Why Caliper Disc Brakes Are Essential for Industrial Safety

You have worked hard to prevent workplace injuries. All your employees are well trained and equipment maintained according to specifications.

Then out of the blue, an emergency brake failure occurs. Not only was someone injured, but could have died!

It is imperative to make sure your brakes are the best on the market so you can keep your equipment, and your employees, safe.

Read on to find out why you need to get caliper disc brakes for all your industrial equipment today!

What Kinds of Brakes Are There?

There are three main kinds of brake systems, which include frictional, electromagnetic, and pumping. The most common, by far, is frictional brake systems.

A frictional brake is a system that uses a shoe or pad to put pressure on a moving object to reduce the object’s motion.

One of the most common types of frictional brake used on rotating wheels is the disc brake.

Disk brakes are effective because the brake pads depress onto both sides of the rotating disc and the resulting friction slows the motion of the wheel or axle where the disc sits.

What Is a Caliper Brake?

A caliper brake is a specific type of disc brake that uses calipers; which sit on top of the disc like a clamp.

When you activate the brake, hydraulic actions cause pistons inside the calipers to force the brake pads against the disc which slows the rotation of the axle/ wheels to a stop.

This is more effective than the older drum brake systems because gases and heat do not get trapped in the system and cause brake fade.

Brake fade describes when the brake becomes less successful at slowing the machine due to retained heat and gases.

Brake fade is especially dangerous in an industrial setting where heavy machinery may need immediate halting in case of an emergency.

Two Kinds of Caliper Disc Brakes?

There are two main kinds of caliper disc brakes floating calipers and fixed calipers.

Fixed calipers are useful because they do not move. Instead, they have pistons on both sides that force the brake pads onto the disc. The downside is that they can be expensive.

The floating calipers slide closer to the disc when the brake is applied and only have pistons on one side of the calipers.

One of the best kinds of fixed caliper brake systems is the SIBRE SHI system which has a quick response time and is inexpensive to maintain.

They are the perfect combination of reliability and cost efficiency. That is why they are especially recommended for industrial emergency brake situations.

Where Can You Buy Them?

If you have more questions about which kind of caliper disc brakes would be best for your needs or to have new brakes installed in your equipment, please contact us for more information today!