Before the late 1820s, transporting valuable goods across a rapidly growing United States was a time-consuming and costly process. Freight carried via boats worked only along coastal regions, and horse-drawn carts were dependent on the endurance of the individual animals, limiting the amount they could carry.

With the industrial revolution came the introduction of railroads and trains. This created a way of not only transporting people across the United States but products at a previously unseen scale and speed.

Today freight railroad services are still the go-to method of moving freight. However, with constant use comes wear and tear that, if left unchecked, can have devastating results.

Read on for information on some of the most valuable rail parts to keep in top shape.

Brake Pads

Arguably the most crucial part of any locomotive is its brakes. Relying on the friction of a metal pad pressing up against a railcar’s wheels, even the highest quality of emergency brakes can take over a mile to stop a train going 55 miles per hour.

As friction stops a railcar’s wheels, those in the freight railroad industry need to be on top of how much use a brake pad has gotten. It’s recommended to replace brake pads once they have seen 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Then, depending on the type of brake pad and railcar used, they can be easily examined, serviced, or replaced.

Rubber Parts

Rubber is a valuable part of both railcars and railways. Providing extra friction on brake pads, insulating against extreme temperatures, and adding a little extra shock absorption proves itself in various uses. 

Rubber parts can come in various forms, pure rubber gathered from a natural source, synthetic rubber from a lab, or rubber mixed with other materials to add to its sturdy nature.

Picking the correct type of rubber for the job is a necessity. For instance, does something need to last for as long as possible — use natural rubber.

Is the part in question need to be flexible and can be replaced often?

Synthetic is the best option.

With the availability of custom products, finding the right type of rubber is as simple as a consultation.

Maintenance on Freight Railroad Parts

Having a strict schedule of maintenance and checkups on a freight train is a must. It allows you to spot and prevent debilitating issues soon. Replacing the rubber pedestal liners, keeping an eye on parts being worn down by friction, and staying on top of any minor fixes that need doing may be tedious but can save thousands of dollars in the long run.

When Replacements Are Necessary

Even with constant observation and maintenance, there will come a time when a part will need to be replaced. For example, perhaps a brake pad reached the end of its lifecycle or a rubber liner finally broke. A prompt replacement will be needed to ensure your freight railroad locomotive can continue its job.

The Kor-Pak Corporation has your back in any of these situations. With our catalog of parts for any type of locomotive and special custom orders available on-demand, we can get you what you need. So check out our catalog today!

According to the National Mining Association, America uses approximately 3.4 tons and 40,000 pounds of newly mined material annually.  

Here are four tools essential to the mining industry.

1. Mining Drills

No mining application is complete without the appropriate mining drills. There are two primary types of drills used in a mining business:

• Rotary drill rigs
• Percussion/hammer drills

A rotary drill rig creates holes in rocks and soil. This way, your laborers have an opening in which to place charges. These drills use a bit that turns under pressure, cutting into solid rock. 

In contrast, a hammer drill uses pressure to shove its bit into the ground. Then, it uses compressed air to blow dirt out of the way. This way, the bit can continue to strike the new ground at all times. 

2. Electric Rope Shovels for Mining Applications

Electric rope shovels offer a twist on standard hydraulic rope shovels. These tools use a series of ropes and pulleys to dig. The arm of the shovel uses electricity to operate. 

These tools can perform several mining applications, including:

• Digging through hard materials
• Moving earth
• Eliminating boulders
• Transferring materials to another loader
• Transporting mined materials

When looking for electric rope shovels, ensure they use efficient brakes and clutches. A braking system is crucial for these tools.

3. Blasting Tools

There are a variety of different types of blasting tools. Some may be more appropriate for one kind of mining than another. 

For example, surface mines often use a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil for their blasting tools. This combination often goes by the name of ANFO. 

There are also six types of controlled blasting techniques in mining. These include:

• Line drilling
• Trim blasting
• Buffer blasting
• Smooth wall blasting
• Air decking
• Presplitting

So, consider your blasting technique as you search for the necessary tools. 

4. Mining Trucks

Finally, every mine needs mining trucks to move materials. These essential mining tools come in several models.

For example, you can find large mining trucks with robust mechanical models to move your materials. Or, you can use eco-friendly, electric models for your mining operation. 

Find the Tools You Need Today!

As you can see, several tools exist for each various mining application. 

Check out our products to find the solutions you need. 

