Industrial Equipment Service & Maintenance Guide

Heavy machinery is expensive to buy, specialized to use, and costly to fix when broken. It’s the most significant investment your company makes.

As a member of an industrial team, you understand how vital equipment is to keep the team running. Equipment breakdowns cause the whole process to grind to a halt.

But there are things you can do to keep your heavy industrial equipment in prime condition. Regular maintenance and proper care may add years of useful life to your equipment.

Check out our industrial equipment service and maintenance guide below.

1. Cleanliness Is King

Creating a clean environment for your machinery improves the lifespan of the machine. And it’s good for your workers too. Employees work better in clean work environments.  

Filters and seals keep sensitive parts and electronics free from debris. Make sure you check and clean them every day.

Keep your machinery cabins clean. Dirty breathing filters inside the cabin put your employees at risk. Educate employees that cleanliness is king when it comes to keeping equipment safe.

2. Stay on a Schedule

Set up a regular maintenance schedule that includes daily cleaning checks.

Check oil and lubricants often to ensure they aren’t running low or running dirty. Tighten bolts on a regular basis as they tend to slip over time. Any area of the machine that involves a lot of friction needs a thorough inspection on a daily basis.

Keep a good log of your checks. Include the date, all tests made, and record what was fixed or replaced. This log comes in handy if you ever have any big breakdowns.

3. Heed the Manufacturer’s Suggestions

When you’re making out your maintenance schedule, consult with your manufacturer for timelines.

Standard equipment should come with a manual. For specialized equipment, call or email the rep at the manufacturer. They will give you a timeframe to replace parts. And how often to check lubricants, seals, and filters.

Don’t push it to the end. Keep your routine maintenance schedule up to date and stay on top of issues before they worsen.

4. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open

A critical part of preventative maintenance is the eyes and ears test. How does your machinery look? Does it sound okay?

Every machinery inspection should begin with a visual once-over of major systems. If you’re familiar with your equipment, you’ll spot wear and tear right away. If you hear strange sounds like brakes squealing, you know there’s a problem.

Don’t wait until scheduled maintenance if something doesn’t look or sound right. Report the problem and get it fixed right away.

5. Use and Store It Properly

Never use equipment for anything other than what it was made to do. Again, consult your manufacturer if you have questions. Improper use of equipment will most certainly shorten the lifespan of your industrial machines.

At the end of the day, store your machinery in a safe place. Avoid rust and deterioration from the elements by storing inside. If your machines are sensitive to heat and cold, store them in a temperature-controlled environment.

Maintain Industrial Equipment for a Longer Life

A little maintenance goes a long way with industrial equipment.

Make your employees aware of the importance of clean machinery. Create a routine maintenance schedule and stick to it. Consult your manufacturer to determine how often parts and fluids need replacement.

Not only do you need a schedule, but you need to keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wear and tear. Fix things before they get out of hand for better results. And always use your equipment correctly and store it in a safe place when not in use.

Follow these tips and your industrial equipment will give you years of excellent performance. If you’re in need of machinery repair or service, check out our services page to learn about all that we do at Kor-Pak.

Critical Performance Level: What Makes an Industrial Fan?

Choosing the wrong industrial fan can be a disaster for both your finances and your sanity!

There are many details you need to check and double check. Ensure high quality before you run off to check on large industrial fans for sale.

But, don’t worry! We have you covered. Below, we have some tips and tricks to finding the best industrial fan.

Finding the Right Materials for Your Industrial Fans

Getting the right material for your fan seems obvious. Materials have a wide variety, and each can have a list of positives and negatives.

Research into what environment and job you will need your fan for.

Major things to look for when avoiding problems for your fans? Certain chemicals, temperatures, and other environmental concerns are at the top of the list.

For example, did you know that chlorine gas can dissolve aluminum?

The expense can also be a substantial consideration. Expensive doesn’t always mean good. Quality carbon steel can be quite cheap, but may not be the best fit for your needs.

