Industrial Caliper brakes are essential components in applications beyond what most associate with the automotive world. Drawworks on both land and offshore operations, well servicing rigs, forestry equipment, and others all rely on heavy-duty brakes. Depending on the operating conditions, industrial caliper brakes are used in straightforward applications such as static holding, stopping, and includes tensioning. Whatever the purpose, caliper brakes all function in a similar manner.
The caliper functions as a clamp, squeezing the brake pads to press them tightly against the disc, slowing or stopping the rotation. In a caliper system, the caliper provides control by either squeezing or releasing the brake pads from the ventilated rotor. The brake pads then slow or stop the rotations by causing friction, which they were designed to create and handle. The discs are attached to the rotating mechanism of the machine, which can be an axle, wheel, or drum. The brake pads are more durable and can range in size depending on the specific application.
When the caliper needs to release the brake pads from the disc, it will require a separate action to do so. Often, release functions are controlled via spring action. Disc brake calipers can come in a variety of types depending on the application they’re being used for. An air-applied spring-release caliper braking system is suitable for most applications that require large amounts of torque while still providing precise control over the system. A spring-applied air release system is ideal for delivering light to medium-duty torque while also providing an emergency or parking brake function.
In applications where stopping and starting occur frequently, or stopping requires high amounts of force, there should be deep consideration about which caliper brake system to choose. Poor-quality calipers won’t be able to deliver the stopping power required, resulting in reduced performance and compromised braking.
For your industrial clutch and brake needs in the forestry, marine, or oil and gas industries, call us today.