Choosing the Right Industrial Friction Material: A Practical Guide

Friction material is used in a variety of applications that need to control speed. In layman’s terms: brakes.

These materials are often first in consideration during the design phase of building machinery and other industrial applications. Many materials are available to choose from with each having their benefits and drawbacks.

Read on to understand the options and factors in choosing the materials.

Types of Friction Material

The materials used in the final product will range due to many factors. The materials are combined, woven, and bonded to handle heavy use and heat. Some materials work better than others depending on the application.

You must first understand the types of friction material to suit your needs.

• Metallic & Semi-Metallic – Tin and copper powders fuse to create durable pads, clutches, and hydraulic parts. This mixture may include hard resin to aid with heat dissipation.

• Ceramic & Carbon Ceramic – Copper and a mix of carbon fiber or Kevlar are often found in these types of friction parts. Ceramic has a good balance of heat dissipation, reduced dusting, and vibration absorption.

• Organic – Cork, cellulose paper, Kevlar paper are used. Synthetic Benzoxazine compounds are now commonplace in the development. These materials are often married to ceramic parts.

The new standard in the part lining is organic these days due to the shift away from the use of asbestos-based materials due to health concerns. The exact composition differs between manufacturers for trade secret purposes.

The application of the materials is next once you have set your mind to the type.

Matching Friction Material with Application

Friction material plays a central role in the friction systems’ application. The general need for the material is to cause a stoppage of operations.

Here are considerations to match the material with the intended application:

• Equipment – Fleet vehicle or crane? Train or motorcycle? The general rule of thumb is “heavier equipment, heavier material”.

• Noise – Metal-on-metal friction causes ear-piercing noise but is a compromise for the stoppage power. Ceramics and organics are less noisy though it’s a trade off in material durability.

• Durability – High heat and dissipation from heavy usage lead to warping in organic-based material though easily replaceable. The metallic material is best suited for heavy equipment but comes at higher costs.

• Type – Friction is resistance against another material and happens in various ways from static, kinetic, and rolling. The type of friction will determine the need for the correct material.

The need for the utmost quality is first to be desired when you’re considering its use in big machinery like cranes and trains. There is no margin for error when it comes to safety in heavy industries. It’s a reason we’ve partnered with Scan-Pac manufacturing and so you can rest assured you’re receiving quality materials.

Trust in Us

We place your needs first and foremost here at Kor-Pak Corp.

Whether you’re in search of the right crane hoist or need guidance on how to manage railroad friction materials — we have you covered. With over 40 years in business, servicing all heavy industries, you can trust us to help you realize (and accomplish) lofty goals.

Give us a call, today!