Be wary of “coated steel.” This is a marketing trick to make it sound like the coating protects against anything. It often uses epoxy or paint to coat the metal.

The problem here is that your protection only lasts as long as the paint does!

Know Your Type

Before rushing into buying anything, you need to consider not just the what but the why and how. Do you need some sizeable industrial shop fans? Or will the more simple industrial fan blowers suffice?

Size is important for industrial fans. Too big, and they might not fit where you need them, too small, and they won’t do the job you need them to.

Plenty of small details get lost in the shuffle. Propellers, often known as props, should be a single piece cast, or at the very least welded together.

This keeps your fan altogether running longer and breaking down less. Wheels and bearings also get overlooked all too often. Don’t get different materials for the little pieces.

While it may be obvious, a fiberglass fan does not want metal bearings.

Motors to Keep You Going

Motors should always be the most reliable part of your fan. If that goes, you have nothing.

Easy to maintain can mark the design of a good motor. Easy to re-lubricate bearings that are tight tolerance shafting are significant signs of quality.

Easy to access maintenance services are a key to a long lifespan of any equipment.

Sound levels of your motors are also critical. A loud motor can cause all sorts of problems, especially in environments already overloaded with sounds. Be careful; many competitors will try to do minimal testing for sound and function. Make sure what you buy has been thoroughly tested.

Whatever You Need

Whatever industrial fans may suit your needs, we can answer all your questions and get you fitted with the product you need.

We pride ourselves at our resourcefulness and knowledgeability. Contact us today, and we’ll get you sorted!

What is a Compactor and How it is Used in Construction

Compaction is one of the most critical parts of any construction. Without proper soil compaction, you can have foundation erosion, slab cracks, and pipe leakage and breaks. This results in unnecessary maintenance costs and structural failure.

They say a building is only as good as its foundation. Different types of compactors like the plate compactor and compactor roller have different purposes. But their primary function is to strengthen and stabilize the foundations of almost all projects.

Here, we’ll list the most common types of compactors to help you select the right tool for the job.

Types of Soil Compaction Equipment

We divided compactors into two groups depending on the type of soil they’re suited for.

1. Light Soil Compacting Equipment

These are used in confined areas where the forces needed for compaction are much smaller. They’re usually hand-operated.

Vibrating Plate Compactor

You can use the vibrating plate compactor in narrow areas where it’s hard to maneuver large equipment. It has a vibrating base plate that creates a downward force in addition to the weight of the machine.

The vibration penetrates through the soil to move particles closer together. This will increase the density of the soil.

Rammers/Jumping Jack

This device delivers a series of blows to the surface of the soil. It works just like a jackhammer, but instead of a pointed end, a flat surface provides the impact. Rammers are commonly used in creating trenches.

2. Heavy Soil Compacting Equipment/Compactor Roller

You see this type of construction vehicle flatten Wile E. Coyote comically. These machines look like big rolling pins and compact the soil by kneading and pressure. They’re used in large, open areas.

Smooth Roller (Static)

Also called road rollers, these are the most commonly used type of compactors. They’re preferred for flattening asphalt roads, but they also work great for graded sand, crushed rock, and gravel.

One large steel drum is located in the front of the vehicle. You can have one or two drums in the rear.

They rely on the weight of the drums to compact the soil. To compact a twenty-centimeter layer of soil, eight passes are often adequate.

Smooth Roller (Vibrating)

Instead of just relying on static force (weight of the drums), a vibratory roller uses vibrating force to deliver a more powerful effect. A rotating or reciprocating mass enable the drums to vibrate.

The addition of the vibrating force allows for more efficient work and higher compaction levels. You can also compact greater depths of soil.

Sheepsfoot Roller

The main difference between sheepsfoot rollers and smooth rollers is the presence of projecting lugs or foot on the steel drum. These lugs are rectangular shaped and arranged in a hexagonal pattern. They come in the static or vibrating variety.

Also known as tamping rollers, they’re capable of compacting fine-grained soils. Sheepsfoot rollers are suited for compacting the sub-grade layers in road and rail projects.

