The global friction product market is expected to reach $24.7 billion by 2023. They’re used in all forms of transportation, from bicycles to 18-wheelers, making them essential types of manufacturing equipment.

Truck blocks are one of the most important types of friction materials. They regulate a truck’s speed and keep it running as best as they can.

The high demand for friction products lead to a surge in truck block manufacturers, but they differ in the types and quality of products they provide. Choosing the best one is one of the best things you can do for your business.

Read our guide to learn how truck blocks work and how to choose a manufacturer to get them from.

How Does a Truck Block Work?

A truck block is a type of friction material. These are used in systems that require direct pressure between parts to control speed. This makes them essential for a variety of industries, especially transportation and manufacturing.

Like all friction equipment, a truck block works using the scientific principles of friction. It refers to the resistance of motion between two moving objects. Static friction occurs between two objects that aren’t moving relative to each other, and kinetic friction occurs between objects moving in relation to one another.

Truck block equipment creates friction that can slow down a vehicle at the right time. That’s what makes it so essential as a part of your manufacturing equipment lineup.

How Do I Choose a Truck Block Manufacturer?

Several companies offer truck blocks and other types of friction materials as they increase in demand and profitability, but choosing the right one is an essential decision.

Scan-Pac offers asbestos-free friction materials for your forklift, crane, mill, truck, and other essential equipment. They’ve been ISO 9001-certified for more than 16 years, so you know you can trust them.

Scan-Pac provides several other benefits that place it above its competitors. It’s been in business for 44 years, so it has the experience you need. Its entire diverse product line is produced efficiently in America. It serves a wide range of industries and has distributors all over the world. Its website even includes a material recommendations tool.

While it’s clear that Scan-Pac is a great option, they have over 40 suppliers to choose from. When deciding between them, there are several factors to keep in mind. Consider the range of products they provide, their relationship with Scan-Pac, and the customer service they provide. Be sure that they can help you meet your business goals.

Where Can I Get Scan-Pac Products?

Truck blocks are an important part of the rapidly growing friction product industry. They keep trucks on the road running at the proper speed to using the principles of friction.

If you need a truck block, consider getting one from Scan-Pac. They’re an established provider you can trust with American-made products they can ship to you no matter where you are.

You’ll also need to go through one of Scan-Pac’s many distributors to get the products you’ll need. We have a range of friction products to satisfy any needs. Learn more about our relationship with Scan-Pac and contact us today for more information.

When you operate in the industrial field, one of your chief goals is to operate in the most energy-efficient manner possible. And that’s where a frequency inverter comes into play.

The question is, what is a frequency inverter exactly? And how can you use it to maintain a high level of productivity in your operations?

If you’re not sure what a frequency inverter is used for, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about these devices — and why you need them this fall.

Let’s jump in!

What Exactly Is a Frequency Inverter?

A frequency inverter is a device used in several industrial applications and sectors to control an alternating-current (AC) motor’s speed.

You will use a frequency inverter if a production process or application requires an AC voltage that is adjustable. In other words, your process or application requires a controllable speed. 

In this situation, a frequency inverter can produce a voltage that is variable in terms of both frequency and amplitude (the level of your output voltage). It does this by transforming a fixed-frequency AC current into the abovementioned variable voltage.

The chief benefit of frequency inverters is that you can use them to change motors’ speeds from zero to the speed you need in a relatively seamless way. Plus, you can access a huge speed range. 

In addition, frequency inverters enable you to switch a rotation’s direction easily. With a single control, you can change your phase sequence. This will cause your machine’s downstream AC motor to turn in the opposite direction as needed immediately.

Frequency Inverter Applications

A frequency inverter can be used for powering an air conditioner, pump, or three-phase motor. In the latter, you can control the AC motor’s torque and speed by varying your frequency. This won’t restrict your motor’s performance but rather will make it more efficient.

Frequency inverters can also be used in drives for fans, conveyor belts, assembly lines, and processing machines. Also, you’ll find them in cranes and material handling systems.

