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

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

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

What Is the Difference Between a Clutch and Brake? 

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

How Should I Choose a Brake or a Clutch? 

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

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

Other elements to consider are: 

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

What Is the Best Brake or Clutch for My Application? 

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

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

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

Purchase a Clutch or Brake Today 

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

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

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

If you take a good look at the business world around you, you’ll see that the demand for automation is climbing in many sectors. And the global industrial brakes market is one of them.

The truth is, because of automation, the global industrial brakes market is expected to grow. The question is, how exactly will this growth look, and what does it mean for you?

Here’s a rundown on all of the future predictions for braking systems in 2020 and beyond.

Let’s jump in!

The Future of Global Industrial Braking Systems

The global market for industrial braking systems should witness steady growth due to the increased adoption of automation and, as a result, industrial robotics.

This growth will primarily be visible in Asia-Pacific, which is the biggest market for industrial brakes. However, North America and Europe will also witness significant growth in this market due to growing first-rate technology systems.

When it comes to the type of brake that will be most popular, the electrically applied brake will likely be the brake market’s biggest category. Likewise, the holding brake will probably be most in demand based on application.

Additional Considerations

With technology evolving today, braking systems can easily be integrated with IoT or the Internet of Things. 

With IoT, you can automatically apply your brakes during emergencies. Also, you can fit industrial brakes with high-quality proximity sensors, then place them in each industrial work station.

These braking systems will be in demand in various industrial areas, including the following:

• Shipping
• Mining
• Energy
• Material handling
• Escalators 
• Lifts

The end-user industries of power generation, coal handling, steel, and oil and gas are also expected to create significant growth opportunities in this market.

Furthermore, the increased adoption of innovative and new products is augmenting the market. These products include, for example, advanced material rotors and brake shoes. They also include backstopping clutches. 

The benefit of these well-designed automatic brakes is that they can keep your equipment users safe.

How We Can Help

Amid the rise of automation, we offer top-tier industrial brakes and clutches for today’s heavy equipment users.

Our clutches and brakes come in a wide variety of styles, torques, and sizes, and they are made for various applications. However, we can additionally design custom clutches ad brakes.

We are also proud to offer application and design engineering services. Also, we have a large aftermarket and service segment that can help you with reconditioning your equipment and sourcing competitively priced aftermarket parts.

No matter your need, we can meet it thanks to our high-quality products combined with our hands-on and customer-focused approach. You can rest assured that you will continuously receive the attention and support you need from us for your braking systems.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can keep your valuable equipment operating at its optimum in the months and years ahead.

Did you know that heavy equipment crashes have caused over 404 deaths per year? One thing that could have prevented so many deaths is reliable brakes. So what are the best types of brakes? Is it a dry or wet braking system? 

Don’t worry, with this guide; you can find out! From understanding how wet brakes work to how they’re efficient, you can learn the ins and outs of the wet braking system. 

Now, are you ready to dive in? Here’s an in-depth look into the wet braking system:  

What Are Wet Brakes? 

Wet brakes are used less than dry brakes. After all, dry brakes are inexpensive and are much easier to replace. 

Dry brakes are typically used on personal trucks, trailers, and even cars. Since dry brakes are a popular choice for personal vehicles, most people don’t know about the wet braking system and its many advantages. 

Another name for a wet brake is oil-cooled discs since oil is put on to the system to maintain it’s low temperature. Unlike other brakes, it’s arranged internally right into the differential gears. That way, water will not affect the brake’s abilities. 

In fact, you don’t have to worry during extreme weather conditions; this brake is reliable and trustworthy. 

How Do They Work?  

A wet brake has numerous discs that allow it to have strong stopping power. Thus, wet brakes are optimal for machines that carry heavy loads such as cranes and other industrial equipment. 

In fact, since wet brakes are lubricated continuously, they wear more slowly and even use the fluid to prevent brakes from overheating. Whereas dry brakes use a one drum system, meaning the brakes have to heat up when it’s put under pressure. However, by doing so, it causes unnecessary strain on the entire braking system making it susceptible to overheating and perhaps even brake failure.  

Therefore, wet brakes are the optimal choice for industrial equipment. After all, if a company loss $50,000 from employee injuries or machine damage due to dry brakes, the company still needs to make a 3% profit of $1,667,000 in additional services. Overall, the wet braking system has more accurate braking power, which allows it to be a safer alternative. 

Dry Brakes Vs. A Wet Braking System 

It’s true; dry brakes are more cost-efficient. They can also be fixed relatively easily; in fact, some people can adjust the brakes on their own. However, dry brakes require a lot of maintenance and thus can cost more money over time. 