Pneumatic Roller

Instead of steel drums, pneumatic rollers have rubber tires. Their best use is for compacting coarse-grained soils such as in pavement sub-grade projects.

Need a Compactor Roller?

We can help. We serve a wide range of industries including construction, agriculture, mining, and so on.

Whether you’re looking for a compactor roller or already have one and need parts, you can trust us to source it for you. Contact us today so we can talk about your equipment needs.

The Ins and Outs of a Tilt Deck Trailer: Everything You Need to Know

Over 33% of all workers’ injuries and illness cases are related to heavy lifting.

For the safety of your workers, it’s crucial to get rid of workplace safety hazards like the use of wooden ramps to load heavy items on trucks.

Instead, invest in safer and more efficient equipment like tilt deck trailers. While it may seem more expensive, you’ll save more money in workers’ compensation.

If you’re thinking of getting a new tilt deck trailer, here’s everything to know before making a purchase.

What Are Tilt Deck Trailers?

Unlike conventional car and equipment trailers, tilt bed trailers have a tilting deck for loading and offloading heavy equipment and machinery.

They come in two types: full and industrial tilt deck trailers.

As the name suggests, the deck of a full tilting trailer completely tilts when loading and unloading equipment. It’s ideal for trucks with forklift attachments or scissor lifts.

For industrial tilting trailers, the front part of the deck doesn’t tilt. This feature is perfect for hauling a piece of equipment with several attachments. These trailers use hydraulic cylinders to operate and come in various lengths to suit all hauling needs.

How Do Tilting Trailers Work?

There are two types of tilt deck trailer plans: sliding and hydraulic trailers.

Hydraulic tilting trailers use hydraulic power units to operate. To load equipment, you have to pressurize the deck to set it in the right position for loading and offloading.

For sliding trailers, the vehicle has to move the deck and set it the right position for loading.

What Are Tilting Trailers Used For?

From cars to construction materials, tilt bed trailers can handle any load.

Because of their ease of use, these trailers appeal to people involved in loading, hauling, and transporting heavy equipment.

Pros of Using a Tilting Trailer

Several benefits come with using a tilt bed trailer including:

Safety of Workers

Since tilting trailers eliminate the need to lift or slide out loading ramps, workers won’t be exposed to occupational hazards related to heavy lifting. As a result, they’ll become more productive in the long run.

Work Efficiency

With a tilting trailer, you don’t have to tilt the deck manually. Simply pull the lever and all the work is done for you. This enhances efficiency and saves a lot of time.

More Space for Your Load

Loading ramps fold up onto the trailer, taking up significant space that should be occupied by your load. With a tilt bed trailer, your equipment can utilize all the space on the truck.

Cons of Using a Tilting Trailer

Tilt bed trailers need more maintenance than standard trailers. Those with hydraulic systems need to have frequent oil and filter changes.

Additionally, the moving parts should be oiled often to prevent rusting, while enhancing efficiency and durability.

Haul More Efficiently with a Tilt Deck Trailer

Hauling and transporting heavy machinery and equipment is quick and easy with a tilting trailer.

Looking for a tilt deck trailer for sale?

Feel free to contact us at Kor-Pak Corporations to make an order and improve the efficiency at your worksite.

5 Tips on Industrial Maintenance

Did you know that putting off routine equipment maintenance is actually costing you money?

It is, in the form of downtime.

In fact, we’re talking about six figures. If you’re one of the 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S., this can be catastrophic.

The good news is, you can prevent costly downtime. Even better news? We’re going to explain how.

Check out five items that must be on your industrial maintenance checklist.

1. Training is Power

Not only is keeping your employees well-trained good for production, but it’s also useful for safety purposes.

When you provide routine equipment training, your operators won’t cut corners. They’ll understand the importance of operating the machinery properly. They’ll learn that performing an inspection before every use benefits everyone.

For starters, operating the machinery will be safer. They’ll respect the equipment more, which eliminates improper use.

