The brakes are one of the most important parts of industrial equipment.
When your equipment’s brake rotors get worn down, it puts the lives of your employees, customers, and those around them in danger. So when the time comes to replace a piece of equipment’s brake rotors, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Knowing what you will need to make the job as easy and efficient as possible is good. So read on to find out more about the process of replacing and machining rotors.
Replacing vs. Machining Rotors
If a brake rotor is warped, scored, or rusted, you can either replace or machine it.
Machining rotors can help increase stopping power, promote longevity, and reduce the runout of a brake rotor. However, it’s a time-consuming fix that is difficult to do correctly and can lead to poor quality rotors and safety issues.
Plus, even when done correctly, it can only add so much more lifespan to a rotor.
You replace a rotor if it wears below its minimum thickness or cracks or is too warped, scored, or rusted to be machined. In addition, you should also replace brake rotors if any scores or grooves are too deep or there are severe cracks. Further, replace blued rotors, as they are likely about to warp or crack.
How to Machine Rotors
Machining rotors is the process of removing metal from the surface of a rotor to make it flat or give it a more uniform layer of friction.
The process typically starts by sanding the rotors with 120 grit sandpaper. After removing any built-up deposits and dirt, it is time to cut, trim, and thin the rotor’s surface on a lathe.
After resurfacing the rotor, test the equipment to ensure the rotors have regained a sufficient level of friction.
Replacing Brake Rotors
If a rotor is too damaged, rusted, or warped to machine, you need to find a replacement.
The most common type of replacement rotor is the one-piece rotor. It has a solid body with a hat cast together with the outer ring. One-piece rotors are easy to make and most common for replacement rotors.
However, they are susceptible to warping. While some modern and high-end one-piece rotors may have heat dissipation, others are likely to distort when exposed to extreme heat.
Slotted and drilled rotors are also typical in heavy equipment. They are useful for environments that are wet and have increased temperatures or in applications that require consistent braking.
Knowing When to Replace Brake Rotors
Brake rotors are an essential part of many modern braking and safety systems.
Whether you are replacing or machining rotors, it is crucial to keep quality in mind to ensure the safety of your customers and employees. If a brake rotor is worn or broken, it can have a disastrous effect on those operating industrial machinery and your profits.
Contact us today to learn how our industrial brakes and clutches can benefit you.