Various automotive friction plates

Introduction to Automotive Friction Plates

1. Basic concepts

Automotive friction pads are a critical component of the braking system, primarily used to slow down or stop the vehicle's motion through friction. Friction pads are usually used in conjunction with brake discs or brake drums and are important components to ensure driving safety.

2. Working principle

Braking process: When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake fluid transmits pressure to the brake caliper, and the friction plate is pressed against the brake disc or brake drum.

Friction generation: The friction between the friction plate and the brake disc resists the rotation of the wheel, thereby slowing down or stopping the speed of the vehicle.

3. Main components

Friction materials: The surface of friction plates is usually made of special friction materials, such as ceramics, metals, and organic composite materials, which have good friction performance and wear resistance.

Substrate: A substrate that supports friction materials, usually steel or aluminum alloy, used to provide the necessary strength and rigidity.

Adhesive: used to fix friction materials on substrates, ensuring their stability under high temperature and pressure.

4. Types

Organic friction pads: made of non-metallic materials, with low noise and smooth braking effect, suitable for use in ordinary cars.

Half metal friction plate: containing a certain proportion of metal components, with good heat resistance and wear resistance, suitable for sports and heavy-duty vehicles.

Ceramic friction plates: excellent friction performance, good heat resistance, suitable for high-performance vehicles, but at a higher price.

5. Application

Passenger cars: Most sedans and SUVs use a combination of friction pads and brake discs.

Heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, typically use more wear-resistant friction pads to cope with larger braking loads.

Racing: High performance racing cars use specially designed friction plates to provide optimal braking performance and response speed.

6. Maintenance and upkeep

Regular inspection: Regularly check the wear of the friction plate to ensure that its thickness is within a safe range.

Replacement cycle: According to usage and manufacturer's recommendations, replace severely worn friction pads in a timely manner to ensure the effectiveness of the braking system.

Avoid overheating: When going downhill for a long time or braking frequently, pay attention to controlling the temperature of the brake to prevent the friction plate from overheating and causing performance degradation.