Although, with a wet braking system, it’s easy to maintain; however, it’s more costly to purchase upfront. But with a wet braking system, it can withstand many harsh weather conditions and carry a large load.

For instance, you can stop your vehicle on a wet road, and it will work at optimal speed. Thus, wet brakes are a reliable and safe braking option that provides long-lasting results.  

Purchase a Wet Braking System Today 

Choosing the type of brakes you want can be a difficult choice. However, while wet brakes will typically be more costly, you won’t experience maintenance costs down the line. Not to mention, since it has multiple discs, it works more effectively to break when carrying a heavier load. 

You can even drive through harsh weather conditions, and it will work effortlessly. Thus, making it one of the safest and most reliable brakes on the market. 

If you want to learn more about a wet braking system, contact us today. We look forward to helping you. 

Having already contributed over $2.2 trillion to the US economy, manufacturing is one of the most exciting and productive industries in the nation.

If your plant uses heavy machinery, you’re likely always looking for ways to improve your efficiency. Finding the right clutch brake for your equipment is essential to this goal. Here, we’re going to talk about how to select industrial brakes and clutches for your heavy equipment, so read on to maximize your efficiency!

Look at Clutch Brake Types

When selecting clutch brakes to improve the efficiency of your machinery, you have two primary options: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brakes are simply a metal disc that is placed inside of the front wheels on a piece of machinery. When activated, they cause a hard pad to press down on the brake disc. This ultimately slows the machinery down until your equipment ceases moving altogether.

On the other hand, drum brakes are essentially a shoe that you install on a machine’s hollow wheel hub. When the brakes are activated, this shoe pushes into the wheel. The friction produced by this movement slows down the wheel’s rotation.

Disc brakes are the more long-lasting and durable option. They perform better and are quieter than drum brakes. However, they’re also much more expensive.

In many cases, your industrial machines don’t need the perfect brakes —  they just need something that gets the job done. Drum brakes are an affordable alternative that works well for heavy-machinery. They also are dependable, despite not being the most high-tech option.

Choose a Manufacturer

Once you know whether you want disc or drum brakes, it’s time to choose a reputable manufacturer for your brakes. This likely sounds like a daunting task- after all, there are so many industrial manufacturers out there!

Kor-Pak partners with the most reliable and high-quality industrial manufacturers out there to bring you the best machinery on the market. If you look here, you can see and assess the many manufacturers that we, as an authorized distributor, represent. 

This makes the process of selecting a provider much easier by narrowing down your options for you. It also ensures that you will be as satisfied as possible with the clutch brakes that you choose.

Consider Accessories

You also will want to consider the brake and clutch accessories that look the most useful to you. Options include:

• Brake controllers
• Electro-hydraulic thrusters
• Spare brake shoes and disc pads
• DC magnetic coils
• Spare brake components

These are just some of the accessories that you can choose from. Make sure that you choose a clutch brake that is compatible with the add-ons that you want.

Get an Industrial Clutch Brake Today

Many aspects go into choosing industrial brakes and clutches, and the decision ultimately will come down to your business’s values and needs.

Contact us to discuss your plant’s individual needs and get a quote on how much your new equipment will cost you. We’re committed to matching you with the ideal manufacturer and specific product that you need to maximize production and remain efficient.

The global brakes and clutch manufacturing industry grows annually by about 2.5%, and within the next five years, it’s projected to hit $742.7 million. This makes sense- after all, industrial plants like yours need the most updated and efficient equipment to ensure both safety and production.

But who makes the best equipment on the market. Read on to learn about some of the best makers of industrial brakes, clutches, and other heavy machinery!

Antec Drum Brakes

Antec is a manufacturer of power release drum brakes that are also spring-applied. Because they have an optional scale for torque control, the brake torque is simple to adjust. This means that it has a greater variety of applications than it otherwise would, which makes it a versatile investment.

Additionally, all Antec brakes use a TURBEL- a three-phase AC electro-hydraulic thruster- for brake release.

These drum brakes are perfect for use with industrial cranes, but they also work in steel mills and material handling. If you want to ensure that conveyor belts or winches operate appropriately, Antec is also the company for you. 

Marland Clutch

Marland is primarily a clutch manufacturer specializing in sprag clutches, HBG clutches, and one-way CEBMAG backstops. Priding themselves on creating innovative clutch designs since 1931, Marland has over 100 different models of clutches and can accommodate machine shaft sizes of up to 600 millimeters.

