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.

Mounting cranes on rails increases their utility in loading/unloading and other material handling tasks. However, it also creates another potential hazard: the risk of uncontrolled movement. Tall cranes used outdoors, especially in coastal regions, are vulnerable to high winds and wind microbursts. Earthquakes are another possible cause of unexpected motion in many locations, and the risk of collision with forklift trucks and similar machinery is ever-present throughout industrial and logistics operations.

Uncontrolled crane movement can be devastating, as is evident in a 2008 video of a crane collapse in Florida. It can disrupt operations, require expensive repairs and even cause loss of life. This is why storm and parking brakes should be considered essential on rail-mounted equipment. Here we explain these, outline how the various types work, and discuss when each should be used.

Rail Clamps and Wheel Brakes

Storm and parking brakes for rail-mounted equipment act either on the rail or on the wheels. The two categories are rail clamps and wheel brakes.

As the name suggests, clamps clamp onto the rail. This makes them appropriate for static situations where they act as parking brakes. In contrast, wheel brakes apply friction to the wheel (usually the idler wheels of cranes.) Thus, while wheel brakes are intended for static use, they can be used as dynamic brakes in emergencies.

Rail clamps come in two forms: clamps that grip onto the sides of the rail and press brakes that push down on the top. Clamp mechanisms usually include rollers that run along the tops of the rails. Retractable systems are available for high-speed cranes where rollers would add additional resistance.

Press brakes use the crane’s weight to lock it in position while clamps rely on spring force (which can exceed 1,000 kN.) Press brakes are used where the rail top is flush with the roadway and inaccessible to side clamps. They also do a better job of accommodating variation in rail height.

Brake Application and Release

Rail clamps, rail press brakes, and wheel brakes are all designed for fail-safe operation. Spring-loaded mechanisms force the clamps or friction material against the rail or wheel. Then, power is applied to pull the clamps off.

With clamps and press brakes, the release is almost always performed by hydraulics. (Some smaller units have electric release mechanisms.) Likewise, wheel brakes are predominantly electric release. However, hydraulic systems are more complex, requiring a pump or pumps plus reservoir, and should be inspected for leaks periodically.

When selecting or specifying storm and parking brakes, remember to consider how they are released in the event of a power failure. Again, the manufacturers or a knowledgeable distributor will be able to advise.

Partner With Specialists

As safety-critical components, it’s essential to use only the correct storm and parking brake systems and components for your application. Kor-Pak works with multiple manufacturers and can advise on the various types and styles. Replacement parts and servicing are also available. Contact us for more information.

Are you designing new equipment and need custom industrial brakes? Industrial brakes are often subjected to extreme heat and pressure. How do you know which brake is going to give a safe stopping force for your equipment?

Read our guide on types of industrial brakes and custom solutions for industrial applications.  

Industrial Caliper Disc Brakes

Disk brakes offer stopping force with less risk of overheating. The caliper on this braking system acts as a clamp that applies force to brake pads and slows rotation down. As a result, brake pad material creates friction against the rotating motion of the machine.

Industrial caliper disc brakes come in different types. They offer customization opportunities for smooth stopping on many industrial applications.

A pneumatic or air-applied spring system will work well for applications for large amounts of torque requirements. In addition, they offer reliable performance for emergency stopping and holding. 

Hydraulic systems can handle a higher torque range and are valid as safety brakes on many industrial applications. They will work well for your heaviest machinery. 

For applications in which frequent stops will occur, it is best to consult a specialist. Get help with calculating torque and choosing the correct disk brake application. Overuse with the wrong caliper can result in unreliable stopping and premature pad wear. 

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes have a shoe in the wheel hub that pushes outward on a drum when you apply the brake. Unfortunately, the shoe pushes into the surface, and friction slows down the rotation.

Drum brake systems are classified as fail-safe, spring-set, and electro-hydraulic thruster or magnetically released systems. 

One of the most significant benefits of drum brakes in industrial applications is their compact design. Where space is limited, drum brakes offer a safe and cost-effective solution. In addition, they work well in applications that do not generate lots of heat. 

Eddy-Current Brakes

The two previous brake systems reviewed apply force with contact. — pressing friction material against a disc or drum surface creates slow or stop.

Eddy-current brakes do not apply contact as the force to create stopping. Electromagnetic currents use a magnetic force against the rotating disc and prevent rotation. Eddy-current brakes are frictionless. 

A conductor must be moving for this force to work. So, Eddy-current brakes are not suited for stop holds. However, they are ideal for applications with high-speed movements for an immediate stop.

