Sometimes, but it’s risky—and in safety-critical applications it’s often not acceptable. Industrial brake pads/linings are engineered as part of the complete braking system. OEM parts are validated for friction coefficient stability, heat resistance, wear rate, and compatibility with the disc/drum material and actuator force. A non-OEM lining with a slightly different formulation can change torque, engagement behavior, and thermal performance.
Risks include: reduced holding capacity, brake fade during emergencies, accelerated wear of the brake disc or wheel, increased noise/vibration, and unpredictable performance across temperature ranges. Non-OEM parts may also void warranties or compromise compliance with site safety rules and lifting regulations.
If you must consider alternatives, require full technical documentation (material type, µ range, max temperature, compressibility, bonding method) and verify performance in controlled testing. For cranes, hoists, elevators, and personnel-related systems, the safest and most defensible practice is to use genuine OEM spare parts and maintain traceability for audits and incident prevention.