With frequency inverters, you can optimize your production processes due to producing variable speeds. Also, because inverters enable speed control, you can save energy in your operations.

How We Can Help

We are a leading manufacturer of industrial technology. Thus, we take pride in offering frequency inverter technology, as well as other first-rate industrial solutions.

Our frequency inverters are indispensable for controlling the drive trains found in systems and machines. Our other popular products include industrial clutches and brakes. We also offer crane wheels and even industrial couplings.

We also provide expert services such as crane upgrades and modernizations, equipment repair services, and overhead crane inspections.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you to keep your industrial equipment in tip-top shape so that you can get the job done with ease every time. 

Which friction material is best? Well, that depends on what you need it for.

There are so many different applications for friction materials that no single material is best in all situations. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the others.

So, to help you discover which is best for your needs, we’ve written you this guide. Below, we’ve listed the three main types of friction materials, along with the pros and cons of each. Look through this list to determine which is the best fit for your needs.

1. Semi-Metallic Friction Materials

Semi-metallic friction materials are made of a combination of sintered metals and synthetic materials. They’re the longest-lasting friction material on our list.

They also have very high-heat tolerance and amazing stopping power. If you need a certain heavy machinery component to stop quickly, semi-metallic materials are your best choice.

However, since they’re made so resilient and powerful, they’re somewhat harsh to the machinery they’re installed into. That is, they tend to wear out your rotors/related components more quickly than other friction materials.

2. Ceramic Friction Materials

Ceramic friction materials are made of porcelain/clay combined with sintered metals, usually copper. Unlike semi-metallic friction materials, ceramic materials are best suited for more gentle stopping needs.

Their biggest advantage is their quiet, clean operation. They produce very little noise or dust during use.

But, as we said, they’re not as durable or heat-tolerant as semi-metallic friction materials. Thus, they will wear out faster than your semi-metallic options.

Even worse, if you use them too harshly, they can overheat. This could cause warping and other damage to the components they’re applied to. On the other hand, if you use them gently, as intended, they’re less damaging to your equipment than semi-metallic materials.

3. Hybrid Friction Materials

As their name implies, hybrid friction materials are essentially a hybrid of both ceramic and semi-metallic friction materials. And, as you’d expect, their performance is the exact middle-ground between those two options as well.

In other words, they’re more durable and heat-resistant than ceramic materials. And they’re cleaner and quieter than semi-metallic friction materials.

However, being in-between doesn’t necessarily make them the “best of both worlds.” As stated, the other materials are specifically designed to be the best in certain situations. It’s only if your needs lie somewhere in-between that hybrid friction materials are your best option.

For example, maybe you need your machine component to stop quickly, but only sometimes. Choosing semi-metallic materials would be overkill. Most of the time, during general use, the semi-metallic materials would be unnecessarily loud and hard on your machinery.

The bottom line is that hybrid friction materials have excellent stopping power and are also well-suited for general use.

Which Friction Material Is Best For Your Needs?

Based on this list, you should be able to determine which friction material is best suited for your industrial machinery. However, if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us here if you need more information or you want to request a quote for a specific part or service.

There’s one thing that’s clear about the market game — every day is pretty unpredictable. There are constant ups and downs in every industry, including the iron and steel market. That being said, sometimes one is able to find out what’s going to happen to these markets by looking ahead – and the future of iron and steel seems pretty bright.

Judging by the factors given by experts, it seems that the current steel market, as well as the iron industry, is going to see some serious growth.

Keep reading to find out what you need to know so you can take advantage of this vast opportunity.

What You Need to Know About the Iron and Steel Market

Iron and steel have been part of the backbone of America since the days of the Industrial revolution. They have overall been able to keep a pretty steady repertoire because of this. However, the recent recession stole the glory from the industries and plunged them into darker times.

Some experts believe that now is the time for iron and steel’s tremendous comeback. Currently, the global market is set at 1,539,580 million US dollars, but it’s expected to reach 1,883,880 million by the end of 2026, growing at a considerable rate of 2.9 percent.