Get Quality Service for Replacement or Custom Made Industrial Brakes

Kor-Pak Corporation is an industrial brake and clutch specialist. Kor-Pak has been providing industry-leading brake solutions worldwide for over two decades. 

We offer a wide selection of trusted brakes and clutches in various sizes, torque, styles, and applications. Kor-Pak also designs custom brakes and clutches. In addition, we design and work with your engineering team to assist you in finding the best aftermarket parts. 

Contact our professional team today to begin finding smart solutions for industrial brakes that fit your needs and offer optimal performance.  

Analysts estimate that the US’s industrial brakes and clutches market is worth $311.3 million in 2021. Your industrial clutch is a critical part of your operations. A faulty clutch can lead to costly downtime and put you at a competitive disadvantage.

As the economy continues its rebound, you want your business to be in the best possible position. So you need to know how to tell if your clutch needs repairing.

Here are some common signs that you need industrial clutch repairs. You can fix your faulty clutch before it turns into a bigger problem.

High-Pitched Squealing or Chirping Sounds

If you push down the clutch and you hear squealing or chirping, it could be time to replace your industrial clutch. Worn-out pilot bearings are often the cause of these noises.

A lack of lubricant can cause them also. You hear the bearings scraping against each other.

Continuing to use the clutch in either of these circumstances could lead to significant damage.

Loud Grinding Noises

A loud grinding noise when you push down the clutch could be the gears grinding against each other. Problems with the pressure plate or throw-out bearing can cause this sound. You’ll need to replace the entire clutch assembly before the damage spreads.

Frozen Clutch

If the clutch won’t engage or disengage, you may have a problem with clutch slipping. If you have a hydraulic clutch, air could be interfering with its operation. Clutch plates that are soaked in water can also freeze the clutch.

A faulty clutch mechanism can prevent it from working. A mechanic can help you diagnose which part of the clutch is causing the problem.

High Engine Revs but Slow Acceleration

High engine revs when you depress and fully engage the clutch are a sign of a slipping clutch. A damaged or rusted pressure plate is often the cause. The clutch linkage may also be the problem.

A worn friction plate gives less friction on the flywheel and pressure plate. As a result, the clutch has to work harder to transfer energy. That’s why you get higher engine revs but slower acceleration.

Loss of Power

Problems with the torque converter can cause a loss of power. This is because the torque converter converts horsepower to torque. So if the engine is running and you’re pumping the pedal, but you’re not getting anything out of it, you may need a new torque converter.

Clutch slippage can also cause a loss of power. In this case, it’s the master clutch assembly that isn’t transferring power to the torque converter. A clutch adjustment can often fix problems with the master clutch assembly.

Overheating

Too much or too little lubrication can cause your clutch to overheat. Overheating can also be a problem with the torque converter. In that case, low converter fluid pressure or air in the system could be the reason.

If you have a power take-off clutch (PTO), it will run hot when first installed. However, high-temperature measurements after 20 hours of use can indicate a problem.

Simplify Your Industrial Clutch Repairs

When you have a faulty clutch, you can make the repair process easier if you follow a few basic steps. First, keep the original product instructions and packaging. This ensures you’ll know what unit you have.

Second, if your application has changed from when you installed the original clutch, be sure you get a replacement with the right size and torque for the new job.

Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully if you’re doing the clutch replacement yourself. Clutches have close tolerances. You’ll have more problems later if the installation isn’t exactly right.

Finding the Best Industrial Clutch

You’ll get your industrial clutch repairs off to a good start using a suitable unit from a quality manufacturer. Kor-Pak is your industrial brake and clutch specialist. We offer a wide range of sizes, torque, styles, and applications.

We’ll help you find what you need at a competitive price. Contact us today to ensure your equipment stays running at optimal efficiency.

No matter what industrial sector you operate in, your success and bottom line depend on the condition of your equipment. Therefore, industrial maintenance is an essential component of site management and day-to-day operations. Yet, despite this, far too many managers and planners fail to conduct effective regular maintenance.

The result is unplanned downtime that can have devastating costs for your company, your project, and your reputation. One of the most important yet overlooked forms of maintenance is brake service. The industrial brakes for your cranes, forklifts, turbines, and more require regular and thorough maintenance for several important reasons. Read on to find out checking brakes is crucial. 

1. Brake Service Prevents Downtime

Perhaps most importantly, upkeep on brakes is essential for preventing unplanned downtime. If you do not perform regular checkups on your brakes, you leave your site and machinery vulnerable to catastrophe.

