FEDERAL-MOGUL INTRODUCES ECO-FRICTION(TM) RANGE OF BRAKE PAD MATERIALS TO MEET NEW COPPER LEGISLATION
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Low-copper and zero-copper friction materials developed using tribological
fingerprinting process
Bad Camberg, Germany, June 25, 2012. Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML) has
developed a range of zero-copper and low-copper brake pad formulations using a
new tribological fingerprinting process. As companies work to introduce
alternative materials ahead of legal deadlines, Federal-Mogul's Eco-Friction(TM
)is already achieving excellent results in customer trials.
Copper is a key ingredient in high performance brake pad formulations, limiting
pad and rotor wear, noise and judder and contributing to friction stability over
a wide range of operating temperatures. The metal makes up 5 to 20 percent of
the friction material mass in typical Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) and Low-Steel
formulations used in North America, Asia and Europe. The presence of copper in
brake pads, however, will be regulated and may eventually be eliminated due to
concerns regarding its environmental impact.
"Federal-Mogul has succeeded in formulating low- and zero-copper Low-Steel and
NAO brake materials for our Eco-Friction range that provide outstanding braking
performance and confidence using tribological fingerprinting," says Ramzi
Hermiz, Federal-Mogul's senior vice president, Vehicle Safety and Protection.
"This process has given us deeper insight into the complex chemical
characteristics and relationships within a brake pad's friction material and has
reduced the time required to identify optimum solutions. The approach means we
have the tools to eliminate copper more efficiently and to deliver custom
solutions more quickly."
Considering the principles of friction, lubrication and wear, Federal-Mogul's
tribological fingerprinting process develops datasets for each of the raw
materials that make up a brake pad. The company's scientists then used knowledge
of copper's tribological fingerprint, and how its function changes as the brake
pad heats and cools, to screen 1,500 raw materials and identify alternative
materials with the same wear and friction pattern across the same temperature
range.
"Developing these comprehensive datasets has enabled Federal-Mogul to create
higher-performance brake materials with shorter development times," explains
Frank Münchow, director of technology and innovation, Vehicle Safety and
Protection, Federal-Mogul. "Standard brake pad product development requires
several iterations. The most time-consuming elements are the definition of the
formulation's main structure for wear rate and friction level. Our in-depth
understanding of each material's chemical and physical characteristics in
combination with its tribological function removes the trial and error from
brake pad development and makes us a better development partner. We are now able
to replace a material with very high functionality, such as copper, in
considerably less time than competitors, and we can validate an alternative
material up to 50% faster depending on the material," adds Münchow.
There is no single material that can replace copper. Brake pads are a
formulation of 20 to 30 different materials, each with different functions.
Federal-Mogul's Eco-Friction range uses a variety of metal sulphides, minerals,
abrasives, fibers, ceramic particles and types of graphite to achieve the same
wear and friction characteristics as brake pads containing copper.
Legislation in certain states of the U.S. requires the phase-out of copper from
brake pads, initially limiting copper content to less than 5% of total pad
weight and eventually requiring levels of less than 0.5%. Vehicle makers are now
specifying brake systems with the regulated levels of copper, making an
alternative formulation the standard for future vehicles in many markets.
Federal-Mogul has already secured new customer contracts for low-copper and
zero-copper Eco-Friction brake pads for vehicle platforms in North America and
Europe
Background for journalists
* In North America and Japan the majority of passenger cars are fitted with
Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) brake pads, also known as ceramic brake pads.
These pads provide low-noise operation and improved comfort. Pad and disc
wear is lower and service life longer than Low-Steel formulations. However,
NAO pads are less stable at maximum stress than Low-Steel and typically have
a lower coefficient of friction.
* Low-Steel brake pad formulations are preferred in Europe, where average
speeds are higher and more aggressive performance is required. The pads'
lower iron content provides better friction at high speeds than other pad
formulations.
* Semi-metallic friction pad materials are sold by some aftermarket brands and
are fitted as original equipment in certain passenger car markets and for
pick-up trucks predominantly in North America. These contain no copper, but
do not meet the high-speed performance or comfort noise requirements for
some regional passenger car applications.
About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety
technology and innovation to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance
vehicle safety. The company serves the world's foremost original equipment
manufacturers of automotive, light, medium-, heavy-duty, aerospace, marine, rail
and off-road vehicles; and industrial, agricultural and power-generation
equipment; as well as providing well-known brands in the global aftermarket.
Federal-Mogul's world-class global engineering, lean manufacturing and
distribution network deliver best-in-class quality products and services at
competitive cost. The company's sustainable global profitable growth strategy
creates value and satisfaction for its customers, shareholders and employees.
Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in
Southfield, Michigan, United States and employs 45,000 people in 34 countries.
The company's website is www.federalmogul.com.
# # #
CONTACT: Ursula Hellstern
49 611 201 9190
Ursula.hellstern(at)federalmogul.com
Jim Burke
+1.248.354.4530
Jim.burke(at)federalmogul.com
Federal-Mogul Eco-Friction Pads:
http://hugin.info/151797/R/1621413/518150.jpg
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originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Federal-Mogul Corporation via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1621413]
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 25.06.2012 - 14:01 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 159545
Anzahl Zeichen: 7677
contact information:
Town:
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Kategorie:
Business News
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