The Application of Brass Fiber in Clutch Facings Production
In the production of clutch facings, brass fiber has emerged as a significant component within the clutch facings friction materials. Clutch facings are crucial elements in a vehicle’s clutch system, responsible for transmitting torque and enabling smooth engagement and disengagement. The use of brass fiber in clutch facings mixtures and mixes has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Enhanced Thermal Conductivity: Brass fiber significantly improves the thermal conductivity of clutch facings. With a thermal conductivity of approximately 120 – 130 W/(m·K) (compared to some traditional materials with around 10 – 20 W/(m·K)), it can effectively dissipate heat generated during the clutch operation. This is essential as high – temperature build – up can lead to clutch failure. For example, in high – performance vehicles where the clutch experiences frequent and intense use, the improved heat dissipation helps maintain the clutch’s performance and durability.
- Increased Friction Stability: It contributes to more stable friction characteristics. Tests show that clutch facings with brass fiber can maintain a friction coefficient in the range of 0.3 – 0.45 under various operating conditions, while some non – brass fiber – containing facings may experience fluctuations outside this range. This stable friction coefficient ensures consistent clutch operation, reducing the likelihood of slipping or jerking during engagement and disengagement.
- Improved Wear Resistance: Brass fiber – reinforced clutch facings have shown better wear resistance. In laboratory wear tests, samples with brass fiber had a wear rate of about 0.05 – 0.1 mm/1000 cycles, while those without brass fiber had a wear rate of 0.15 – 0.25 mm/1000 cycles. This means that clutches with brass – fiber – containing facings can have a longer service life, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Brass fiber is relatively expensive compared to some other fibers used in clutch facings production. For instance, the cost of brass fiber can be 2 – 3 times higher than that of certain organic fibers. This higher cost is directly reflected in the production cost of clutch facings, making them less cost – competitive in some price – sensitive markets.
- Weight: Brass is a dense material, and the addition of brass fiber increases the weight of the clutch facings. The density of brass is around 8.5 – 8.7 g/cm³. In applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as in some high – performance racing cars or lightweight vehicles, this additional weight can be a drawback as it may negatively impact fuel efficiency and vehicle handling.
In conclusion, while brass fiber offers significant advantages in terms of thermal conductivity, friction stability, and wear resistance in the production of clutch facings, its high cost and added weight are factors that need to be carefully considered during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers often need to balance these pros and cons based on the specific requirements of different applications.