Analysts expect the global industrial market for clutches and brakes to be worth $1 billion in 2020.
The clutch system is a critical part of your vehicle. When it’s time to replace your clutch, one of the most important considerations is the clutch friction material.
Why is the clutch friction material so important? How do you know which material to choose?
Find out everything you need to know about clutch friction material.
Why Is Clutch Friction Material Important?
Your clutch disc gets the most wear and tear of any component in your clutch system. The friction material determines how long your clutch will last and how it will perform.
Each clutch friction material has advantages and disadvantages. You should look for a friction material that will stand up to the engine’s torque and RPM. It also needs to stand up to the clamping force of the pressure plate. Unless you are racing, you want a clutch that will engage and disengage smoothly.
The clutch friction material determines the reliability and safety of the entire vehicle.
Types of Clutch Friction Materials
You’ll find six types of clutch facings. Each type has different features, so you can find one that meets your needs.
Organic
Organic facings are made from various materials that include phenolic resins, metallic powder or metal oxides, and compounded rubber.
These organic facings can be molded or woven. Molded facings are very economical, but they aren’t very strong. Woven facings have fiberglass yarn woven into them. They are stronger than molded facings. They last longer and have better performance.
Heavy-Duty Organic
Heavy-duty organic friction lining material has a higher metallic content than regular organic clutches. They have more heat resistance and durability. They engage almost as smoothly as a normal organic clutch.
Ceramic
Despite the name, the ceramic clutch friction material isn’t actually ceramic. It’s made from a mixture of copper, iron, tin bronze, and silicon dioxide. Ceramic clutches can also include graphite.
Ceramic clutch facings won’t fade even at very high temperatures. However, the clutch engagement isn’t very smooth because the friction material grabs very quickly.
Kevlar
Kevlar is the trademark name for a type of para-aramid fiber that you’ll find in products from racing tires to bulletproof vests. It’s strong and lightweight. It resists corrosion and heat.
Kevlar clutch friction material will last up to three times longer than organic friction material in similar conditions. Kevlar gives you the smooth engagement of the clutch overall. However, it requires a long break-in period.
Feramic
A feramic clutch facing is like a heavy-duty ceramic facing. Feramic clutch friction material uses steel instead of copper. Sintered iron is another name for feramic facings.
Feramic facings have a very high level of friction. They’re best for racing and heavy-duty trucking.
Carbotic facings are a type of feramic facing used for trucks. They engage the clutch more smoothly than a normal feramic facing.
FeramAlloy
FeramAlloy is a newer friction material. It has similar durability and temperature resistance to ceramic, but the clutch engagement is much smoother.
Choosing Your Clutch Friction Material
Choosing the right clutch friction material helps ensure you get the most out of your vehicles. Woven organic clutches are good for daily driving. Heavy-duty organic facings are a versatile choice for towing and hauling and most street performance applications.
Kevlar provides a very long lifespan. It’s good for off-roading. Ceramic and feramic facings are well-suited for racing. Feramic facings are also a good choice for agricultural applications.
FeramAlloy is ideal for heavy-duty hauling and towing as well as commercial trucking.
Kor-Pak offers a full range of industrial clutches and friction material. We’ll help you find exactly what you need. Check out our selection, and contact us when you’re ready to get started.