THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM
Although the electric revolution is still in its infancy, it’s clear that fossil fuel-based engines have been out of favor. However, no matter if they are fuel cell-based or battery powered, future greener vehicles will still have to prioritize passenger safety in any commercial or mass-produced vehicles. The braking system will remain the same for the foreseeable future until a new system is developed.
Most cars today use the disc brake system. Drum brakes are still being used by some car manufacturers, but their effectiveness is inferior to that of the disc brake.
Although there are many components to the disc braking system, at its core, it consists of a disc/rotor and brake calipers. Brake fluid creates pressure by pressing down on the brake pedal. This forces the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction. This friction reduces the car’s rotation and slows down the wheels. Simple?
Each component is designed to maximize braking performance.
DISC/ROTOR
The largest component of the disc brake system is the rotor or disc. It is attached to each wheel via the holes in the hub’s front. Cast iron is the most common material for discs. However, each vehicle will require a different mix of metals. Because the disc is the contact surface that generates friction in the brake system’s braking system, it must be strong enough to withstand extreme pressure and heat.
The discs are heated during the process. Most of the ventilated ones have cooling systems that optimize the flow of cold air during brake. This prevents the disc from getting too hot and potentially damaging other parts of the system. This vent design can be customized to meet the needs of car manufacturers and can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Machine grooves are another way to improve airflow. These grooves are similar to the vents and increase the surface area of the disc, optimizing airflow to the disc’s braking surface and the disc itself.
You can find out more about brake disc, vent, and groove designs.
BRAKE CALIPER
The clamp-like component that fits over the disc is the brake caliper. They are a clamp-like component that fits over the disc. Their primary function is to push brake pads into the disc using pistons and hydraulic brake liquid.
The brake pads are attached to the pistons that make up the calipers. Pressurized fluid is sent to the pistons when we press the brake pedal. They push against the pads and make contact with the disc surface.
BRAKE PADS
The brake pad is the final component of the brake disc system. It is a plate made from steel and has a friction-based material attached to its surface. Two brake pads will usually be found within the brake caliper. They are attached to the pistons and have a friction surface that directs the disc’s direction.
It is important to have enough friction material in the pad. Without it, the disc could become damaged or worn down. There are many types of brake pads available, depending on what type of vehicle is being stopped.
The pads must be capable of enduring extreme heat and friction to stop vehicles weighing more than 1000 kg. There are many materials that can be used to make brake pads. They are all very resistant. A metallic brake pad is the most common and most likely to be found in your car. These pads are a mixture of metals and can be made from iron, copper, or steel.
However, metallic brake pads can be heavy, so if you are looking for speed, a lighter material such as ceramic is best. Provides more information about different types and materials of brake pads.
MAT FOUNDRY GROUP
MAT Foundry Group is a specialist in casting and machining brake discs and brake calipers. These are two critical components of disc braking systems. Our highly skilled process engineers and developers support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as aftermarket customers in research and development around the world.
Our sister company MAT Friction Group serves the passenger, commercial, and heavy-duty vehicle markets. They offer a wide range of braking components, including pads, shims, back plates, brake shoes, and linings, as well as pads, shims, and back plates.
