Cutting-edge technologies for friction materials (I)
We are seeing more and more high power density type applications that require materials that can handle higher energy. Our latest solutions meet this need by reducing the total volume by reducing the number of discs in the system. The use of innovative friction materials is beneficial in reducing the size of the drive train, saving fuel consumption and extending the life of the battery in electrical applications."
In the 1980s, friction materials transitioned from the sintered metal formulations of the 1960s to standard paper, which did so at a reduced cost while enabling higher energy applications.
In the early 2000s, Carlisle developed carbon-based papers to further increase the energy limits of wet friction materials. These materials are now used primarily in high energy braking and transmission applications. Developments in this area continue and the recently released N680 has become the latest reference material for heavy-duty applications ranging from powershift to brakes.
Performance comparisons, from sintered metal friction materials to the latest developments in EPD materials. N680 and EPD friction materials will extend energy performance in heavy-duty applications.
Going beyond the performance of carbon paper has previously required a transition to woven carbon fibre materials, where higher performance brings a higher price tag, which has led to their use primarily in military and mining applications.
Seeing the performance gap between carbon paper and woven carbon fibre materials as an opportunity and starting to develop its next generation of friction materials aims to provide a more cost-competitive, high-energy material to meet market demand."
