves from applying pressure to the pedal, but the clutch doesn’t follow. This can make changing gears difficult. 

Understanding Clutches and Their Importance

Now that you know how a clutch works and what to look for if malfunctioning, are you ready to learn more? Not all clutches are the same, as different types offer unique advantages. 

Read our blog for more great content like this. 

Drum brakes are big business in the world of mass-production and heavy industry. The global market for this type of brake is set to surpass $3.5 billion in value by 2026. That’s good news for fans of these time-tested machinery components.

We all know drum brakes are still used in the automobile industry, but did you know they also have a far wider range of applications? Read on to understand the basics of drum brake parts and how you can put them to use in your manufacturing business.

Drum Brake Parts Basics

Unlike the more commonly-used disc brakes, which apply friction by clamping down on an object from the outside, drums use their stopping power from the inside. As a result, fluid fills a cylinder which pushes two shoes outwards.

It’s a relatively straightforward process, but there’s a little more going on below the surface.

The Drum

This is perhaps the most important part of drum brakes. The drum stands at the wheel’s center, bolted to the hub, rotating in time with the axle. The drum houses all other components of the brake.

Drums are usually made from a heat and water-resistant form of cast iron and provide a rugged shell for all the intricate components inside. The drum can stand up to a lot of wear and tear, with an average lifespan of around 150,000 to 200,000 miles. That’s a lot of rotations!

Backing Plate

Another critical brake element is the backing plate, which helps to shore up the drum. It provides a solid core at the back of the drum and helps to protect the rest of the braking system from damage.

Since it rubs up against the wheel and absorbs torque, this part is sometimes called the torque plate. 

Brake Shoe

The shoe is arguably the most critical part of the brake. It pushes out to the wheel, applying friction and eventually causing it to stop. 

It is made from two welded steel pieces operated by pistons pushing out from the drum. The shoe is lined with brake lining on its outer curve, providing the optimum level of friction.

Wheel Cylinder

The cylinder’s job is to push the shoe outwards. Operated by pistons at either side, it forces the shoes outwards, causing them to make friction with the edge of the drum.

Return Springs

Once the braking process is over, those shoes have to retract and take their pressure off the wheel. That’s where the return springs come in, pulling the shoes back to base when their job is done.

Self Adjuster

All braking systems rely on friction. So, it only follows that the whole system will break down if the shoe doesn’t make contact with the drum.

The self-adjuster allows the shoe to adjust as the lining deteriorates. The adjuster will push out further and ensure they make contact. The best drum brakes all offer this feature. 

Quality Components Whatever Your Needs

Whatever you’re looking for in your business, you can rely on us as your provider. We’ve been in the industry for years and understand the importance of quality industrial equipment, including drum brake parts.

Whatever you’re looking for, get in touch with Kor-Pak today for all your business needs.

On the surface, theme parks, train stations, and gyms don’t seem to have much in common. However, a careful observer may notice they all use some shared technology. One of those technological pieces is a Stromag eddy current brake.

Eddy current technology cleverly uses magnetic principles to achieve incredible results. They purposefully create these currents in a product to allow for smooth, uninhibited deceleration.

These brakes are a popular choice for their efficiency and low maintenance. In this guide, we’ll examine the benefits of the Stromag brake by exploring its many applications. Let’s get started!

Gym Equipment Can Utilize the Stromag Eddy Current Brake

When people think of industrial brakes, they often think of their use in industrial equipment ranging from trains to cranes. However, exercise equipment manufacturers have found other ways to implement Stromag brake models.

One example of how gyms use eddy current brakes is in ellipticals, treadmills, and exercise bikes. For instance, exercise bikes use eddy current brakes when riders simulate an uphill climb. This shift increases the drag between the bike’s magnet and the non-magnetic conductor.

The result is that the drag makes it more difficult for the rider to peddle. However, when the rider needs to decrease their incline, the brake can use this eddy current to make the transition seamless. 

The Stromag Emergency Brake in Industrial Equipment

Industrial equipment of all kinds, from vehicles to power tools, have safety concerns. In an emergency, regular brakes may not be fast enough to mitigate problems. Instead, this equipment needs a way to stop its movement instantly. 

That’s where an eddy brake comes in. These brakes utilize their eddy current to instantly shut down the equipment when the user engages the brake. 

Stromag’s type OOSA and OSA emergency brakes are often ideal for these scenarios. These products feature several top-quality benefits. They include fail-safe braking, braking by spring, an electromagnetic release, and more.

These models include additional options as well, such as their varying release mechanisms. These include manual release levers and hydraulic releases. You can also have them mounted on an axis disc.

Usage in Electric Trains

Electric trains also use Stromag clutch and brake models for their railway systems. There are two primary reasons for this: low maintenance costs and the brake’s speed.

Eddy current brakes provide a safe transition for moving trains. With their electric power transmission, these trains can smoothly decelerate in a way that offers comfort and safety for passengers. In addition, this technology has allowed several train types to reach higher speeds. 

Stromag has several rail brakes that aid in this power transmission. One such model is the GRBS brake, which uses state-of-the-art technology to balance the brake’s weight. 