Make sure you hold your operators accountable for the machine. You likely have more than one operator, so each one will know they’re responsible for the equipment during their shift.

Accountability is a valid form of maintenance. Your employees will operate the machinery with more care.

2. Keep a Routine Checklist

Write a maintenance checklist for each piece of machinery. Train your employees to know how to check fluid levels, brakes, battery, wheels, and the electrical system.

Whether it’s a forklift or an overhead crane, each piece of equipment needs to be checked at the start of each shift.

3. Check for Signs of Wear

Checking for signs of wear and tear is the easiest form of maintenance. This includes inspecting tire tread and making sure there aren’t any warning lights on.

They need to check brake pads, and other perform other routine brake maintenance (click here for a comprehensive list).

Your employees must also make sure all fluids are topped off and that there aren’t any leaks.

Finally, they should inspect any forklift batteries for corrosion or leakage.

4. Clean Your Equipment

An industrial building is dirty and produces dust and other particles. It’s part of the job. No one expects your building to be as sanitized as a hospital.

But, your operators need to clean the equipment before their shift ends. When dust builds up in filters or your machinery, it can lead to breakdowns.

Furthering the issue is that dust doesn’t do damage on its own. When moisture comes into contact with dust, it can destroy vital parts of the machinery.

Wiping up any fluid spills is also essential. While your equipment needs certain fluids to operate properly, liquid isn’t your machine’s friend.

5. Store Everything the Right Way

When a shift ends, what currently happens in your facility? Do your operators leave the machines where they are? Do they even turn them off?

Some manufacturing equipment needs to run continuously for production purposes. But forklifts, cranes, and other machinery needs to get shut down after every shift.

They also need to get appropriately stored. Large machinery should always get stored in a covered, moisture-free area. If possible, climate-controlled is ideal.

This prevents moisture from getting to the components, causing corrosion or rust. It also keeps your machinery out of direct sunlight, which also will help it last longer.

The Key Factor in Industrial Maintenance

When it comes to industrial maintenance, several factors will keep your equipment in good working order. The most critical factor is scheduling routine service.

For example, at Kor-Pak, we perform overhead crane inspections to ensure heavy machinery is running at optimal performance.

This saves our clients money while also ensuring they’re compliant with safety regulations.

To learn about what other services we provide, visit our services page.

Why Regular Maintenance Is Essential to Forklift Safety

Every company wants to run at full efficiency. One minute of unexpected downtime costs big money.

In fact, 81% of companies surveyed said 60 minutes of unplanned downtime costs them more than $300,000.

However, it’s more than a loss of productivity and money. When your equipment fails, the safety of your employees is at risk.

Regularly scheduled maintenance will help reduce equipment issues and keep your workforce safer. You may be wondering, “How?”

In this guide, we’re going over five maintenance tips to help you maintain forklift safety.

Why Forklift Safety Matters

More than one million forklifts are operating in the United States. They’re found in warehouses, grocery stores, big-box retailers — the list goes on and on.

Since they’re one of the most common pieces of machinery in many American industries, it makes sense they break down often. But operators are often injured as well.

The most common injuries are:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Whiplash
  • Injuries to muscles, tendons, nerves

In some cases, these injuries are the result of sitting too long or not having the proper posture. You need to train your employees on proper safety and operating techniques to avoid these injuries.

However, some of these are due to faulty equipment. Moreover, these issues are avoidable.

Take a look at five maintenance steps you can put in place to reduce downtime and increase safety.

1. Inspect the Machine Before Each Shift

Inspecting every forklift before an operator turns it on isn’t just a quick preventative maintenance measure, it’s an OSHA requirement.

It’s pretty simple, but it starts with employee training.

Your operators need to know how to check brakes, steering controls, and warning devices. They also need to know to look under the carriage for leaks and check the machine’s fluid levels. The seatbelt function and overhead guards should also get inspected.

Identifying a problem beforehand will allow you to call for repairs without putting the employee’s safety at risk.

