How Does a Disc Brake Work? A Complete Guide

Long considered the best option in braking technology, disc brakes are frequently used in many industrial machines. But how exactly do they work?

Read on for an overview of how a disc brake works and some disk brake tips for buying disk brakes. 

Anatomy of a Disc Brake

There are three main components of a disc brake. These are the brake pads, the rotor, and the caliper. In addition, other components work with these three parts to ensure the disc brakes work correctly.

Other components include the piston that connects with the caliper, the hydraulic system for the brakes, and the wheel itself that the brakes are working to stop.

Your disc brakes guide will probably show that your brakes are vented. Most of these brakes are vented to help keep the braking system cool. Sets of vanes pump air through the disk, making sure things don’t overheat or wear out.

How Do They Work?

When the brake is pushed on a machine, it pushes hydraulic brake fluid through lines to the brakes. The fluid moves pistons, which then close the calipers.

These calipers attach to the brake pads, and when they squeeze shut, the brake pads then press against the rotor. This creates a lot of heat and friction, slowing the machine down or stopping it completely. However, as opposed to other types of brakes, disc brakes wear down evenly across their surface, which means you won’t have to replace them until the entire brake pad is worn out.

Because of this, brake pads are designed to handle that excessive heat and friction while still providing enough friction themselves to stop the machine. They are made of various friction materials, depending on the type of brakes and the purpose of the job.

Buying, Repairing and Replacing Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are not always the go-to brake system in industrial machines, but they’re increasingly used in factory settings. The good news is you can order brake parts and have them installed on your machine with little difficulty. In the same way, you can order replacement parts if your pads wear down or your brakes wear out.

Choosing disc brakes is easy because there are so many high-quality industrial disc brakes and brake manufacturers to pick from. Some firms specialize in brakes for oil, gas, and energy industry machines, while others focus on transport and hauling machinery. You can look at different companies to see what sizes and types of disc brakes they specialize in and determine which style would work best for your situation. 

Learn More About Brakes and Brake Parts

Getting a new type of disc brake for your industrial equipment is a great idea, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’d love to help you decide what kind of brake system works best for you.

So if you have any questions, contact us! We’ll be happy to help you figure out precisely what type of brakes you want, how to get them, and how to install them on your machines. We want you to have the best brakes possible.

Posted in Industrial Brakes and Clutches.