Industrial braking systems for safety and efficiency
Understanding Industrial Braking Systems: Beyond Cars
Many people are unfamiliar with industrial braking systems, even though they play a critical role in various industries. These systems ensure the safety of both human lives and machinery.
Bolstering Machinery Resilience with Storm-Proof Brakes
Braking systems are essential in manufacturing, mining, marine, and engineering sectors, where heavy machinery operates. These brakes are crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in these industries. Let’s explore the workings of industrial braking systems in more detail.
Back to Basics
Brakes absorb kinetic energy by pressing two surfaces together, which brings an object to a halt. Operating at high speeds, brakes endure significant wear and tear and generate substantial heat during the process.
A Brief History
About half a century ago, drum brakes were the standard. However, drum brakes often led to heat buildup during heavy braking, as there was only one surface to dissipate energy and heat. The automotive industry recognized the need for a better system and transitioned to disc brakes in the 1970s. Disc brakes offered more efficient cooling since the rotor remained exposed to outside air. This improvement reduced the risk of brake fading and overheating. In manufacturing, this change significantly decreased machine downtime, improved maintenance efficiency, and enhanced operations in challenging environments.
Now that we’ve covered the basics and history of braking systems, let’s explore the different types of brakes you might encounter.
Different Types of Braking Systems
- Hydraulic Brakes: Industrial applications such as mining equipment, cranes, and winches commonly use hydraulic brakes, which transfer pressure from the control to the brake mechanism via braking fluids.
- Fail-safe Brakes: Fail-safe brakes activate automatically during a power interruption, making them invaluable in areas prone to power outages. Elevators, for example, use this system to prevent catastrophic falls.
- Pneumatic Brakes: Also known as air brakes, pneumatic brakes use compressed air stored in a reservoir. A valve releases the compressed air when the lever or pedal is actuated, engaging the brake.
- Electromagnetic Brakes: These advanced brakes use electromagnetic force to create friction, which stops the moving object. Trains, trams, and aerospace programs frequently employ this technology.
- Spring-Applied Brakes: Similar to fail-safe brakes, spring-applied brakes stop or hold a load if power is cut off. Hoists commonly use this braking system.
- Storm Brakes: Designed to prevent cranes from moving unintentionally during seismic activity or massive windstorms, storm brakes protect lives and equipment from damage.
Brakes are indispensable in today’s machinery. They often go unnoticed despite their critical role in keeping production plants running smoothly. A machine breakdown can lead to significant production delays, costing both time and money.
The Makeup of Brakes
Manufacturers create brakes from various materials tailored to specific applications. Some brakes withstand moisture better and last longer, while others offer a smooth, gentle performance on the rotor but may have a shorter lifespan. In the industrial market, ceramic and semi-metallic brakes are common. Metallic brakes, known for their aggressiveness and cost-effectiveness, suit heavy-duty applications. Ceramic brakes handle heat better, wear down more slowly, and are gentler on the rotor.
Where to Go for Your Industrial Brakes
When searching for an industrial brake supplier, Heubner Speed Monitoring offers a range of brakes and solutions designed to minimize machine downtime. They provide high-quality braking supplies and services, making them an ideal partner for any machine-driven enterprise.
Heubner Speed Monitoring stocks a variety of braking systems, including:
- Wheel and Gantry Brakes
- Drum and Band Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Motor Mounted Brakes
Heubner Speed Monitoring aims to partner with you, providing reliable solutions and products that enhance your business operations.