Have you ever considered what materials make up the parts you purchase? All of them bring different benefits and can serve multiple purposes. 

An industrial material refers to any substances used to make goods, such as machinery and tools. For example, the building materials industry is responsible for mining, quarrying, and processing raw materials. Meanwhile, the material handling industry is vital for movement, storage, control, and protection. 

In some cases, companies perform both distribution and fabrication.

But what are the different types of industrial materials, and how are they all used differently?

1. Supplies and Consumables

Supplies and consumables are one category of industrial material that all industries use. These supplies include coal, natural gas, electricity, and other forms of fuel. 

In particular, the steel industries use a lot of coal for their furnaces. In addition, restaurants and charcoal makers burn wood in their daily operations.

The oil industry is one of the most well-known that capitalizes on producing fuel oil and gasoline. However, you can also find petroleum used for other purposes, such as creating plastic and synthetic materials. These plastics can then be turned into industrial friction material or even used in the construction industry. 

2. Ores and Minerals

Ores and minerals are other industrial materials used for various products. For example, raw materials in this group are smelted down or otherwise converted into parts that go into building machinery, tools, and more. 

Lead, tin, copper, and iron are some common ores consumed by industries worldwide.

Computers manufacturers use copper wire along with plastics and other metals. Food cans are often made of either steel, aluminum, or tin alloy. The hammers used by construction workers are made of high carbon, heat-treated steel. 

Furthermore, the properties of an end product like steel depend on its carbon content, allows, and heat treatment. Low carbon steels have higher toughness and ductility, while the high carbon variety has lower toughness and ductility. However, tensile strength increases with higher carbon content. 

3. Organic Natural Resources

While organic natural resources like crops are often used in the food industry, you can also find them in other areas. For example, the lumber industry uses millions of trees every year for lumber that goes into making paper, fuel, and building material. In addition, rubber trees produce raw latex, which is used in different types of rubber products. 

Although bamboo isn’t technically wood, it is commonly used for scaffolding in countries where it’s a natural resource. Some industries also use insects as raw materials for things like color pigments. 

Industrial Material Turned Into Parts

At Kor-Pak, we partner with all the best industrial equipment manufacturers, from Aeromotive to Yale Hoist. As a result, you can find parts for the agriculture and farming industries, the iron and steel industries, and more. 

Contact us if you have any questions and look at our products online. 

Companies need to use industrial equipment for operations. That equipment will go through wear and tear. 

Maintaining industrial equipment helps it last longer. You can preserve the value of your equipment instead of hunting for a replacement too soon.

As employees use this equipment, it will eventually become unsafe. Poorly updated equipment can lead to injuries and death. Proper maintenance will keep your workers safe. 

It’s vital to maintain your industrial equipment. We’ll share three industrial equipment maintenance tips to get you started.

1. Monitor Your Industrial Equipment Daily

You can only make improvements in an area if you actively track it. Monitoring industrial equipment usage helps you identify equipment that needs updating.

Equipment maintenance also helps you identify unskilled handlers. Equipment will break down through overuse. Poor handling can exasperate your equipment’s downtrend.

You can consult with less-skilled workers to use the equipment properly. You can provide them with a training course or manual. If the handler continues to use the equipment poorly, consider a replacement.

Poor handling hurts your equipment’s value. It also creates a future safety hazard for your workers. Monitoring electrical cranes and other equipment will help with safety and preserving value.

You can monitor industrial equipment usage through GPS devices. These devices track movement and digitally record the data.

2. Schedule Maintenance for Your Equipment

Even the best handlers will contribute to breakdowns in your equipment. You can only avoid breakdowns by never using the equipment. Unfortunately, this condition is unrealistic for many companies.

However, some equipment wears down quicker than others. Your workers also use some equipment more frequently than others.

GPS devices can track this data, but you need to do something with the data. For example, companies can review data and schedule maintenance sessions based on usage and duration.

Frequent inspections help you identify the wear and corrosion before they get worse. Skilled technicians can update parts of your equipment. Cleaners can lubricate the equipment to stop corrosion.

3. Buy Spare Parts Now

 Unprepared companies get caught by surprise. For example, a piece of equipment suddenly stops working or is too dangerous to operate. 

A simple replacement part can fix this problem. However, not every business has the replacement part ready to go. 

An industrial equipment supplier can provide the missing part. However, it can take weeks for you to receive the product. A demand surge can make it more difficult to obtain your desired part.