This, of course, is merely looking at things from a global perspective; in the United States, the changes are expected to be even more drastic. Steel company stocks are expected to have a robust full-year increase, with the averages being around 20 to 50 percent.

Such substantial percentages show that iron and steel are making a powerful comeback despite the heavy hit that all industries took in the first part of 2020.

We’re Ready When You Are

Now that you know what to expect from the iron industry and the steel market, you’re likely going to want to find out how you can get involved with the markets and get your own share of the growth.

At Kor-Pak Corporation, we make it our duty to help our clients reach their full potential no matter the industry. Our products include industrial brakes and clutches, crane wheels, oil rig equipment, industrial couplings, torque limiters, and more. Our industrial reach covers the iron and steel industries, the agriculture and farm industries, the oil and petroleum industries, and others.

Reach out to us whenever you’re ready to order your products. We look forward to the chance to help your business succeed!

Do you own or manage a business? If so, then you understand the importance of having the right tools for the job.

One of the essential tools for many industries is the forklift. This piece of heavy equipment has been around for decades and is necessary for loading and unloading freight and moving inventory around. 

As technology has improved over the years, forklift manufacturing has taken advantage of these advances to make forklifts easier to use and to be capable of more complex operations. 

This article takes a look at new forklift technology. Keep reading for details on the latest developments.

Digital Communication Technology

Regardless of what industry you work in, a few aspects of the business are as important as effective communication. This is especially true when it comes to handling large volumes of inventory.

Fortunately, the geniuses in Silicon Valley continue to provide improved communication tech for forklifts. This includes methods of using digital technology that enables drives to speak directly to internet-based systems, allowing them to interact with other devices within the warehouse.

High tech communication systems also help reduce potential workplace accidents, making your warehouse environment a safer place to work.

Automation

Almost everything is becoming more automated, including forklifts.

As more and more self-driving cars fill city streets, the number of self-driving forklifts is also on the rise. This kind of technology offers several benefits, including the fact that it frees up operators to perform other tasks, few errors during the “pick” process, as well as the potential for fewer employees on the payroll.

Improved Braking

When it comes to managing a forklift safely in a warehouse environment, nothing is more important than the ability to stop quickly.

Keep in mind that forklifts are not only complicated pieces of equipment; they are also heavy. This is why advances in technology have introduced improved braking systems so that the forklift can be controlled more effectively.

Improved braking means you can minimize accidents, thus reducing the number of injuries in your workplace, while also limiting the amount of wear and tear on your equipment.

Green Technology

It’s no secret that an increasing number of companies are looking for ways to make their operations more environmentally friendly. That’s why the forklift industry has taken enormous steps to produce fuel cells that run longer and cleaner. This technology enables your equipment to get more work done using less energy.

Remote Control Technology

Some forklifts are now able to be controlled from digital operation panels. These control systems provide easy to understand interfaces, enables operators to remain a safe distance away while performing the dangerous task of moving heavy freight from one place to another.

A Guide to the Latest Technology Used in Forklift Manufacturing

It’s difficult to overstate the value of forklift and in warehouses and other workplaces. They can perform difficult tasks that would otherwise be impossible. Fortunately, forklift manufacturing continues to offer incredible advances in technology that make these difficult tasks safer and easier than ever before.

Contact us today to request a quote.

Quality actuators are the keystone of modern motion. Without them, we’d be stuck in the world of simple machines. With twenty-first-century actuator technology, we can stand in awe of the power machines produce. 

Organizations as big and important as NASA use actuators to meet the performance standards needed for aerospace travel.

So how do you know which is the best actuator to use? Which is better, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator? 

Keep reading to learn about various types of actuators and which will work best for your given needs. 

What Are Different Types of Actuators? 

Three main types of actuators exist in the world of mechanics: the hydraulic actuator, the electro-hydraulic actuator, and the pneumatic actuator. 

Hydraulic Actuator

A hydraulic actuator uses a fluid-filled chamber to build pressure and create the necessary power for a machine. Hydraulic actuators work best to create great force. They can manage higher pressures than other actuators. 

