Friction plates can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes with multiple designs for many different uses. One thing all these friction plates have in common, however, is their basic purpose, which is to create friction.
While friction plates are all made to create friction, the friction created can be used to accomplish two main things:
1. To stop or slow a motion
2. To increase or lock in a motion
This motion is usually of a rotational nature.
Friction plates fall into two main categories; these are transmission plates and brake plates.
TRANSMISSION PLATES
As the name suggests, transmission plates transmit kinetic rotational energy from one moving part to another. The most common place to find a transmission plate is in a motor vehicle’s gearbox.
The clutch packs in an automatic transmission are comprised of friction plates. The clutch in a manual gearbox and the lockup clutch in a torque converter are also friction plates.
A transmission plate is essentially a disc containing friction material that can be locked against another material to transfer rotational motion.
BRAKE PLATES
Brake plates are designed to perform the opposite function to that of transmission plates. They are used to stop or slow rotational movement using friction. This is accomplished by pressing a firm, non-rotating body against a rotating one producing enough friction to absorb the rotating force, therefore bringing it to a stop.
This process converts the rotational energy to heat as per the law of conservation of energy. This heat is either dissipated in the atmosphere or in a fluid in which the braking system is submerged. The most commonly used fluid is oil.
Brake & Transmission Plate Materials
Brake and transmission plates come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages. The choice of using one material as opposed to another depends on your specific equipment. You would be wise to choose a material that plays to the strength of your equipment to get as much efficiency as possible out of your brake and transmission systems.
Popular materials used to fabricate brake and transmission plates include:
(1) Paper
Advanced ingenuity has led to the fabrication of a sophisticated variety of composite structures used to design paper friction materials. The composition of the material can be manipulated to create various energy levels and the coefficient of friction in transmission and brake plates. This enables a range of uses.
(2) Carbon
The thermal resistance of carbon makes it a popular choice in transmission and brake plate material. Carbon offers good noise and vibration reduction properties and is resistive to wear making it a good choice for harsh engagement environments.
Carbon friction discs are available in woven carbon cloth, carbon-rich paper, and other specialized compositions.
(3) Graphite
Graphite is suitable for medium to high energy transmission and braking systems. The properties of graphite enable the intimate mating of surfaces which equates to efficient energy transfer between materials.
(4) Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and is used on friction plates in a variety of formulations according to the specific properties needed. The high conductivity of the metal allows for good thermal stability. It also offers high resistance to wear.
Bronze is suitable for both wet and dry applications.
(5) Elastomer
This is essentially rubber which enables it to intimately conform to mating surfaces. This results in high energy and power consumption which creates a rapid response in braking and power transmission.
(6) Molybdenum
Molybdenum naturally has a very high melting point and is, therefore, able to withstand high-temperature applications.
These friction plates have a stable coefficient of friction and good oil compatibility. Molybdenum friction plates are used in high-pressure low-speed applications.
Steel
High carbon steel is normally used to create the mating surface for friction plates. The grades and designs vary in order to meet the requirements of the required application.
Designs (Facing Groove Details)
Groove patterns may be seen as random patterns for the sake of style but I assure you, they are a very integral part of friction plate design.
A lot of time and resources have been invested in the quest to find the best groove patterning for each application of friction pads. Each pattern has an advantage in a certain environment and the pattern used depends on what is most important in that area.
The three main functions of friction plate groove patterns are:
1. To reduce noise
2. To remove oil film from the surface of the plate
3. To dissipate energy and heat
The types of grooves found on friction plates are as follows:
(1) 2 Pass
A multiple-pass pattern comprising of spiral and radial grooves perpendicular to each other. It reduces oil flow with a comparatively low increase in drag.
(2) 3 Pass
A multiple-pass pattern comprising of radial and spiral grooves passing at acute angles. This also reduces flow with a comparatively low increase in drag.
(3) Radial
Sparse, relatively wide grooves that are used for both wet and dry applications.
(4) Concentric
Provides a controlled oil flow but results in high viscous drag.
(5) Spiral
Also provides a controlled oil flow but results in high viscous drag.
(6) Spiral, Wagon & Radial
A combination pattern which balances the pros and cons of all three pattern types.
(7) Wagon
Similar to radial grooves but at an angle.
(8) Waffle
Suitable for use in applications with a limited amount of oil.
(9) Radial & Wagon
A combination of the two types of grooves which balances the pros and cons of both.
(10) Spiral & Radial
A combination of the two types of grooves which balances the pros and cons of both.
(11) Spiral & Wagon
A combination of the two types of grooves which balances the pros and cons of both.
(12) Sunburst
This pattern facilitates high oil flow and is used in systems with an abundance of oil. It provides for rapid heat dissipation and low viscous drag.
When choosing a friction disc for your equipment, it is best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations. After all, they have done their research to design the ideal pattern for the most efficient results.
Core Drive Features
The core drive features are the means by which a friction plate is fitted into a space or coupled with a drive or driven.
Some core drive features are specifically designed to achieve certain motion and speed while others are designed for fitting and identification purposes.
Some common core drive feature designs are:
External Teeth Involute Form (EXT TH)
Internal Teeth Involute Form (INT TH)
External Lug (EXT LG)
External LUG Form (EXT LG)
Internal Lug (INT LG)
81 Teeth with 9 Removed 72(81)(EXT TH)
External Slot (EXT SL)
Internal Slot (INT SL)
Popular Friction Plate Applications
The most common applications for friction plates include:
• Transmission clutch packs- such as those in automatic transmission vehicles
• Torque converter lockup clutches- also used in automatic transmission vehicles
• Manual clutch plates- used to engage and disengage a manual gearbox
• PTO Clutches- power take-off clutches such as those used in heavy-duty agricultural equipment
• Power shuttle clutches- can also be found in heavy-duty agricultural equipment
• 4WD clutches- engages the rear axle in heavy-duty equipment for 4wd operations
• Parking brakes- used to lock the wheels of mobile equipment in place when parked
• Axle brakes- used to stop or slow the movement of equipment during operation
• Limited-slip differential clutches- used to transfer power between rear wheels of motor vehicles to reduce skidding
• F/R clutches- for use in excavators and other heavy-duty construction equipment
• Traveling motor brakes- used to slow or stop equipment on track wheels
• Swing motor brakes- used to stop the swing motion of heavy equipment turntables
• Gearbox clutches- used to engage or disengage gearboxes such as is found in boats, ships, and generators
(1) Agricultural machines, (2) Automobiles, (3) Construction equipment, (4) Warehouse equipment, (5) Marine equipment, (6) Defense industry equipment
List of transmission and brake disks for OEM equipment.
OEM Brands We handle
At BuyAftermarketparts.com we supply a wide variety of OEM clutch plates and brake plates. Our brands include but are not limited to:
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