Companies should plan for an emergency before it happens. Buying spare parts before your equipment breaks will accelerate the modification.

You don’t have to wait for the equipment to arrive first. Instead, you can find a skilled technician right away. 

Request a Quote for Your Industrial Equipment Needs

Your company needs industrial equipment to operate. Maintaining equipment extends its value and promotes workplace safety.

Even the most protective measures won’t shield you from equipment breakdowns. You will need replacement parts to fix your equipment.

Kor-Pak offers equipment replacements for your needs. Contact us today and let us know what equipment you need.

Buying for the heavy equipment industry is different from buying basic supplies. First of all, it’s a much larger investment that will require maintenance to keep your equipment running efficiently. You also can’t return equipment that you’re unsatisfied with after you’ve started using it. 

You need to have a good grasp of what your company needs and whether or not you can afford it. 

What is heavy industry equipment, though? And how do you make sure you’re buying the right ones? Here are three general tips.

1. Mobile Vs. Fixed

How big the industrial equipment you purchase can affect its portability and price. You also have to consider whether or not your business needs to bring its heavy equipment on the road. 

For example, a fixed crane is useful for the heavy construction industry. It can lift heavier objects while remaining stable. As a result, you never have to worry about it moving in the middle of a job. 

Meanwhile, a mobile crane is more compact and can fit into smaller areas. You can use them at multiple job sites since they’re easily relocated. They also require less setup and are often more affordable than fixed ones. 

2. Establish Your Budget

It’s crucial to figure out how much you have to spend before making any serious investments. A tight budget can get in the way of buying new heavy-duty equipment. However, there are some options to get equipment if you don’t have a lot to spend. 

Brand new equipment usually comes with a warranty that provides coverage if something breaks down. However, they’re also expensive. Most retailers offer loans or financing to help customers make payments over time. 

Used equipment is much more affordable than new ones, but they won’t be worth as much later on when you want to resell them. There may also be more options when compared to newer equipment. 

3. Buy What You Need

There’s a new lineup of heavy industry equipment released every year. While it’s surely the best stuff you can find on the market, it’s not necessarily what you need right here and now. So buy what you need. 

Some essential heavy equipment machines for construction include a bulldozer, loader backhoe, and excavator. In addition, cranes are necessary for any vertical job, and dump trucks help haul away all the dirt and debris. 

When buying heavy-duty equipment, always look for machinery that would help improve your workflow or add new capabilities.

The Best Quality Heavy Industry Equipment

When buying heavy industry equipment is essential because it’ll be the equipment you use years from now. You want it to work well without costing your company more than you can afford. 

Kor-Pak offers both OEM and aftermarket parts in dozens of product lines. You can find crane and hoist controls, molded and injection rubber products, and more.

Contact us to hear our entire portfolio or check out our products online. 

In engineering, couplings join two shafts together to transport power precisely. As a result, couplings are used in virtually every industrial machine that requires power transmission. These include generators, motors, pumps, and compressors.

A coupling’s principal function is to aid in the transmission of power. This article will tell you all about couplings and how they function.

What Are Couplings?

A coupling is a device that connects two shafts at their ends to transmit power. Couplings are mostly used to connect two pieces of rotating machinery.

A coupling allows for some degree of misalignment, end movement, or both. In a broader sense, a coupling can also be a mechanical mechanism that joins the ends of nearby pieces or objects. 

Couplings are classified into two types: rigid and flexible couplings.

What Are the Differences Between Rigid and Flexible Couplings?

The biggest distinction between rigid and flexible couplings is how they connect things.

• Rigid connections are, well, stiff. The connection enables smooth torque transfer throughout the system
• Flexible couplings generate flexible connections that can lose torque power. While metallic flexible couplings can handle more torque, some torque is sacrificed

Other significant distinctions between rigid and flexible connections include the following:

Requirements for Alignment

Flexible couplings can accommodate slightly misaligned shafts. Rigid couplings have a high torsion stiffness and cannot tolerate displacement.

This is true for shafts that are physically misaligned when at a stop. Also, for components that may produce misalignment during use due to temperature changes.

Backlash Reduction

Rigid couplings can drastically reduce backlash to nearly zero levels. On the other hand, flexible couplings do not provide the same measure of assurance.

The Need for Maintenance

Because rigid couplings are rigid, they do not absorb shocks well. As a result, it can end in premature wear on misaligned components.

Users should inspect rigid couplings for damage and alignment and apply lubricant on a routine basis.