The hydraulic actuator’s tolerance for great force makes it ideal for heavy construction equipment that needs to create massive amounts of power. Because no one can compress fluids, a hydraulic actuator can hold its torque and force without needing a power source to apply continuous force. 

Electric Actuator

An electric actuator produces pressure through one of two ways. You can use an electromechanical actuator to help create mechanical torque. The actuator powers the motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical torque. 

An electro-hydraulic actuator still uses an electric motor as the primary motor. However, the electric motor produces the torque that powers a hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator then transmits force the same way you see a diesel engine or hydraulic system work in heavy equipment. 

Pneumatic Actuator

Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to create power. Compressed air has a lower pressure rating than hydraulic actuators create, making them less powerful. However, they’re a safe, stable way to create power as well. 

Pneumatic Actuator vs. Hydraulic Actuator

When you’re looking at the world of pneumatic vs. hydraulic, which is best for your needs? 

Hydraulic actuators create the most significant amount of force. They can handle higher pressure than pneumatic actuators can. This is why we often see them used for heavy construction equipment. 

On the downside, because of the fluid they require, hydraulic actuators can leak fluid that can cause damage to other parts of the machine. Plus, you need several other devices like motors and fluid reservoirs to make a hydraulic actuator work. 

Hydraulic actuators are also loud. You can attempt to fit them with noise-reduction add-ons, but they’re still a pretty loud machine. 

Pneumatic actuators use air pressure instead of fluid. Thus they do not run the risk of leaking fluid that can contaminate other parts of the machine. 

Pneumatic actuators have their particularities too. They require an air compressor for power, and you need to keep the air compressor relatively close to the actuator. Also, you need to keep the air compressor working continuously. 

Pneumatic actuators run at lower pressures than hydraulic actuators. They provide reliable, consistent motion and can tolerate extremely lower or high temperatures. Hydraulic actuators, in comparison, cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations. 

As you continue to figure out your system’s needs, consider the amount of power you need to determine which works best for you. 

Power vs. Stability

A pneumatic actuator provides steady, stable power because of the constant air pressure. As you continue to search for the perfect actuator, check out our site. 

For all of your heavy machinery parts, contact us. We have what you need. 

If you’re looking for ideal ndustrial equipment, you need to find the highest quality manufacturers. 

Working with the right industrial manufacturers will take all of your projects to heights you’ve never realized. Read up on these top manufacturers. 

The Top Industrial Manufacturers

The top manufacturers specialize in everything from cranes and forklifts to bulldozers and oilfield equipment. Here are some of the top companies:

1. John Deere

John Deere has been around since 1837 and for a good reason. 

Professionals in the agricultural and construction industries have used an assortment of machinery that the company produces. They also contribute heavily to the forestry industry all over the world. 

2. Volvo

You’re probably familiar with the line of vehicles that Volvo puts out. However, Volvo is also responsible for parts that serve several industries, heavy machinery, demolition, and other areas.

They make some of the best excavators on the market and are responsible for a lot of heavy lifting. 

3. Hitachi

This Japanese manufacturer has been around since the early 1900s. 

They create machinery for a lot of different industries. For example, they provide wheel loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and hydraulic cranes for the construction field. 

Hitachi is also responsible for some substantial infrastructure, such as power plants, power grids, and wind power generation systems. 

4. Metso 

This is a relatively young company since they’ve been around since 1999. Metso serves several industries, such as mining and oil and gas. 

Headquartered in Finland, they bring in billions providing equipment to companies all over the world. They sell items like jaw crushers, ball mills, and slurry pumps. 

5. Terex

Terex is a materials handling company that specializes in quarrying and construction needs. They are based out of Connecticut and were founded in 1933. 

The company has lots of longevity due in large part to the fact that they were once part of the General Motors company. They rake in about $5 billion in revenue. 

6. Hyundai Heavy Industries

This is yet another company that is known for the manufacture of vehicles, but it has so many other products that make infrastructures run. 

