Xtek Inc.

Brake Wheels

Brake Wheels

Xtek “Steel Safe” brake wheels are superior to all others because they are designed mechanically and metallurgically to provide long, safe operation. Each Xtek brake wheel is machined from forged steel and heat treated in our in-house furnaces to provide optimum wear and resistance to thermal cracking.

Steel vs. Iron – Material properties

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.