Between the workers and the machinery, there are more moving components on the average construction site or factory than anyone could possibly count. However, each component is important – the trades workers laying bricks or installing pipes, the leaders and safety officers that oversee the site, and the machines and tools that allow everyone to complete their jobs.
Often, the first components we would think of are those that are easy to see. Beneath the surface, having the right materials, tools, motors, and batteries is just as important as having skilled workers and competent foremen. They allow construction workers to do their jobs safely and more efficiently!
One such example of an easily forgotten component is the braking systems used by heavy machinery, such as cranes and conveyor belts. When dealing with heavy machinery, an important feature such as the brakes should not be overlooked.
Here are four reasons why you may want to consider an electrohydraulic brake system for your next machine.
1. Electrohydraulic brake systems are more powerful than electrical or mechanical systems.
Electrical and mechanical brake systems cannot compete with the power of hydraulics, especially for heavy machinery operations. Hydraulic-based systems are more manageable in size but pack a lot more power thanks to fluid mechanics. The science of fluid mechanics has been studied extensively at this point and is well known — and to put it simply, hydraulic pressure allows force exerted on a small area to expand over a larger area.
2. Some electrohydraulic braking systems are programmable.
Because they still receive electrical signals from other parts of machinery, high-end electrohydraulic brake systems can be accompanied by PLCs or frequency inverters. This feature is most useful for automation and manufacturing because it allows for greater control over industrial operations, or the use of programmable logic to start or stop a braking system.
3. Electrohydraulic brake systems are more compact.
From an engineering standpoint, there is a huge advantage in having a lightweight and compact piece of equipment. Often, the smaller size allows machines to run at a faster speed or with greater efficiency due to the lack of bulk.
4. Electrohydraulic brakes have greater stopping power.
It’s unfortunate, but in construction and manufacturing, a fast reaction time could be the difference between life and death. One of the biggest advantages that an electrohydraulic braking system has is its ability to quickly respond when necessary. Mechanically operated brakes have friction from cables working against them, and braking systems operated by electricity rely on magnetic reactions to “stick” moving parts together.
Top-quality equipment is important to the automation and construction industry, and equipment, especially important pieces of machinery like braking systems, should be regularly inspected and receive prompt maintenance when necessary. Maximizing power, efficiency, versatility, and safety in heavy machinery or operating equipment, however, has the potential to save money, increase production speeds, and potentially even create a safer work environment for the workers at the job site — and one way to do this is by considering an electrohydraulic braking system.
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