Whether you want a high-speed clutch with dual-drive applications or cylindrical rollers in a cage that forces them to move simultaneously, Marland has you covered. 

Johnson Industries

Johnson Brakes is a manufacturer that Kor-Pak has worked with for more than 20 years. As a result, you can trust that they’re one of the highest-quality trustworthy manufacturers on the market.

This company makes a vast multitude of products, including pneumatic, hydraulic, spring-set, or manual disc brakes to engage conveyor belts and rotating manufacturer equipment. Additionally, they offer drum brakes to help your cranes and hoists to work as effectively as possible. Storm brake systems are also an option for rail and industrial wheel clamps.

Johnson offers every type of disc and drum brake under the sun! Assess your needs to ensure that you select not only the appropriate brake type but also a size that works for you.

Get Brakes and Clutch Equipment Today

There are many manufacturers of brakes and clutches on the market. So ordering through Kor-Pak is a must no matter which creator you choose. Our professionals look at and assess your equipment to determine the precise items that you need custom-made.

Now that you know the leading brakes and clutch manufacturers on the market today, it’s time to get started. Request a quote for the industrial equipment that you need for your manufacturing plant. Our experts will answer any lingering questions that you may have and ensure that you have the brakes, clutches, and other machinery necessary for your plant’s productivity.

Hydraulic disc brakes have a slew of uses both personal and commercial. 

You might install them to make your mountain bike safer to ride. Or, you might invest in hydraulic disc brakes to power and pause a primary manufacturing setup. 

We want to focus on the industrial side of hydraulic disc braking systems. Perhaps you’re on the lookout for the best brands out there for your commercial installment. We know that different projects will call for different versions of the same great product. 

Here’s who to look out for — and why: 

Stromag

Stromag makes industrial brakes with the efficiency of their products in mind. And they’ve maintained the high quality of their products — and business — since 1932. 

They have long relied on the most innovative technology available to ensure their products work well and for a long time. This fact applies to industrial braking systems and the many other items that they sell to commercially focused clients. 

Scan-Pac

Scan-Pac has the ability to either mold or machine-make the items that their clients need. They know that some products will require rigid materials, while others beg for something more flexible. 

As such, the Scan-Pac team will custom-fit the hydraulic disc braking system that will slot into your design. They use all types of materials and methods to give you the perfect set of brakes for your manufacturing task. 

Marland

Marland has a simple goal when it comes to their industrial hydraulic disc brakes. It’s the goal that drives the company’s entire mission, which they’ve chased for nearly 90 years. 

They strive to produce products that beat industry standards. That way, you can install their hydraulic disc brakes and make the most of your operational uptime. 

SEW Eurodrive

Not all industrial installations are created equal.

You may want a hydraulic disc brake that works continuously, along with the rest of your machinery. Or, you might want it to have the power and strength to stop significant amounts of motion. Sometimes, precision is the most crucial element instead. 

No matter where your project falls, SEW Eurodrive has you covered. They know that every project is different — and they have the right brake to use for yours. 

Demag

Lastly, we have Demag, a company that describes its brake system in three words: reliable, robust, and simple. 

It’s one of the best industrial braking systems out there because it has consistently high performance. And they have a bespoke operating principle, which removes the need for any switching elements or otherwise separate controls.

Instead, you just get to enjoy the high-performance brakes that come with any Demag system.

Choose the Best Hydraulic Disc Brakes For You

Not all projects will require the same type of hydraulic disc brakes. 

The above companies are some of the best that 2020 has to offer you. So, figure out which of our favorite brands makes the model that’s your perfect match. 

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can partner you with the right resource, whether it’s hydraulic brakes or one of our other specialty items.

When you’re running heavy equipment, you need brakes that can be relied on. You need brakes that will continue working when you need them most, and stop whenever you hit the brakes.

The modern heavy machine operator has come to trust wet braking systems for the difficult task of stopping their equipment. But how do wet brakes work?

Continue reading to find out the answer to this question and much more.

What Are Wet Brakes?

Wet brakes are a modern alternative to the traditional dry braking systems for varying types of machines.

In a dry braking system, the brakes are mounted on the outside of the vehicle. They use friction to stop. While this works well for light braking applications (like traditional road vehicles), it isn’t the best option for most heavy braking applications.

A wet braking system is mounted on the inside of a vehicle, directly in the differential. They run inside oil or transmission fluid, which is how they got their name.

