18th
November 2009 - FRAS-LE
Applies Hybrid Green Technology to Friction Materials
FRAS-LE, one
of the largest manufacturers of brake pads and linings worldwide, will
introduce FRAS-LE’s Hybrid Technology (FHT) in the North-American market
in early 2010. The new Hybrid material is environmentally-friendly and
meets California’s 2032 legislation today –22 years early.
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California’s new
legislation limits the use of some raw materials in brake
pad formulations, especially copper. Developed in FRAS-LE’s
labs, the Hybrid material does not contain copper, antimony,
potassium titanate, mercury, lead, chromium, asbestos,
cadmium, or nickel. By 2021 copper may not exceed 5% of
brake pads composition and 0.5% by 2032. As stated by
Gilberto Crosa, FRAS-LE’s Technology and Industrial
Director, “already offering an alternative material proves
FRAS-LE’s dedication to environmental protection as well as
innovation in brake technology.”
The Hybrid
Project emerged from FRAS-LE’s firm environmental
preservation policies. FRAS-LE chose to act ahead of its own
legislation and to continue on its course of environmental
stewardship and social responsibility. |
 |
This Hybrid Friction
Material is a completely new concept of friction formulation. FRAS-LE’s
research and development team was challenged to present a solution which
performs as a semi-met with the kindness of a non-asbestos organic (NAO).
The result is remarkable: unlike a low-met, this hybrid demonstrates
superior noise and vibration harshness (NVH) performance and wear
characteristics.
Application - The Hybrid
project, which required 12 months to develop, is the result of joint
efforts of FRAS-LE’s Alabama manufacturing facility and FRAS-LE’s plant
in Caxias do Sul, in Brazil. In the final phase of testing, the material
is already commercially available to be used in front and rear brake
pads of passenger cars, SUV´s and light pick-up trucks.
Initially, the Hybrid -
manufactured only in the American plant – will be offered in three
versions (FHT-1: medium/ high friction; FHT-2: medium friction, and
FHT-3: medium/ low friction) and only for OEM companies in the United
States.
FHT is applicable on
programs requiring semi-met, low-met or NAO style linings. It is
adaptable with multiple platform requirements, which is another of its
strong features. It is also ideal for global applications, where
requirements are wide ranging. Common North American and European brake
systems can now share the same lining, simplifying industrial stocking
and production.
Additional information about
FHT can be found at
http://www.fras-le.com/hybrid.
Profile – FRAS-LE is
strategically connected with the main segments of the automotive
industry. Leader in the aftermarket, FRAS-LE also supplies its products
to the main OEM companies and exports to more than 80 countries. FRAS-LE
has plants in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), China and in the United
States, distribution centers in Argentina and Europe and commercial
offices in the United States, Chile, Europe, Mexico, the United Arab
Emirates, Africa and China. In the friction material segments, FRAS-LE
is one of the leading companies worldwide.
A Randon Company, FRAS-LE
produces more than 9,000 items, including brake pads and linings, clutch
facings, industrial and specialty products for application in trucks,
buses, semi-trailers, automobiles, motorbikes, machines, tractors,
railway and subway areas, elevators and oil field drilling rigs. FRAS-LE,
a global leader in brake technology and innovation, is safety in motion
control. Additional information about the company can be found at
http://www.fras-le.com.
Source:
Fras-Le
Press Release