They are based in South Korea and happen to run the most massive shipbuilding yard in the world. These contractors work with plants of all kinds, and engineers rely on a lot of the products they manufacture. 

The company has been around since 1972 and quickly emerged as a leader in the industrial manufacturing field. 

7. Sany

This Chinese based company was founded in 1989 and generates billions each year. 

They specialize in both high-end equipment and research and development. Sany manufactures everything from excavators to cranes for companies of all types. 

Shop With The Best Manufacturers on the Market

Shopping with these industrial manufacturers will help you to the fullest. These are some of the best brands and companies that you’ll want to do business with when you need these products. 

We specialize in everything from brakes and clutches to oil rig equipment, hoists, and transmissions. Browse our inventory to learn more about what we have to offer. 

Take time to contact us via our online form, or call us at (866)210-5897.

Custom rubber products for rail applications play a pivotal role in the 140,000 miles of railroad tracks that line our country and the world beyond. 

We have the equipment required to manufacture custom rubber products for rail applications. Before moving forward, though, brush up on all you need to know about these unique rail products. 

1. It’s Not Like Other Plastic

Nearly 29 million tons of rubber are made every single year. 

Much of that plastic goes into generic, mass-produced items. But for rail products, rubber has to be custom-fit to the specifications of every project at hand. 

There is more than one reason for this, too. 

2. Custom Rubber Products React to Their Environment

The wrong rubber can be a big problem when it’s part of a railway installation. 

Before a professional can fit the right part, they have to know details about the environment in which the rubber will be used. 

What temperature can the rails reach? Are there any gases or chemicals that might come in contact with the rubber? It’s also vital to know if any light will hit it, as such a glow can compromise the rubber products, too. 

3. Rubber Doesn’t Just End Up On the Rail

We say we make custom rubber products for rail applications, but you won’t just find our creations on the tracks. 

There are plenty of other locomotive-centric places where custom rubber products are essential. 

For example, we make custom rubber installments for train bumpers, and we can seal engines with them, too. 

4. You Can Choose the Type of Rubber

Not all rubber is created in the same way. 

Some of the rubber for our custom rail products comes from natural sources. But 70 percent of the rubber used today is synthetic, human-made for use in railway applications and beyond. 

You can choose either natural or synthetic rubber for your rail products. Each option has its advantages, though. 

High temperatures and oil are no match for the incredibly resilient synthetic rubber. On the other hand, natural rubber makes for excellent grip — and it can last a while in the right conditions, as well. 

5. It Doesn’t Start and End With Rubber

Finally, know that your custom rubber products for rail applications aren’t merely made of rubber — at least, not in every case. 

Sometimes, you’ll need an installment that has a bit of rubber mixed with another material to complete your project. An end-of-car diaphragm may need rubber and metal for sturdiness and safety, as an example. 

We can fit your custom rubber products with these other must-have pieces in mind. 

Choose the Right Rubber Products — From the Right Supplier

Now that you know more about custom rubber products — and how they work with railways — you can make the right choice in purchasing them for your industrial project. 

Start with us and our custom creation of rail applications. You can check out our blog, too, for more information about rubber products and our other specialty items.

Did you know as drilling increases, so do deaths—with deaths rising by 28% in one year? Working on oil rigs and platforms can have an increased risk for workplace injury and can be harmful to the surrounding environment.

An oil rig fire or explosion can happen and does happen in this field. Keep reading, and we will guide you through the common causes of drilling rig accidents.

Dangers of Working in the Oil Rigs

Oil rigs can be a dangerous place to work because you are drilling into flammable materials.

You want to make sure you are providing the best industrial machinery to keep your crew safe from brakes and clutches to the large cranes and vessels. Equipment failure is a common accident that happens.

The crew can take precautions, but some accidents are inevitable in this field.

Explosions, fires, and blowouts are other accidents that can happen on-site and are very harmful and dangerous.

Common Causes of Drilling Rig Accidents

We will walk you through the common causes of explosions, fires, blowouts, and equipment failure in oil rigs.