Wet brakes use hydraulic pressure to stop a vehicle. There are multiple brake discs inside these systems, versus a single disc in dry brake systems. You may hear these brakes called “oil-cooled brakes,” because the oil around them helps keep them cool under high pressure.

What Applications Use Wet Brakes?

You’ll find wet brakes used in a lot of heavy machinery. A few examples include tractors, forklifts, dozers, and wheel loaders.

What Are the Benefits of Using Wet Brakes vs. Dry?

As mentioned earlier, dry brakes work fine for road vehicles like cars, trucks, or SUVs. Heavy machinery is placed under a lot of additional pressure, however. This is where the benefits of wet brakes come into play.

Wet brakes offer better stopping power, even for heavy machines working in wet conditions. Since the brakes are mounted internally, they can even stop a vehicle when rolling through the water.

With multiple discs, there is less pressure placed on each one individually. In applications requiring difficult or constant stopping, this is essential to decrease the frequency of adjustments and repairs.

As their alternative name suggests, “oil-cooled brakes” are kept cooler than dry braking systems. Too much heat in the braking system can cause issues not only in the brakes themselves but in nearby engine parts.

A final (but vital) benefit is that wet brakes last longer than dry ones. Although wet braking systems cost more initially, they end up saving a lot of money after you factor in the number of years they’ll last. The return on investment is much higher with wet brakes versus dry.

Do You Have More Questions About How Wet Brakes Work?

At their core, wet brakes are defined as those that work when encased in a fluid. When it comes to heavy machinery, they’re usually the better option.

Do you have more questions about how wet brakes work? Or would you like to inquire about wet brakes for your machine?

Contact us today, and one of our associates will be more than happy to answer any questions you still have.

Accidents, downtime in production, increased costs, and more are all results of poorly maintained industrial brake pads.

But with such important technology often located remotely, it can be challenging to keep your brake pads in good condition. 

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to extend the life of your industrial brake pads. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Start With Quality Brakes

First things first, as in anything, the adage, “you get what you pay for” applies to your industrial brakes as well. If you’re purchasing second-rate brakes, they are not going to perform as well. They’ll also wear out much quicker.

The last few decades have seen significant improvements in disc brake technology. This has resulted in increased brake torque, lower costs, and longer life.

Still, industrial brakes are often subject to very rough conditions. They are also often remotely operated, making their maintenance tricky.

In marine, oil, and gas sectors, this can be overcome by selecting a newer disc brake design and making sure to maintain those right brakes from the start. Luckily, remote maintenance with these newer disc brakes is simpler. 

So, if longevity is valuable to you, it’s worth the investment to begin with quality brakes.

Choose the Right Friction Materials

If your industrial brake pads are located somewhere with a high risk of explosion, you can maintain the life and safety of your brake pads by avoiding sparks. This is usually done by installing multi-plate friction brakes in the gearbox.

Wet brakes like these may not be as effective as dry brakes, but for jobs where sparks may occur, they are a good compromise.

Choosing brake pads that circulate hydraulic oil behind them will also work to preserve your brake pad life. The oil will help keep the actuation mechanism from freezing over.

When choosing friction materials for your industrial brakes, testing should play a big role. Only select materials that have gone through 100% testing before being despatched.

While asbestos hasn’t been used as a friction material since around 1970, it’s still essential to ensure that the materials you purchase have been reviewed and tested in-house before applying them. 

Use Remote Monitoring

Nowadays, some brakes (like those in cranes), provide real-time monitoring. This means fewer problems with your brake pads going unnoticed and untreated. 

While not all brake pads come with remote monitoring, having some kind of system set up to check on them regularly is vital.

The more access you have to view your brake pads and how they’re functioning, the better you can maintain their functioning and arrange for repairs when needed.

Preserving Your Industrial Brake Pads

Industrial brake pads are vital to maintaining correctly for the safety, efficiency, and functionality of your projects. Assessing them regularly, checking fluids where applicable, and working with professional manufactures to get your questions answered will help you maintain the life of your brake pads.

If you think it may be time to have your brake pads checked or replaced, contact our professionals today. 

In 1861, German engineer Nikolaus Otto developed the first gas-powered engine, providing an alternative to the steam engine. The world of engines would never be the same. Part of the power of the modern engine comes from the clutch. 

Most people associate the engine clutch with manual-transmission cars. However, a clutch is an essential component in all kinds of engines, from cars (even automatic ones) to industrial machinery. 

If a clutch isn’t just limited to manual cars, what do they do? You’ll understand every engine a little bit better once you know how a clutch works. Here are some basics to should know about the engine clutch! 

