Drum Brake

An industrial drum brake is a system where braking force is generated by a set of brake shoes that expand outward to press against the internal cylindrical surface of a rotating drum coupled to the machine shaft. The actuation is typically external, often via an electro-hydraulic thruster, which, when powered, releases the brake against a powerful spring. In its fail-safe configuration—the most common for industrial safety—the spring applies the brake, and the thruster provides the power to release it. The primary advantages of a drum brake are its enclosed design, which protects the braking mechanism from dust, debris, and moisture, and its inherent self-energizing or “servo” effect, which can amplify the braking force. While less effective at heat dissipation than disc brakes, they remain a proven, reliable, and cost-effective solution for static holding and moderate-duty stopping on equipment like overhead cranes, conveyors, and winches, especially in harsh and dirty operating environments.