Braking systems are a critical part of industrial machinery. Through friction, they stop or slow the movement of mechanisms. Without them, machines would just keep moving even through dangerous situations.
It’s crucial, therefore, that each of your machines has an effective braking system. The best way to ensure this is to give each device the proper braking system. To do this, you’ll need to know the differences between different braking systems.
Read on to learn more about some of the different industrial braking systems.
Braking System Types According to Actuation
Actuation refers to how a system is activated or deactivated. For example, a brake system refers to the specific mechanisms that help a brake stop or slow mechanical movement.
There are a few different actuation constructions. This article will detail these further in the list below.
Mechanical Braking System
Mechanical brakes utilize manual power to operate. Therefore, an operator cannot use an automatic mechanism to actuate the brakes. Instead, they have to use their own hands or feet for this.
The force resulting from this isn’t powerful. However, this braking system type is still useful in applications requiring little force. An excellent example of this is the handbrake on a bicycle.
Hydraulic Braking System
The actuation of a hydraulic braking system relies on hydraulic fluid. This is usually a mixture of glycerine, alcohol, and additives. The mechanism will transmit pressure through this liquid.
This braking system type is one of the cheapest, most common, and most reliable. Also, passenger vehicle brakes often rely on hydraulic systems.
Electric Braking System
Electric braking systems use magnetic force to actuate brakes. However, the magnets within the system are not always drawn to each other. Therefore, an operator must run an electric current through them to activate a magnetic force.
These systems tend to be expensive but very effective. They also engage quickly.
The Parts of Braking Systems
Within the different actuation mechanisms are certain brake types. As a result, various systems may or may not share the same brake models.
The drum brake and disc brake are two of the most well-known. You can learn more about each of these below.
Disc Brake
A disc brake is named for the disc-shaped part that is often connected to a wheel. Above the disc is a C-shaped part known as a caliper whose sides extend over the disc.
When an operator applies the brake, a piston on one side of the caliper moves forward. This eventually squeezes the disc against the other side of the caliper. As a result, the disc stops spinning.
Drum Brake
All of the mechanisms of a drum brake are inside a cylinder-like house. Like the disc brake, a drum brake also has a piston. However, when activated, this piston pushes C-shaped ‘brake shoes’ against the inner sides of the drum.
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