If the brakes do not work exactly when you need them to, your machinery could break down or cause an accident. The result could be that you need to halt work on your site for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Brake service will help you prevent this. 

2. Boost On-Site Safety 

The functionality of your site is one thing, but the safety of your workers is another thing entirely. The primary function of industrial brakes is to prevent out-of-control heavy machinery from causing serious damage.

The last thing you want is an injured worker. However, if you care about the health and safety of your workers and want to avoid the serious financial and legal penalties that often come with a failure to do so, then perform some routine brake checkups today. 

3. Save Money Over Time 

You might be reluctant to divert your valuable time towards brake servicing. Perhaps you think hiring a professional maintenance company to come and check your brakes is an extravagant expense.

However, the costs of failing to do this can often far outweigh the small fees or labor costs associated with a routine checkup. Machinery maintenance tends to save companies huge amounts over time. Keep this in mind when considering your next brake service. 

4. Conduct a Health Check 

Checking your industrial brakes does not have to be an isolated job. Any brake service can and often should be accompanied by a wider health check on your entire site. For example, let’s say you check the brakes on your forklift and want to know what to do next.

Why stop there? Check the forklift’s rotor, cap, battery, and wires while you’re there. The same applies to any other machinery that uses industrial brakes. Checking on your brakes should be seen as a useful opportunity to gauge the health of your entire site. 

Get Quality Industrial Brakes Today

If your brake service makes you realize it’s time for new brakes, look no further. If you need quality industrial brakes for wind turbines, cranes, discs, drums, or anything else, make sure to check out our extensive online store today for quality products. You can also get in touch with our professional team today to learn more about our brake solutions. 

Nothing is worse than when you’re in the middle of a job and your machinery sputters to a stop. It can cost you time, money, and customers.

There can be many reasons why your industrial equipment comes to a halt. For example, it might be the clutch going out on your industrial machine.

But what happens when a clutch goes out? What are the causes, and what can you do about it?

In this article, we’ll discuss what may cause your clutch to go, why it goes, and what you can do to fix it. 

What Happens When A Clutch Goes Out?

To understand how to fix a clutch going out, we first need to understand what happens when a clutch goes out.

A clutch’s main purpose is to help your machinery switch gears. Most clutches can work for a long time and handle a tremendous workload. After a while, however, all clutches go out.

When this happens, you may find it harder to switch gears. Your machinery may even “slip gears.” This means your machinery may start to miss a certain gear when you go to switch to it.

A passenger vehicle example is if you switch into third gear, and the clutch “slips” into fourth instead.

Signs of A Failing Clutch

Your clutch slipping like this can be a costly and dangerous problem. It’s best to identify it before it gets too serious and fix your clutch. 

Here are some signs that your clutch may require replacement.

1. Clutch Sticking

When you push down the clutch pedal, it should release and come back as you lift your foot. If you lift your foot and the clutch pedal does not come back, your clutch is “sticking.” If the clutch returns slowly, this can also be a problem.

When your clutch doesn’t respond properly, it causes the operator to lose control of the machinery. It can also make machinery difficult to operate.

2. Hard Clutch

A clutch pedal that shows difficulty in the down or up position is considered a “hard clutch.” 

Your clutch should respond to a small amount of pressure. If it takes any amount of effort for you to engage, or disengage, the clutch, it may be starting to go.

3. Noises During Use

If you start to hear strange noises during clutch use, it may be something you want to look into. Any squeals, hissing, or clicking sounds are indications that your clutch is malfunctioning in some way.

What To Do About Your Clutch

If you are experiencing any issues with your industrial machine’s clutch, contact a professional.

Here at Kor-Pak, we offer a wide variety of industrial parts to keep your machinery up and running. We specialize in keeping these machines running tip-top.

If you have any more questions on what happens when a clutch goes out or would like more information on parts, check out our website.

Feel free to browse our online resources or contact us directly if you have a specific question. We’re always here to help!

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

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

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

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads provide the stopping power in disc brake systems.

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

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

What Are Brake Shoes?

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

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

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

Benefits of Brake Pads

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Brake Shoes

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

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

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

Are You Looking for Industrial Brake Pads and Shoes?

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

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

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

Take a look at our wide range of products today.

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

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

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

You Hear Odd Noises

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

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

Your Steering Mechanism Vibrates

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

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

You Smell Burning When Breaking

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

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

Your Pedals Are Spongy

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

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

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

Take Care of Industrial Brake Repair

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

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