2. Follow Your Forklift Maintenance Schedule

Your forklifts are a necessity for your business to run. But, they get used so often, it may seem like you can’t afford to have them down for maintenance.

What you can’t afford is to have a faulty forklift lead to injury.

Remember, your company loses thousands of dollars during unplanned downtime. However, if you schedule the maintenance in advance, you can make adjustments to the day’s workflow.

Oil and changes, battery maintenance, spark plug replacement — all of these need to get done on schedule. Check your manual or call the manufacturer for the recommended timeframes.

3. Check the Tires

The tires should be a part of the daily inspection routine. When tires wear out, steering and braking can be affected.

Forklift tires are essential for its operation, so make sure they’re at the proper pressure, and the tread isn’t worn. OSHA provides a detailed checklist that also requires tires low on the tread or missing rubber get sidelines until they’re fixed.

4. Clean Your Forklifts Once a Week

Cleaning your forklifts are essential to them running right. A clean machine also reduces safety issues.

Your forklift takes on many contaminants on a weekly basis. Lint, dirt, dust, sawdust, plastic shavings — all these get caught in your filters, radiators, and even the motor.

Every week, the mechanical parts should get blown out and wiped down. It’s not a glamorous job, but it prevents breakdowns and injuries caused by a malfunction.

5. Handle All Issues ASAP

It would be best if you instructed employees to come to you or their supervisor with any suspected issues.

If something doesn’t seem right like a warning light is on, or there’s corrosion around the battery terminal, you need to handle it at once.

Don’t Put You or Your Employees at Risk

The number one way to ensure forklift safety is proper training. Train your employees on how to operate the machine. They must also have instruction on how to inspect the forklift.

Second, consider a maintenance contract with a reputable industrial repair company. For more than 40 years, Kor-Pak has serviced heavy equipment for many industries.

Contact us today for any questions about parts or service.

4 Essential Loading Dock Safety Tips

On average, nearly 6,000 American workers die as a result of on the job accidents each year. Over 35 percent of these deaths are caused by slip and fall accidents.

For businesses that have a large loading dock, keeping this area safe is a bit easier said than done. Failing to focus on loading dock safety can lead to disasters.

Often, business owners fail to realize just how dangerous this area can be until it is too late. Working with professionals who are familiar with loading dock safety is a great way to get advice on how to eliminate the dangers in this area.

Read below to find out more about how to make the loading dock at your business safer.

1. Keep an Eye Out For Common Loading Dock Safety Hazards

The first thing you and your employees need to do when trying to make your loading dock safer is to keep your eyes peeled for hazards. These hazards come in some different forms, which is why educating yourself on proper loading dock safety is a must.

If you have things like wet or oily floors or unsecured dock plates, it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes. By routinely inspecting your loading dock, you should be able to find hazards and address them quickly.

2. Maintaining Loading Dock Equipment

Most loading docks feature heavy machinery in one form or another. Things like overhead cranes are quite common in these areas. While these machines can reduce the strain put on your workers, they can be dangerous if they are not adequately maintained.

Machinery that is not inspected and maintained on a regular basis can pose a lot of danger. Instead of letting these machines fall into a state of disrepair, you need to work with professionals. A heavy machinery mechanic can work to ensure this equipment runs safely and correctly.

3. Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

There are some things you and your team can do to reduce the chance of slip and fall accidents on your loading dock. Posting signs that inform employees about the dangers of running in this area is a good idea.

You will also need to mark the edges of the loading dock. Using bright colors to show workers where the edge is can prevent accidents from occurring.

4. Working Safely Around Trucks and Trailers

Workers also face lots of hazards when trucks and trailers are put into the loading dock. The first thing your team needs to do before loading these trucks and trailers is to ensure the wheels are chocked. Failing to do this can lead to the truck rolling forward or backward.

Be sure to get truck drivers to turn off the engine to their rig while it’s being loaded. Doing this will help to reduce the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Need Overhead Crane Maintenance or Repair?

