Lumag digs deeper into improving braking efficiency

Green Coat provides a higher coefficient of friction to reduce the braking distance

Lumag digs deeper into improving braking efficiency
Tests indicate that the Green Coat brake pads can shorten the braking distance from 50 to 0 kph by up to 3 metres.

It is a commonly known fact that following brake pad replacement it is advised that braking is kept calm, considered and without any sudden manoeuvres for the first few kilometres: an expectation is rarely true with heavy braking the mainstay for most drivers.

Until now, the only real saving grace for early brake pad usage was a phenomenon called ‘third body layer’ which helps improve brake efficiency.

Simply put, the term ‘third body layer’ (TBL) denotes a mixture of various substances and materials involved in the braking process.

To use more technical terms, it is a layer of carbonised organic products, metal sulphides and oxides, and other non-reactive components of the friction material and of the brake raceway which is formed during the breaking-in of brake pads and discs.

Small particles of the friction material and brake disc are released during breaking-in, and in turn are captured by surface irregularities of both interacting components.

The resulting mixture has a different composition than the original parts.

During braking, the third body layer separates the friction material from the disc, protecting metallic components of the friction material from gluing together or fusing with the disc.

This process involves a phenomenon called ‘adhesion’ or ‘micro welding’.

As long as the third body layer exists, the friction coefficient remains stable, which directly translates into braking efficiency and, consequently, improved safety.

Greater braking safety

Now, with the help of a £145,000 investment at its Budzyń factory in Poland, Green Coat from Lumag offers even greater braking safety from day one, with braking distances from 50 to 0 kph (during breaking-in of newly installed pads) reduced by up to 3 metres.

Lumag UK’s MD, Colin Smit, said: “Despite the EU requirement, ECE R90, which defines the maximum allowed braking distance, very few brake pads really achieve full braking efficiency until they have covered in excess of 200 – 300 kilometres.

“More commonly known as ‘green fade’, this drop in braking force is caused by excessively violent pressing down on the brake pedal, when brake pads have not been broken-in yet.

“The third body layer has a huge part to play in reducing this timescale but can only really be achieved if – and it’s a big if – brakes are used efficiently and lightly.

“A rare occurrence as normal driving styles take precedent over safety and the breaking-in process of brake pads.

“Green Coat however works to reduce this concern.”

Lumag’s Green Coat is a thin layer of silicates that is applied directly to the outer friction surface of the brake pad during the production process.

Brake pads featuring a layer of the Green Coat provide a higher coefficient of friction right from the first application of the brakes, which significantly shortens the braking distance during the bedding in process.

The layer lasts for a few dozen brake applications, which overlaps with the time a new brake needs to reach full efficiency, or for the third body layer to form fully.

Colin added: “Tests indicate that the Green Coat can shorten the braking distance from 50 to 0 kph by up to 3 metres.

“When you consider you are trusting your brakes to safely stop your one tonne plus vehicle then every little bit of distance saved can make a life changing difference.”

New line for the application of the Green Coat

As a part of the investment project, Lumag’s factory located in Budzyń in the Wielkopolska region of Poland, has been extended with a stand-alone line used for the application of the Green Coat.

The semi-fluid material will be screen printed on the working surface of the friction material, while a laser screen positioning system will ensure the right position of the grid pattern developed by Lumag’s experts.

Next, brake pads will be automatically conveyed to a drying module. It is especially worth noting that no solvents are used in the production process, which makes it environmentally friendly.

Marek Żak, president of Lumag remarked: “Safety and innovation have been the cornerstones of our development for 30 years.

“That is why our products are made in the most modern friction material factory in Central and Eastern Europe, which is being constantly extended.

“Another step in our development is the construction of a stand-alone Green Coat application line.

“Owing to the line, almost all brake pads we make will feature this new coat, as so far this option has been offered only in selected products.”

To download the latest e-catalogue, select ‘more details’.

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