Industrial Brake Pads
Industrial brake pads are vital components of braking systems in heavy industrial machinery and equipment. Due to their key role in reducing speed, stopping machines, and ensuring safety, they hold special importance across various industries. From textile printing machines and steel spinning and weaving machinery to construction equipment and cement factories, industrial brake pads play an irreplaceable role wherever heavy equipment is used. Below, we discuss industrial machinery brake pads in more detail.

Why Are Industrial Brake Pads Important?
Brake systems in industrial machinery must be highly reliable because even a minor failure can lead to catastrophic accidents. As a core part of the brake system, brake pads are responsible for slowing down or stopping machines. Since these pads directly contact moving parts, they endure the most pressure and wear, making their quality extremely important. Choosing the wrong brake pad can disrupt machine performance and compromise safety.

Wide Applications of Industrial Brake Pads
Industrial brake pads are used across diverse industries. Some of the key application areas include:

  • Cement Industry: In material production and transfer equipment.
  • Construction Machinery: Such as loaders, bulldozers, and excavators.
  • Steel Plants: In heavy equipment used for metal shaping.
  • Pipe Manufacturing: For machinery used in pipe handling and cutting.
  • Machinery Manufacturing: In complex industrial machines like presses and winches.

Types of Industrial Machinery Brake Pads and Their Characteristics

Industrial brake pads are produced in various types based on their structure and raw materials, each designed for specific applications. Below is an introduction to different types of industrial brake pads and their features:

  1. Woven Ferodo Pads
    Applications:
    Suitable for harsh working conditions, dry environments, and machinery operating with oil.
    Used in mechanical presses, crane winches, and paper manufacturing plants.
    Features:

    • High friction coefficient and strong grip.
    • High resistance to wear and tough operating conditions.
    • Due to their woven structure, these pads can function well in oily and high-stress environments and are considered among the best options in heavy industries.
  2. Press Pads
    Applications:
    Suitable for various industrial machines.
    Features:

    • Produced in segments with different sizes, thicknesses, and geometric shapes.
    • Flexible design compatible with various machinery.
    • Their diversity in size and shape makes them widely applicable across industries and available for custom production.

Classification of Industrial Brake Pads Based on Material Structure

Industrial pads are also classified according to their raw material compositions:

  1. Semi-Metallic Pads
    Features:

    • High durability and excellent heat transfer capability.
    • Made from metal compounds like metal wires, graphite, and copper.
    • Contain 30% to 65% metal content.
      Advantages and Disadvantages:
    • High heat resistance.
    • Produce more noise and cause faster rotor wear.
    • Suitable for low-temperature conditions.
  2. Organic Pads
    Features:

    • Made from heat-resistant fibers and resins.
    • Softer and quieter than semi-metallic pads.
      Advantages:
    • Reduce brake noise.
    • Suitable for light-duty and low-pressure applications.
  3. Low-Metallic (NAO) Pads
    Features:

    • Combination of organic materials with 10% to 30% metals such as copper or steel.
    • High braking performance and good heat transfer.
      Disadvantages:
    • Produce more noise than organic pads.
  4. Ceramic Pads
    Features:

    • Made from ceramic fibers and non-metallic fillers.
    • Low noise production and high efficiency.
      Advantages:
    • Suitable for sensitive and advanced machinery.
    • Long lifespan and excellent wear resistance.
      Disadvantages:
    • Higher price compared to other pad types.

Key Points for Selecting Industrial Brake Pads

When choosing the right industrial brake pads, consider the following factors:

  • Type of Equipment: Each industrial machine requires specific pads compatible with its operating conditions.
  • Environmental Conditions: The working environment (dry, oily, or wet) directly influences the pad selection.
  • Material Quality: Higher-quality pads offer longer lifespan and better performance.
  • Application: The machine’s activity type, working pressure, and temperature conditions are other determining factors.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Brake Pads?

Industrial brake pads may encounter various issues over time that affect their performance. Below are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Premature Wear
    Solution: Use high-quality materials and regularly inspect the pads to ensure they are functioning properly.
  • Reduced Braking Power
    Solution: Properly adjust the brake system and use pads suitable for the machine’s operating conditions.
  • Excessive Noise
    Solution: Use quality pads and perform regular maintenance to prevent vibrations and unwanted noises.
  • Excessive Heat Generation
    Solution: Choose pads with high heat transfer properties and utilize appropriate cooling systems to avoid overheating.

By following these tips and using the right brake pads, common brake pad issues can be minimized and their useful lifespan extended.