Taking loading dock safety seriously will serve you and your team well. Working with seasoned professionals is a great way to fix problems with your loading dock and the equipment in this area.

Are you in need of overhead crane maintenance or repair? If so, contact us now to find out more about the services we offer.

An In-Depth Maintenance Plan for Loading Dock Levelers

Over 5 million workers are injured on the job each year in the United States. For most business owners, finding a way to keep their employees safe is a must.

If your business deals in the loading and unloading of trucks, keeping workers safe can be more challenging. Most loading docks will feature equipment like dock levelers.

With these load dock leveler systems, workers can load and unload large trucks with ease. However, failing to maintain this vital piece of equipment properly can lead to big problems in the future.

Are you interested in creating a dock leveler maintenance plan? If so, check out the helpful tips below.

Properly Lubricating Dock Levelers is a Must

The main thing you will have to do to keep dock levelers functional is to lubricate them on a regular basis. The parts of a dock leveler are always in motion. This means you need a great deal of lubrication to keep these parts functional.

Inspecting your dock leveler will help you discover an orange spot of rust that may exist. As soon as you notice this, you need to lubricate these areas. Lubricating will not only make the leveler operate better, but it will also help to extend its lifespan as well.

Work on Keeping the Dock Leveler Clean

Typically, dock levelers are in high-traffic areas. In most cases, high-traffic areas have large amounts of various debris and waste.

If any of the parts of a dock leveler are covered by debris or garbage, it will prohibit them from working correctly. This is why you need to work with your employees to create a dock cleaning schedule.

By instituting a comprehensive plan, you can rest assured your dock, and the levelers on it will remain clean. Involving your employees in the dock leveler maintenance process is the only way to ensure it is successful.

Test Your Dock Levelers Regularly

Some business owners only look at their dock leveler when it is being used by employees. One of the best ways to honestly assess this machine’s functionality is when there are no distractions.

Taking the time to inspect and test a dock leveler can help you find repair issues before they cause too much damage. If you are unsure about what to look for during this testing, be sure to consult with professionals for help.

Check Fluids in Hydraulic Dock Levelers

If you have a hydraulic dock leveler, it is imperative to check the fluid levels in it on a regular basis. Allowing the hydraulic fluid level to get too low can lead to the dock leveler malfunctioning.

If you notice that the fluid levels are consistently low, chances are you have a leak that needs fixing. Allowing dock leveler repair professionals to diagnose and fix this leak can help to minimize the damage done to this equipment.

In Need of Professional Help?

Trying to repair and maintain dock levelers without professional assistance can create problems. The last thing you want is to damage this equipment due to a lack of experience.

Are you in need of professional heavy equipment repair? If so, contact us now to find out more about the repair services we offer.

A Dock Worker’s Ultimate Dock Equipment Checklist

Dock work is crucial to the ebb and flow of transported goods, and in turn, to the economy. The safety and smooth processing of dock work is also a must if you want to remain in business.

Dock workers are at risk for workplace injuries, but you don’t want faulty equipment to retract from the safety of your workers. Notifying dock workers during safety talks is just the beginning of keeping workers safe.

Your workers do their part to stay safe every day, now it’s time to do your part by making sure you have all the necessary equipment to run a successful and safe dock working environment. Read our ultimate dock equipment checklist to make sure your docks are operating sufficiently and safely!

1. Dock Levelers

Dock levelers operate mechanically, hydraulically or electrically. The facility where you operate will provide clues on which option may be best for your company.

You can raise dock levelers or lower them to accommodate for varying heights of trailers unloading at the dock. Once you engage the dock levelers, a dock plate will also be useful in providing a bridge between the trailer and the building.

2. Dock Bumper

Dock bumpers protect the surface of the dock from trailers lowering onto the dock. Made out of rubber, they can absorb the impact between the trailer and the dock.

Bumpers protect your building, the trucks, and the incoming trailers from damage. Corner protectors and wall protectors can also be useful in maintaining the condition of your building from trailer impact.

