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Marion Alexander. Carbon Ceramic Brakes MEEN 3344. How are the Brakes Made?. First, carbon fibers are blended with a resin containing carbon and silicon. The compound is then pressed into a mold to create the basic disc shape, including its internal cooling vents.
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Marion Alexander Carbon Ceramic Brakes MEEN 3344
How are the Brakes Made? • First, carbon fibers are blended with a resin containing carbon and silicon. • The compound is then pressed into a mold to create the basic disc shape, including its internal cooling vents. • Next, using carefully controlled heat (up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit), the resin in the disc is converted to silicon carbide, a material nearly as hard as diamond. This is the "ceramic" in "carbon ceramic." • Finally, the center section of the brake rotor — typically made of stainless steel or aluminum — is pinned or bolted to the ceramic composite disc.
How Do They Look? • The fashion for spoke wheels means that more of a car's braking system is now visible. But if it is damp, steel discs can quickly show signs of rust, especially if a car has not been driven--even for as little as a day. Many owners moan long and hard on internet user groups about rusty discs. Carbon-ceramic brakes don't rust. They also look more like steel than iron. Carbon Ceramic Brakes are 50 percent lighter than traditional disc brakes.
Are they Expensive? • The process used to produce the discs for CCB is complex and time-consuming — and therefore costly. • Because they are costly, they are only available on high-end exotic supercars,all Ferraris (as of 2009) and Sport Utility Vehicles. • Carbon ceramic discs replacement cost is extremely expensive for front and rear but is down from their original price when first introduced. • Carbon ceramic pads cost about $1,500 extra for (front and rear) over normal pads.
Advantages of Having Carbon Ceramic Brakes • Ceramic composite rotors are extremely durable. In fact, manufacturers claim that they'll never need replacement — at least with "normal" driving. • They're resistant to warping. • The pads and rotors are both made of carbon ceramic compound. • There is no brake dust. • They stop in significantly less time and distance than traditional disc brakes. • They reduce the weight of vehicles upwards of 40 lbs. • The reduction in weight also yields a slight improvement in fuel economy. • Because weight is reduced, it also allows for better overall control and handling as well as improved ride comfort. • Unlike conventional brakes, CCB’s are designed for outstanding performance at very high temperatures. • The single greatest benefit of CCBs, however, is their resistance to brake fade.
Reference Page • Wolf, Peter, J. “Carbon Ceramic Brakes” Better Braking Through Chemistry.2009. Edmunds Inc. 3 October 2009. http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/techcenter/articles/130013/article.html • Mavrigian, Mike. Carley, Larry. Brake Systems: OEM & Racing Brake Technology. New York: The Berkeley Publishing Group, 1998. • Okada, Akira. “Ceramic technologies for automotive industry: Current status and perspectives.” Technical Journals on Carbon Ceramic Brakes 11.1 (2008: 1-7.