A brake band is a flat metal band that can be tightened or loosened around a shaft to slow or stop its rotation. It is used in various applications, including shifting equipment, chainsaws, tractors, go-karts, and emergency braking systems in automobiles. Other elements, such as an anchor and servo piston, are used to regulate the […]
Brake assist technology increases pressure on brakes when drivers panic, shortening stopping distances and improving safety. It works in conjunction with other security systems and is mandated in new EU vehicles. Brake assist is technology designed to work when a driver hits the brakes in a panic. Studies have shown that when people brake in […]
The vacuum brake system was the standard on trains until it was replaced by compressed air systems. The system works by inducing a vacuum in hoses that run throughout the train, but any break in the hoses renders the system inoperable. The system is still used by some rail operators with combined compressed air/vacuum brakes. […]
Solenoid brakes use an electric solenoid to actuate two or more brake shoes against a rotating member, slowing or stopping equipment. There are two types of installations, and solenoid brakes can be used alone or with mechanical brakes. The operation relies on the conversion of electromagnetic force into linear motion. The shoe sets vary in […]
A brake axle on a trailer contains a magnetic or electrical braking system that helps the tow vehicle bring the trailer to a controlled stop. It is activated by a cable and prevents rough and erratic motion of the trailer. The brake axle is usually placed on the forward axle, and higher-end trailers may have […]
Brake fluid absorbs heat and dissipates it throughout the braking system, but can also absorb water and heat, causing damage. It should be changed periodically to remove accumulated water and to withstand high temperatures. Air trapped within a brake system can lead to brake failure. Bleeding the brake system removes air and fluid may need […]
Brake shoes are a key component of a vehicle’s braking system, located inside drum brakes and providing friction to slow down and stop the wheels. They wear down over time and should be replaced to avoid damage and ensure effective braking. Most cars have drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the […]
ATVs use hydraulic disc brakes, with some featuring drum brakes. Metal discs are mounted to the wheel and work with brake pads. Brake lines can be made of metal, plastic, or composite materials. Brake pad materials vary and depend on usage and desired stopping power. Like other types of vehicles, an ATV requires a braking […]
Brake rotors slow wheel spin and stop vehicles, with various materials and designs available. Cross-drilling is no longer used on racing vehicles, but is common on high-performance motorcycles and mountain bikes. Carbon and ceramic rotors are lighter and stronger than iron, but more expensive. Warpage is a common problem that can be corrected through machining, […]
Automatic braking systems are standard on modern commercial aircraft and are manually activated by the pilot. They apply an adequate and uniform braking force to the wheels during takeoff and landing, lightening the pilot’s workload. The system has various settings and includes a rejected take-off function. The crew evaluates environmental and aircraft conditions to decide […]
Ceramic brake pads are high performance and generally perform well in wear patterns, heat generation, and noise. Different formulations offer different characteristics, but they tend to be more expensive than organic and semi-metallic pads. Proper lubrication and shim installation can also affect brake performance. Ceramic brake pads are typically used to help stop motion in […]
A steering brake is a device used to turn or steer a vehicle by applying a brake, commonly found in bulldozers, tractors, airplanes, and race cars. It works by applying the brake on the side corresponding to the direction the operator wishes to turn. The system was first introduced on the Caterpillar crawler tractor and […]
A water brake, also known as a dyno, measures horsepower and torque by using water to work against an engine’s rotational power. It can measure power for engines or complete vehicles, and can simulate track conditions for tuning. Water brakes can measure horsepower from 50 to over 5,000. They help automakers create better engines and […]
A press brake is used to bend and shape metal in industrial settings. It has a ram and die to control the bending process. Traditional, pneumatic, and hydraulic press brakes are available, with more advanced models featuring a backgauge for complex cuts. The press brake minimizes errors, speeds up production, and allows for more advanced […]
Electric brakes use a master cylinder and electric brake booster to exert more force on brake pads or shoes than the driver can. Brake fluid is pumped through tubes to each wheel, causing pistons and calipers to exert force on the brakes. The electric brake booster also serves as a backup system in the event […]
Friction brakes use rubbing to reduce movement and stop a car. They come in two types: drum and disc. Hydraulic pressure is used to activate the brakes, and newer cars use electric braking. Disc brakes are more efficient at handling heat and are used on the front wheels of many cars. The term friction brake […]
Brake lathes are machines used to turn automobile brake drums and rotors. They differ from traditional metal lathes as they suspend the workpiece vertically. Cutting bits are used to remove rust and debris and create grooves for better stopping power. Automotive brake lathes have advantages over bench lathes, reducing rotor runout and eliminating the need […]
Railway brakes have evolved from simple closing brakes operated by an individual to more sophisticated systems using boiler pressure, continuous brakes, air brakes, and electromagnetic brakes. Modern railway brakes use regenerative braking to divert active energy for braking. Upgrades to railway brakes have been necessary to handle the higher demands of modern trains. A railroad […]
Disc brakes are the most common braking system used in vehicles today, using a rotor and caliper to slow down the wheel. Early designs had problems with heat transfer and dirt, but these were resolved with the use of composite materials and drilling holes in the rotor. Various methods are used to actuate the brake […]
A sheet metal brake is a tool used to bend sheet metal. There are different types of brakes, from small tabletop models to large hydraulic ones. They can be used for various applications, such as bending ducts or guttering. A sheet metal brake is a tool used to create folds or creases in a piece […]
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