3. Dock Barricades

Dock barricades prevent workers from falling and provide a visual stopping point for forklift drivers and workers near the loading dock when a trailer is not present.

Dock barricades can be manual or powered electrically/mechanically depending on what works best for your company and your workers. Dock rails, handrails, and guards can also be useful in preventing falls and letting workers know where danger zones are located.

4. Dock Lights

Proper lighting is essential to the operation of your dock. Depending on your hours of operation, workers may use the dock at night when adequate lighting is needed the most.

Dock lights are essential and help to keep workers safe. Communication lights, much like stop lights, are also a good investment. They provide smooth communication between truck drivers and dock workers.

5. Vehicle Restraint Devices

Vehicle restraint devices keep the truck unloading its trailer from rolling during the unloading process. These devices also protect against human error on the truck driver’s behalf who believes the job is done prematurely.

Wheel Chocks are commonly used to prevent trucks from rolling. These are block wedges which are placed under the front of the rear tires to prevent rolling.

ICC bar restraint systems are also increasing in popularity. These systems engage a trailers rear impact guard and secure it from rolling away. It’s best to have on hand a variety of restraint devices in case of varying weather patterns and poor condition of trailer trucks entering your loading dock.

6. Screen and Curtain Doors

Screen and curtain doors protect your building and your workers from bad weather. Screens and doors provide a barrier from outside elements and assist in preventing slips and falls. They also allow your workers to be in a more secure and climate controlled environment making it easier to unload.

Ready to Upgrade Your Dock Equipment?

Contact us today to receive a quote on your dock equipment needs. We specialize in crane equipment, industrial brakes and clutches, and gearbox and transmission products.

Visit our blog for more about industrial equipment and safety tips available to your industry.

What Are the Best Frictionless Bearings on the Market?

Whether you realize it or not, ball bearings are involved in many aspects of your life. They are in any machine with moving parts, as well as your car and your bike.

Cave drawings show that at the very beginning of civilization, people discovered that it was easier to move cumbersome things by placing them on top of a rolling log. Voila! Here you have the first bearing.

Although the main idea and design has not changed much, new ideas have been developed. What started as a wooden bearing, has graduated to what we have on the market today.

Which bearings offer the lowest friction? If you are choosing bearings for your machine or looking to customize an industrial application, you’ll want to know the answer to that question.

Read on as we explore the different kinds of frictionless bearings.

The Best Frictionless Bearings on the Market

Bearings were developed to help move things along with less friction. Typically, ball bearings still have some amount of friction. Because most bearings use a cage to keep the balls separate and evenly spaced, there is added friction. The remedy to this is to add grease.

What if bearings could be designed to work without the cage or metal or plastic framework? This would reduce friction without lubrication and make bearings virtually frictionless.

No-Cage Design

Coo Space, which is a Japanese engineering firm, has discovered a way to ensure that the balls stay evenly spaced without the need for the cage.

The Autonomous Decentralised Bearing (ADB) is the name of their product. It is designed with small indentations or divots.

The balls go into the divots as they roll over the track. This motion speeds up or slows down as the balls are rolling and they will never collide.

This invention makes the traditional cage design obsolete. Without the cage, the bearings have ten times less friction. Bonus: they never need lubrication because they are greaseless bearings.

These involve less energy. There will be fewer breakdowns in machines that use these new bearings.

These might just be the best bearings in the world!

Ceramic Bearings

The next best thing to the frictionless bearings mentioned above is ceramic bearings. Ceramic silicon nitride (Si2N4) is the material used to make ceramic bearings.

They are lower friction because they are rounder and smoother and more consistent in size. They are also harder making them more durable. Rust is not an issue either with ceramic bearings.

Heavy Industry Parts and Service

Bearings and other parts wear out over time. Whether you are in the market for frictionless bearings or crane wheels, we can help answer any of your questions.

Kor-Pak is committed to serving numerous industries. We are consistently focused on our customers’ needs and keep up with the changes in the industry.

Check out the information on our website and email or call us with your questions.