Find Your Stromag Eddy Current Brake Today

Stromag produces several reliable and high-end brakes suitable for many purposes. If you need a Stromag eddy current brake, check out our products list today! In addition, we provide several brake types to help your business.

We also have maintenance and support services for companies using Stromag brakes. Contact our offices if your equipment needs support today.

Ceramic, semi-metallic, hybrid—which is the best brake pad material for you? That depends on what you need it for.

If you need brakes that stop fast without overheating, we’d suggest a semi-metallic friction material. But if you need brakes that are more gentle to your delicate machinery, you’ll want to go with ceramic brake pads. 

On the other hand, what about hybrid friction materials? What are the ideal uses for hybrid brakes?

Here’s an explanation of some options for brake pad friction material.

The following guide lists the pros and cons of various brake pads to make an informed decision. Discover how to choose the right kind of brakes for your equipment. 

1. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Semi-metallic brake pads are made of sintered metals combined with synthetic materials. These brake pads are the most heavy-duty option.

Specifically, they’re extremely hardy/long-lasting and have the best stopping power. They also resist heat very well.

However, one disadvantage of these brake pads is that they are very loud when stopping. Also, they are so hardy that using them might wear down your braking system more than wearing the pads. 

2. Ceramic Brake Pads

In contrast to semi-metallic brakes, ceramic brake pads are much more gentle. As a result, they are significantly quieter when stopping and are unlikely to wear down your machine. They also produce less dust.

However, the reason for these benefits is that ceramic pads are not as durable as semi-metallic brakes. In comparison, ceramic pads are more easily damaged and will wear out faster. They also do not have the stopping power of semi-metallic brake pads.

A problem to beware of with these pads is overheating. Ceramic pads are not designed for heavy use like semi-metallic pads are.

If they’re used too harshly, they overheat, which can damage your braking system. Therefore, ceramic pads are ideal for general/gentle use. 

3. Hybrid Brake Pads

Lastly, you can also choose a hybrid brake shoe friction material. These are so-named because they consist of a combination of both semi-metallic and ceramic brake materials.

As a result, they are the exact middle ground between the other two options in performance. For instance, they offer better stopping power, heat resistance, and durability than ceramic pads. But they aren’t so rigid that they wear down your machinery.

Which Is the Best Brake Pad Material For You?

For extremely heavy use, choose semi-metallic. If ceramic pads aren’t quite durable/heat-resistant enough, choose hybrid brakes for more general use. Lastly, for light-duty braking needs, choose ceramic pads.

Need Some Additional Help?

Based on these descriptions, you should now be able to determine the best brake pad material for your needs. However, if you’re still unsure, we can help.

We at Kor-Pak are industrial braking system experts. Contact us here so we can discuss the matter and help you get the product you need.

We often associate braking systems with everyday cars and commercial vehicles moving along the highway when talking about braking systems. So it makes sense that industrial brakes are brakes used for heavy equipment such as construction excavators, backhoes, or skid steers. Yet industrial brakes also are found on processing equipment, medical imaging equipment, and many other applications. Understanding the purpose of these components allows you to set up, install, and maintain the industrial brake for your machinery.

Purpose of Industrial Brakes

Industrial brakes are designed to slow or stop the mechanical movement of components or systems. This process is done by using friction as the braking device will absorb the kinetic energy. There are other brakes available based on their purpose and how they may slow or stop mechanical movement. These components are called holding brakes and dynamic brakes.

Holding Brakes: Holding brakes are used to keep a component or machine in a stopped position until some other action is taken to release the hold.

Dynamic Brakes: Dynamic brakes will apply friction to bring a running mechanical component to a complete stop as the rotating load winds down.

Equipment or components may require a holding brake, a dynamic brake, or a combination of the two. Drum brakes and disc brakes are considered dynamic brakes. Disc brakes are appropriate for applications that need high torque but do not have space limitations for the brakes. Meanwhile, drum brakes are used for applications that need lower torque and may have space limitations. Drum brakes may use an electrohydraulic thruster, electromagnetic solenoid, hydraulic release, or pneumatic release for their operations.

Types of Industrial Brakes

Industrial brakes may also be further broken down by their functions or by how they are powered. These types include:

• Spring-loaded brakes: Brakes that slow-moving loads and will hold static loads in place only when the release mechanism is turned off.
• Hydraulic release brakes: A type of spring-loaded brake that provides adjustable torque by using hydraulic energy.
• Fail-safe brakes: Fail-safe brakes shut down the application’s movement immediately due to issues or power loss.

Applications for Industrial Brakes

Many industries have applications that use industrial brakes. Typical industries include manufacturing, warehousing, energy, oil & gas, medical, food processing, steel mills, and many others. Some applications include:

• general industrial equipment
• mining winches
• conveyor belts
• overhead cranes
• steel rolling systems
• wind turbines

Industrial Braking Systems for Your Operations

Designing equipment systems requires knowing how the braking system will impact mechanisms down the line. Relying on a company that not only supplies high-quality brakes but also provides servicing and parts allows you to come up with the best design approaches that better align with your operational needs. In addition, you can stay competitive in your industry if the components and systems can be upgraded to match the growth of your operations, as you will have efficient and scalable processes.

If you require brakes for your applications or wish to inquire about industrial brakes suitable to your industry, reach out to Kor-Pak.