If you’re the type of person amazed by industrial technology’s heavyweights, you’ll be surprised that most of them have one thing in common. Aside from their gigantic sizes, the incredible noise they produce, and the enormous amount of power they require, most of them have brakes. These industrial giants or mega-machines that we use for many commercial productions, mining, milling, transportation, and construction have brakes to be able to work properly, efficiently, and safely.
Here are some types of industrial brakes.
Vehicle brakes
Transportation is very important in almost every industry. The construction industries need vehicles to transport construction materials. Vehicles are also essential in manufacturing industries in delivering products and distribution. One of the most important part of a vehicle is its brake system. Vehicle brakes work by converting kinetic energy into heat. The most commonly used brake system is the basic hydraulic system. It usually has six major stages. These include the brake pedal, the vacuum servo or the brake boost, the master cylinder, the apportioning valves, and the brakes themselves. Brakes in vehicles can be friction brakes (disc or drum brakes) or electromagnetic.
Crane brakes
Cranes are devices that allow us to lift and lower huge and heavy objects. They are especially important in the construction industry. It also has a brake which plays a very crucial role in its operation. Generally, crane brakes are electrically or electromagnetically operated. Electric brakes are more efficient and easier to control. These brakes provide precise tension control and quick response times.
Hoist brakes
Hoists are devices used for lifting or lowering a load using a lift-wheel or a drum and a chain or rope wrapped around it. The load is attached to the hoist with a lifting hook. Construction hoists use either a system of counterweights or a motorized rack-and-pinion system to control its operation. In elevators, the brake is usually made up of a selenoid assembly, a compressive spring assembly and brake shoes with linings. The braking torque is induced when the spring assembly forces to grip the brake drum.
There are several other types of industrial brakes. They all have to things in common: make our work easier and keep us safe.