On the other hand, flexible couplings can withstand more shock and vibration with minor wear and tear.

Complexity in Design 

Flexible couplings frequently contain more parts and are more sophisticated than rigid couplings. This might make the operation and maintenance of the system more difficult. In comparison, rigid couplings are less complicated and easier to use.

Application Usage

In servo motors with low to moderate torque levels and the possibility for shaft misalignment, flexible couplings can be used instead of rigid couplings. Examples of such uses are:

• Machine tools
• Semiconductor production
• Packing equipment

Rigid couplings are the most effective for high-torque applications, shaft support uses, and squeeze and release applications.

The Cost

Cost is a big player in both types of couplings. However, rigid couplings are less expensive than flexible couplings.

Consider Your Application Before Making a Selection

Couplings, both rigid and flexible, have a position in practically any complicated moving system that requires force.

If you’re looking for the ideal couplings for your application, contact us, and our expert team will gladly assist you.

The United States is the second-largest coal producer, accounting for 17% of the global production. It’s also the leading producer of minerals such as Sulphur, soda ash, and beryllium. The country mines most of these minerals through underground or surface mining methods.

If you’re working in the mining industry, you’ll face many obstacles if you don’t know how to work with different types of mining equipment. The mining machine to use for your excavation will depend on whether you plan to carry out below or above the ground mining.

Blasting Tools

These machines use a calculated force to break down materials to remove the minerals from waste material. Blasting is also essential in removing unnecessary materials that prevent personnel and mining machines from getting the seam that contains the minerals you’re searching for.

The blasting tools are commonly used in open pit and underground mining operations. For a successful mining operation, be sure to implement good blast designs. The problem with poor practices is that they can cause damage to the rock structures leading to unwanted caving.

Dragline Excavator

This equipment is commonly used in strip mining, particularly when extracting coal. However, some miners also use it for tar-sand mining. This excavator features a large bucket attached to chains and wire ropes. The equipment lowers the bucket to the excavated area and drags it across the surface before being lifted by chains.

Keep in mind that two distinct cutting methods are used in dragline excavation. A dragline excavator can cut through the surface of an exposed wall, or it may drag across level ground. The larger machines feature pontoons that walk the machine forward, while smaller excavators feature tread tracks that move across the ground.

Earth Movers

This is among the best mining equipment used in above-ground mining, and they help carry loose earth and soil from one location to another. They are common in large mining projects as they ensure a faster, more practical excavation process.

This large mining equipment will remove waste or overburdened material in most mining sites. This makes it easy to remove the mineral or material of interest and creates a working surface for equipment like haul trucks.

Mining Industry Drills

Most miners use this heavy mining equipment for their underground mining operations. First, they place the drills at strategic positions then the machine digs many feet underground. Such drill holes are used to test whether the ground has sufficient minerals for mining work later on.

If it’s necessary to have miners working underground, this equipment will make space for them. It will even create a safe escape passage.

Streamline Your Mining Operation With Effective Equipment

When working in the mining industry, you’ll need to use different types of equipment. They can even help you accomplish mining tasks with precision if you know how to operate them.

Contact us today to discuss the different options with you.

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

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

How Do Brake Calipers Work? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Types of Calipers

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

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

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

What About Other Brakes?

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

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

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

Learn More About Brake Parts!

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

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

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

Construction workers average 1 in 5 work-related fatalities. The #1 OSHA violation is fall protection for the construction industry.

Crane inspections are a preventative measure to lower the risk of accidents. This article offers a quick and comprehensive guide to OSHA crane inspection requirements.

Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know.

Crane Inspection Procedures

Cranes are covered under OSHA standard 1910.179- overhead and gantry cranes. The crane inspection requirements are outlined in 1910.179 (j) through (j)(4)(iii). 

OSHA requires three different inspection types:

• Initial inspection: before operating new or altered cranes
• Frequent inspection: daily, weekly, and monthly intervals
• Periodic inspection: monthly, semi-annual, quarterly, and annual intervals

Inspection intervals depend on the crane’s critical components. They’re also based on exposure to “wear, deterioration, and malfunction.”

Exposure includes factors like the rate of use and environmental effects. The higher the exposure, the higher the rate of inspections.

Types of Cranes

OSHA defines cranes based on their function and mode of operation. These include:

• Automatic crane
• Cab-operated crane
• Overhead crane
• Power-operated crane
• Remote-operated crane
• Gantry crane

The type can affect your crane inspection checklist. For example, frequent inspections require checking air or hydraulic systems parts daily, which applies to power-operated cranes.