What Is a Clutch?

Most mechanical devices that you might use today have a clutch. There are lots of different types of clutches, so everything from chainsaws to motor vehicles uses some sort of engine clutch. 

A clutch essentially exists to help control the speed or movement of a motor. A clutch disengages a motor’s driveshaft, allowing you to pause an engine without actually turning it off. 

In a car, the clutch lets you stop or change speed without shutting the engine off. It briefly breaks the connection between the engine and wheels to achieve this pause. In industrial equipment, the clutch lets you make necessary pauses while the machine’s still operating, such as by halting the movement of a conveyor belt. 

How Does a Clutch Work?

As you can see, the clutch is an essential engine component. But how does it work, exactly? 

A clutch operates in engines that use two rotating shafts. These shafts link the motor to the moving parts of the device. The clutch connects the rotating shafts, allowing them to either move together or to separate. 

When the clutch separates the shafts, the motor is still moving, but the device’s movement stops. For example, the conveyor belt’s motor will stay on, but the belt itself will stop moving when the clutch is engaged. This allows for more efficient work without starting and stopping the engine each time a pause is needed. 

How Many Types of Clutches Are There? 

This question is actually impossible to answer with a specific number. There are many different kinds of clutches out there since the word “clutch” has a very broad meaning.

For example, the clutch of a car is very different from the clutch that some power drills have. Industrial clutches are designed to serve certain purposes, but also to handle specific torque requirements and load types. The right kind of clutch for each machine is essential for getting the job done. 

How to Use Your Engine Clutch Knowledge 

Knowing more about the engine clutch will help you keep your industrial machinery running smoothly. Now that you understand how a clutch works and what it does, you can see why clutch maintenance is so important. 

Without a clutch, many machines simply can’t work. To keep your clutches in good working order, check out our full list of brake and clutch accessories! 

The American industrial and manufacturing industry is thriving. Even in today’s economic climate, the manufacturing industry has directly employed over 12 million workers and is generating consistent revenue for the US economy.

To remain efficient, though, industrial plants must have the most efficient and effective equipment on the market. This means looking into new trends in braking. Ceramic braking is one of the newest and most coveted braking technologies out there, but what exactly are ceramic brakes?

Read on to answer this question and learn the difference between ceramic brakes vs. regular ones.

How Do Regular Brakes Work?

Generally, there are two types of regular industrial brakes: drum brakes and disc brakes. Both of these brakes rotate and use friction to slow down or stop the running machine that they’re attached to. Drum brakes have a hollow area that presses outward and around the wheel when the brakes are turned on, causing the machine to stop.

Today in discussing ‘regular brakes,’ our focus is on disc brakes. Disc brakes have a semi-metallic pad that presses down onto the brake disc, causing the machine to slow and stop. This metallic pad, known as the disc, is in the front of the brake’s wheels. It relies on hydraulic oil to run efficiently, so you’re going to need to change out the oil frequently.

Regular brakes are an incredibly affordable technology, and since they’ve been used for decades, you know what you’re getting.

What Are Ceramic Brakes?

Similar to disc brakes, ceramic brakes stop a machine with a brake pad that presses down onto the brake disc. However, this brake pad is made from ceramic instead of the semi-metallic metal material that disc pads use.

This is a relatively new technology, but it’s been gaining traction (no pun intended) very quickly. They’re made of soft copper combined with ceramic to make the brake work without putting too much pressure on the machine. This means that they’re a lot quieter than regular brakes and create less regular rotor wear and tear.

Ceramic Brakes vs. Regular Brakes

The main difference between ceramic vs. metallic brake pads is the material used to press down on the machinery’s wheels.

If you’re operating in conditions like extreme cold or heat, you need to use semi-metallic brake pads. This is because ceramic ones don’t hold up in these extreme conditions and will begin to melt and stop functioning.

However, if there are no extreme conditions, ceramic brakes may be the way to go since they’re less likely to overburden our machinery with pressure and rotor wear.

It’s interesting to note that ceramic brake pads can also be used in cars. Check it out!

Get Industrial Brakes Today

While selecting the correct industrial brakes for your machinery can be difficult, you’ll be fine as long as you do your research on all your options and choose the best one for your specific needs.

Now that you know the difference between ceramic brakes vs. regular ones, it’s time to begin selecting brake and clutch machinery for your industrial plant. Click here to contact us and discuss your specific needs with a professional. We’ll be more than happy to give you a quote and discuss the pricing for your equipment as well.