Industrial companies require high-performing machines that can last long. When it comes to these machines, some experience different levels of friction when in action. There are different materials used to create friction to ensure the machine’s performance is superb and stays long. Friction materials are generally for controlling friction on the grinding parts, such as brakes to minimize wear and tear. The following are different types of industrial friction materials for controlled friction.
Friction Pads
These pads are used in automotive and braking systems. The pads utilize friction to the system and convert kinetic energy to thermal energy. This brings about the stopping effect. Kor Pak is one of the best manufacturers of friction pads that help machines to stop once brakes are applied.
Friction Plates
The plates or discs are used in parts like torque limiters, clutches, or disc drives. The plates are lined or created with friction materials such as steel. The purpose of these plates is to allow a machine to stop or slow down.
Friction Blocks
These materials are utilized in machines such as winches, overhead cranes, shovel bands, and hoists. The hoist friction is a powerful clutch used to hoist buckets when digging and lifting heavy loads in the bucket. This ensures a free swing. The friction can be operated manually or through an air vacuum and mechanical boosters.
Wet Friction
Wet friction materials are necessary when operating wet clutches or other operations in the same interface. The parts involved move in opposite directions, and this creates friction. Wet friction materials are vital for the process of the wet system.
Materials Used
In addition to the above forms of friction materials, there are also material types of friction materials. such include
Ceramic Materials. These materials are durable and suitable for application on heavy machinery. This is because they can withstand the amount of heat produced during friction. However, they wear off quickly due to their hard nature.
Organic Materials. Before, organic materials were created from asbestos. However, things have changed today. There are numerous organic materials used to make friction materials.
Metallic Materials. There are different materials made from metals such as copper alloys, bronze, and steel alloys. Others are made from fiberglass and brass.
Aramid Fibers. This involves a combination of materials like ceramic and organic materials. When combined properly, Aramid fibers can form strong friction materials that are way tougher than steel and provide thermal stability at a high level.
Other materials used are graphite and carbon, rubber, and cork.
Their Application
Friction materials are mainly utilized in industrial companies, like automotive, manufacturing, mining, and military. When buying these materials, it becomes absolutely crucial to be specific on the amount of friction in both normal and hot circumstances. The amount of friction determines the effect when two metals are grinding against each other.
In Conclusion
The above are the different types of friction materials in industrial settings. Considering that machines in the industries are exposed to friction when in action, it becomes vital to know the best friction material to prevent wear. The materials are the heroes in industrial machines that have helped in lowering costs of machine replacement due to wear and tear. So, when purchasing these parts, it becomes crucial to get a shop or company with the fixtures required.
