Xtek Steel Brake vs. Cast Iron
The side effects of friction on a brake wheel during normal use can result in
extreme stress. Wear, thermal fatigue and cracking may cause the wheel to fail
catastrophically if not manufactured to withstand such stresses.
The successful performance of a brake wheel is strongly influenced by the
material quality and hardening. Fatigue properties are adversely affected by
material defects such as porosity, slag, inclusions, and a non-uniform
microstructure. These are common defects found in castings and can lead to
faster crack propagation and catastrophic failure.
An example of a container crane cast iron brake wheel failure:
Cast iron brake wheel failure. |
Reconstruction of recovered portions of the fractured iron brake
wheel. |
Remaining hub portion of the iron brake wheel. |
- Rim failed catastrophically
- 26 pieces scattered with great force
- Consultant retained
- Other cranes inspected and cracking found
Xtek's forged "Steel Safe" brake wheels have a more dense, more defect
free wear surface as compared to cast iron brake wheels. Features that
contribute to this superior quality and resistance to cracking include:
- Fracture toughness of a forged steel brake wheel is inherently superior to
that of a cast iron brake wheel.
- Xtek forged steel brake wheels are made from vacuum degassed steel,
which is cleaner, porosity-free, and has a more uniform microstructure than cast
iron.
- The Xtek forged brake wheel can be carburized to provide a high carbon
wear surface that will result in a substantial increase in the wear resistance
of the wheel or heat treated to provide excellent wear and cracking resistance.
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