These accidents happen often, and you want to take as many precautions as possible because they can be deadly.

1. Equipment Failure

Maintaining your equipment in the oil field is essential. The fields rely on massive and sophisticated machines to operate correctly. If you don’t maintain your equipment, pipes and valves can be destroyed, and machines may malfunction or multiple other issues.

There can be accidents while working on or with the machine if it’s not working correctly. Kor-Pak Corporation provides overhead crane inspections that you should do routinely to ensure a safer work environment.

2. Blowout

Blowouts are when oil or gas erupts from the well. The system monitoring the pressure has stopped working when this occurs. A blowout can cause a fire or explosion.

3. Explosions

Extreme pressures from burning vapors cause explosions. When the pressure is too much, the top of the container can come off. Pressure systems are put in place to prevent this, but sometimes they don’t work.

4. Fires

Oil well fires occur when pressurized gas erupts from the well and comes into contact with sparks. The fire is hard to put out because of the large volume of fuel. Burn injuries can be severe because of the size of the fire.

Environmental Effects

One example of an oil spill is in 2010. The Gulf of Mexico was the victim of 210 million gallons of oil. It was called the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This spill was damaging to the fish and marine life because the oil is poison to them. Beaches, fisheries, and coastal communities that were along the Gulf also faced damage and had to be shut down.

The oceanic environment and eco-system are still facing the consequences today.

Take Precautions and Keep Employees Safe

If you are managing an oil rig, or are a part of the crew, be aware of the drilling rig accidents.

Take any precautions for explosions, fires, blowouts, or equipment failure that you can to be safe.

Kor-Pak corporation can help with your oil machinery needs. Check out our brake repair and reline services and machine inspections today.

Industrial strength. What exactly does it mean for machines and equipment to be industrial strength? How are industrial machines and equipment different from common machines?

Keep reading to learn the differences, as well as a little about the current and future markets for industrial goods. 

What Are Industrial Machines?

Industrial machines are for use in large-scale business or manufacturing. In the same way, industrial equipment is used in a large-scale business setting for heavy industry. 

These machines and equipment are used for large, heavy operations that would otherwise not be practical.

For example, to build a skyscraper, you need an industrial crane and other equipment. Or, to dig for oil, huge industrial oil rigs are necessary. To provide wind power for whole communities, you need industrial wind turbines. 

We provide the parts, equipment, and systems to outfit these types of projects. 

How Are They Different Consumer Products?

The primary difference is that industrial machines are for larger-scale purposes than common products. 

You might say that any machine or equipment could be either industrial or common equipment, depending on its intended use. If you buy a ladder for personal use, it’s consumer equipment. If an industry manager buys the same ladder for use in a factory, it’s industrial. 

But that’s not what we mean when we specify industrial machines and equipment. 

Generally, when we refer to industrial machines, it means large, durable equipment. 

It is tougher, bigger, and can be used day-in, day-out in a factory or other industrial setting. 

A few of the machines and equipment we’re talking about here could occasionally be used at home, but usually describe huge equipment that large corporations utilize.  

Some examples of large industrial machines are oil rig equipment or industrial cranes. 

Market Forces 

The market worldwide for large, industrial equipment is valued at about $113 billion. New construction drives the demand for such equipment. Like many industries, it is very connected around the world.

As developing countries build up their infrastructure, the demand for industrial equipment increases. Also, more developing countries can start construction projects as technology improves.

As the world gets more connected, the demand for large industrial machines goes up with it.

The common trait of all these machines is that they are used in the large-scale production of goods. 

The Future

In the future, industrial machines will do more of the work. Some factories may even use the equipment in total darkness since robots don’t need light!  

But the demand for industrial equipment will keep going up as long as the world continues to build new things. This will be true even if some work becomes automated. The machines doing the work will still need industrial equipment to do the job. 

Whatever the future brings, industrial machines and equipment will always be needed. 

Contact Us

Please contact us today if you have any questions. We are ready to assist you in determining which industrial machines and equipment would be right for your company.