Overhead crane inspections also include rated load-bearing tests.

OSHA Crane Inspection Requirements

All inspectors must meet OSHA standards. This can include any applicable industry and state standards.

For example, the Crane Manufacturers Association of America has industry standards for crane inspectors that include:

• Formal training
• Knowledge of state codes
• 2,000 hours of direct experience

Some states will set their own additional standards.

1. Frequent Crane Inspection Checklist

OSHA requires a frequent inspection for each operational shift the crane is in use. The inspection must be performed by a competent person, begin before the shift, and conclude before the shift is over.

These components are part of daily inspection:

• Operating mechanisms
• Air or hydraulic system parts such as lines, tanks, valves, and drain pumps
• Hooks
• Hoist chains
• Rope reeving

In addition to daily inspections, hooks and hoist chains must undergo a monthly inspection with a certification record entry that includes the date, inspector signature, and part identifier.

2. Periodic Crane Inspection Checklist

Periodic inspections are scheduled in advance at specified intervals. A periodic inspection includes the frequency checklist and:

• Members, bolts, and rivets
• Sheaves and drums
• Brake system parts
• Load, wind, and other indicators 
• Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants 
• Chain drive sprockets and chains
• Electrical apparatus 

Cranes on stand-by will have a frequent inspection semi-annually. For example, a crane idle for over a month but less than six months will undergo a routine inspection, while a crane will have periodic inspections over six months.

Finding the Best Crane Inspection Near Me

Meeting OSHA crane inspection requirements is one of the best ways to prevent workplace accidents. Lax standards are illegal, dangerous, and costly.

If you’re searching for certified and licensed inspectors, Kor-Pak Corporation is dedicated to the highest workplace safety standards. We’re customer-orientated and results-driven.

Connect with us to learn more about our wide range of services, including overhead crane inspection and construction equipment repair.

Have you ever wondered what type of parts can power a vehicle the size of a crane? It takes some pretty reliable, high-quality parts. And that’s exactly what SEW Eurodrive parts provide.

Today, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about SEW Eurodrive parts. Consider this article your all-inclusive guide.

We’ll talk about the company that makes them and the performance you can expect from them.

Who Is SEW Eurodrive Parts?

SEW Eurodrive Parts is the premier part supplier for heavy equipment. They provide car parts and parts for vehicle safety equipment. You can even purchase a SEW Eurodrive motor if your vehicle needs a replacement.

The company is a longstanding leader in the industry. SEW Eurodrive has been in business since 1931. They have a long history of being an innovative leader in the industry.

One of their most groundbreaking innovations is making the first variable speed gearmotor. This technology is so common among big machines now. Work, as we know it today, wouldn’t be possible without the pioneers at SEW Eurodrive.

Another one of their cutting-edge technologies is revolutionary changes to the motor as we know it. The professionals at SEW Eurodrive brought energy efficiency to the common motor. They did it by installing copper rotors and pioneering the use of electronic drives.

Types of SEW Eurodrive Parts

SEW Eurodrive is not only a leader in the industry, but they also offer a wide range of parts for your industrial machines. Their frequency inverters and industrial gearboxes offer some of the highest-density torque available.

These premier parts also have one of the longest lifespans in the industry. They also are available with backlash reduction technology and special design features specifically for agitation applications.

One of their most notable products is the Varimot Variable Speed Gearmotor. The innovative design of this gearmotor allows for easy use and more starting torque on your machinery. SEW gearmotor also meet all international efficiency level requirements.

We can’t mention SEW Eurodrive parts without mentioning their AC motors. This simple and innovative motor design can handle all motor variants with just one series. It boasts a compact design which helps you save on space and costs. 

The AC motor is also customizable and can handle integration with other motors. This means it’s more energy efficient. It can also accommodate three different brake sizes.

This is yet another way the AC motor from SEW Eurodrive Parts can help you cut costs.

SEW Superheroes

Our team at Kor-Pak can help you with any SEW Eurodrive Parts. We offer the SEW gearmotors, frequency inverters, gearboxes, and AC motors.

If you have any questions about an SEW Eurodrive motor or other parts and how they can help you with equipment safety, contact us at any time. We are more than happy to help and will do anything we can to get you and your team’s equipment running in tip-top shape.