Brake Liner

Overview

Brake liner is a woven industrial friction material used to provide the friction surface in brake shoes, clutch facings, and industrial braking systems. Modern brake liner materials are asbestos-free — typically woven from synthetic fibres (glass, aramid, or mineral fibre) with a resin binder and friction-modifying fillers. The material is designed to provide consistent friction coefficients under varying load and temperature conditions, controlled wear rates, and resistance to heat build-up during repeated braking cycles. Industrial brake liner is distinct from automotive friction material; it is designed for the heavier, more continuous-duty braking found in overhead cranes, hoists, winches, and industrial press brakes.

Working properties

• Friction coefficient consistency

  Industrial brake liner is formulated to provide a consistent friction coefficient across the expected operating temperature range. Stable friction behaviour is critical for predictable braking performance in crane and hoist applications where load control is a safety consideration.

• Heat resistance

  Brake liner must withstand heat generated during repeated braking cycles without glazing (developing a hard, slippery surface) or rapid thermal degradation. Industrial grades are formulated for the thermal demands of continuous-duty crane and hoist service.

• Asbestos-free composition

  All brake liner supplied today is asbestos-free in compliance with occupational health and environmental regulations. Confirm this when sourcing older equipment replacements — some legacy equipment was originally fitted with asbestos lining, but only asbestos-free material should be used for replacement.

• Compressibility and conformance

  Brake liner must conform adequately to the brake drum surface to distribute braking force evenly. Woven grades have controlled compressibility for good drum contact without excessive compliance under load.

• Machinability

  Brake liner sheet can be cut, drilled, and ground to fit brake shoes and segments. Dust generated is abrasive — appropriate respiratory protection is required. Bonding to the brake shoe backing plate is done with heat-cured adhesive.

Typical uses

• Overhead crane and hoist brake shoe lining replacement
• Industrial press brake and clutch facing material
• Winch and drawworks brake lining
• Industrial machine braking systems — block brakes, band brakes, and disc brakes
• Custom-cut brake segments and facing blanks for maintenance and reconditioning

Things to confirm before ordering

• Thickness — brake liner is available in a range of thicknesses; measure the existing lining thickness (before wear) to confirm the replacement specification.
• Friction class — different grades have different friction coefficients (typically expressed as a letter code on the material); confirm the required friction class for your brake specification.
• Brake type and duty — confirm the brake type, drum diameter, and duty cycle (light, medium, or heavy crane/hoist duty) so appropriate material can be matched.
• Asbestos-free confirmation — confirm that only asbestos-free material is required (this is always the case for new fitting).

How does Brake Liner compare?

• Sintered metal friction material

  Sintered metal pads are used in severe-duty braking (mining equipment, heavy press brakes) where woven liners would overheat. Woven lining is appropriate for standard crane and hoist duty; sintered metal for the most demanding thermal applications.